FAQ
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FAQs
Welcome to our spider and varicose vein fact page. Here we offer some of the most frequently asked questions we encounter at Vein Institute of Pittsburgh℠. Should there be any other questions you don’t see here, we encourage you to write them down and bring them with you to your first appointment us.
Spider and Varicose Vein FAQ’s
Spider and varicose vein treatment What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Varicose veins can become painful over time. The symptoms associated with varicose veins are tired legs, itching and swelling, throbbing, discoloration and discomfort walking or standing. Pain in the legs from varicose veins is often lessened when the legs are elevated.
What are the symptoms of spider veins?
Spider veins are often small, thin and branched red or purple veins that are visible on the surface of the skin. These veins are flat and come in clusters, often around the same vicinity as varicose veins. These veins are not often painful or symptomatic, but burning, itching and swelling around the area can be seen in more severe cases.
What is endovenous laser treatment?
Endovenous laser treatment is often the gold standard for varicose vein treatment in the field of phlebology. This endovenous treatment targets the walls of diseased veins and causes them to close through the application of heat. This treatment helps to close off the veins as they scar and become reabsorbed into the body.
Why do I need to treat varicose veins?
Everyone should have an ultrasound exam for deep vein exploration to check and see if your veins are healthy and pumping blood sufficiently. Due to the nature of veins and their function in the circulation of the blood, it is important that they function properly. There are other chronic vein issues such as deep vein thrombosis that can be life threatening.
What is deep vein thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a deep vein condition that is caused by embolisms in the leg, or blood clots. These deep vein clots are dangerous because they can dislodge and travel throughout the body potentially to block the heart or lungs (pulmonary embolism) and other major veins and areas of blood flow.
How can I avoid acquiring varicose and spider veins in my legs?
Varicose and spider veins are often acquired in the legs because of lack of movement. In order to keep your leg veins healthy, it’s important to exercise and keep off excess weight. Varicose and spider veins are often genetic, so if your parents had them then you will likely acquire them. We also recommend elevating your legs when possible.
If I have had previous vein treatment elsewhere and I need re-treatment, may I come in and have re-treatment?
Yes, you may come into Vein Institute of Pittsburgh℠ and have re-treatments or to seek second opinions. We often receive patients from other clinics. When scheduling your initial evaluation, it is helpful if you inform us of prior lower extremity vein treatments you have had.
Do you offer complimentary consultations?
Due to the nature of the initial evaluations performed at the Vein Institute of Pittsburgh℠, these are not complimentary. Evaluations involve a detailed patient history and physical examination including a thorough lower extremity ultrasound study.
Fortunately, most health insurance plans permit this examination for a patient who is symptomatic. Please call us at 724-934-8346 for more information and to see if we are a participating provider in your health insurance’s network.
What varicose vein treatments do you offer?
We offer a combination of endovenous laser therapy, sclerotherapy, and microphlebectomy for the removal or reduction of varicose veins.
What spider vein treatments do you offer?
We offer sclerotherapy for reduction of spider veins. This may or may not be covered by health insurance.
Should I wear compression stockings?
You should wear compression stockings if they have been prescribed by a health care provider. We prescribe compression hose to our patients. Often compression stockings are recommended both before therapy as well as in the postoperative period.
By purchasing prescription compression hose, you receive the most appropriate compression strength, as well as size/fit for you. Ill-fitting stocking and those commonly purchased over the internet may do more harm than good.
Will insurance cover my spider or varicose vein treatments?
Health insurance often recognizes varicose veins and venous disease as medically necessary to treat. Therefore such treatments are often covered, at least in part, by health insurance.
Insurance may or may not cover some spider vein treatments when superficial venous disease has been diagnosed.
If you would like to schedule your first appointment with Vein Institute of Pittsburgh℠, call us today at 724-934-8346. We look forward to meeting you and finding out more about your vein concerns.