FAQs

If you have a question that is not answered below, please call our office to speak to one of our qualified staff.

Tel: 603-685-4090
Toll Free: 1-877-902-3223

Varicose Vein Questions

Insurance
Will insurance cover my procedure?

Endovenous Laser Treatment (ELT)
What is ELT?
Will I have discomfort?
How effective is the ELT treatment?
Can all varicose veins be treated with ELT?

Radiofrequency Closure® (RF)
What is RF or VNUS Closure®?
How effective is the RF treatment?
Why is RF different from ELT?

Stab Phlebectomy
What is a stab phlebectomy?
But don’t I need those veins?
What if I need bypass surgery later?
Does it hurt?
What about scarring?
What is the “down” time for a stab phlebectomy?

Insurance

Will insurance cover my procedure?
Several procedures for varicose veins are covered by insurance plans. During your initial consultation we will collect your insurance information. As we make a decision regarding your best option of treatment, we will work with your insurance company to determine your eligibility and coverage. Because these procedures are performed in the office, many large hospital deductibles and co-insurance do not apply.

Endovenous Laser Treatment

What is ELT?
ELT stands for Endovenous Laser Treatment. This is an exciting new technique that is replacing traditional vein stripping in practices across the nation. It is predominantly used to treat varicose veins. A laser fiber is inserted into the vein through a small incision and is then used to heat the inside of the vein, sealing it shut. This treatment can be performed in the comfort and convenience of our office using only local anesthesia.

Will I have discomfort?
The procedure is carried out under local anesthesia. A dilute solution called “tumescent” is used. You will feel the injection of the local anesthetic, but you will be completely numb for the remaining part of the procedure. Many people describe a feeling of pressure as the anesthetic is injected into the tissue, but this only lasts for a few seconds until the medication takes effect. After the procedure, the anesthetic lasts a few hours. We then recommend that you take Ibuprofen at regular intervals for 5-7 days. This decreases inflammation and discomfort. Very rarely will patients require a stronger pain killer.

How effective is the ELT treatment?
The ELT procedure is about 99% successful permanently closing the vein. ELT is considered more effective at treating varicosities than traditional stripping.

Can all varicose veins be treated with ELT?
No, unfortunately. If the vein is very tortuous or “winding,” then it may be impossible to insert the laser fiber far enough into the vein to be helpful. If the vein is located very close to the surface of the skin, ELT is not appropriate. In these cases, an alternative treatment will be recommended by the surgeon.

Radiofrequency Closure®

What is RF or VNUS Closure?
RF stands for Radiofrequency. This is a technique that is replacing traditional vein stripping in practices across the nation. RF is used to treat varicose veins. A Radiofrequency catheter is inserted into the vein through a small incision, and is then used to heat the vein, thus damaging its walls, and sealing it shut. This treatment can be performed in the office using only local anesthesia.

How effective is the treatment?
The RF procedure will permanently close the vein in over 97% of the cases.

How is RF different from ELT?
Both techniques treat the same type of veins. As a rule, the RF is a milder treatment and tends to result in less discomfort and bruising than the ELT. However, under certain circumstances, the versatility of the ELT makes it the preferred method.

Stab Phlebectomy

What is a stab phlebectomy?
A “stab” phlebectomy, also called microincisional phlebectomy, is used to treat certain types of varicose veins. The word “phlebectomy” literally means removing the vein.  After marking the varicose veins, the skin is infiltrated with local anesthesia.  Several small incisions or “stabs” of about 2-3 mm (about 1/8 inch) are made, through which a special hook is used to grab the vein and tease it out.  This gets rid of those unsightly bulgy areas.  These small incisions do not usually require stitches and heal nicely with minimal scarring, if any.

But don’t I NEED those veins? What if I need bypass surgery later?
Since those veins are dilated and not working properly, they are doing more harm than good.  They are simply not usable for bypass surgery.

Does it HURT?
Most patients say that the procedure does not hurt at all. You will feel a slight transient burning sensation associated with the injection of local medicine. Beyond that point, it becomes a painless procedure. After the procedure the vast majority of patients require only extra-strength Tylenol or Motrin to keep them comfortable. Rarely will patients require a stronger pain killer post-operatively.

What about scarring?
These small incisions do not usually require stitches and heal nicely with minimal scarring if any.

What is the “down” time for a stab phlebectomy?
The “down” time for this procedure is usually very short. You will walk out of the office!  You will need to take it easy for the first 48 hours, but walking is encouraged to promote healing and prevent blood clot formation. After the first two days, normal activities are resumed. Only strenuous exercise is discouraged for the first 7-10 days, as are swimming and hot tubs. After that, it is business as usual!

Spider Vein Questions

Insurance
Will insurance cover my procedure?

Sclerotherapy
Will it hurt?
Is this treatment permanent?
What is the cost?
Will I need to take time off of work?
How many treatments will I need?
When will I see results?

Laser Treatment
What happens during the procedure?
Is it painful?
What are the possible side effects?
Are there any restrictions after treatment?
When will I see results?

Insurance

Will insurance cover my procedure?
Spider vein treatments are considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance plans

Sclerotherapy

Will it HURT?
The insertion of very tiny needles in the skin is usually well tolerated. Some patients describe slight itching and a minimal burning sensation for 5-15 minutes following sclerotherapy, but you will leave the office free of discomfort.

Is this treatment permanent?
Most people who have spider veins also have diseased veins which “feed” the spider veins. We will make every effort to treat the underlying problem, as well as the spider veins. By treating the underlying veins, the chances of recurrence are much lower. However, you are still likely to see new spider veins appear over time.

How many treatments will I need?
It depends on the severity of your problem. If we are dealing with a limited area, you may require only one or two treatments. However, if you have extensive spider veins and numerous “feeder” veins, you may need 3-5 sessions, spaced approximately 4-6 weeks apart.

Will I need to take time off of work?
No. You will need to wear compression hose for at least 3-5 days, but you can resume normal activities immediately after the treatment..

When will I see results?
Veins treated by sclerotherapy tend to look worse over the first 3-6 weeks, and then start fading slowly.  Your final results may not be apparent for several months.

What is the cost?
This will vary depending on the number of sessions you require. Whether we use laser or not will not affect the cost.

Laser Treatment

Now men and women alike are making unsightly facial and leg veins a thing of the past. With the most advanced technology, a unique design, and a longer wavelength, our laser systems can safely and effectively treat the tiny superficial veins of the face, trunk and legs. It may also be used to treat deeper blue veins. 

What happens during the procedure?
Our laser system delivers pulses of light energy which cause the blood within the vein to coagulate, eventually destroying the vessel which is later reabsorbed by your body. Blood flow will then be redirected to veins deeper below your skin’s surface, where it should be.

Is it painful?
Most patients experience a stinging sensation as the pulses of energy are delivered through the hand piece. No local anesthesia or pain medication is usually required. Following the treatment, the pain is minimal to nonexistent.

What are the possible side effects?
Although many patients report few if any side effects, those most commonly reported are slight redness and local swelling of the skin. These effects typically last for less than 24 hours. Some patients may experience bruising and, in rare instances, blistering may occur.

Are there any restrictions after treatment?
Patients generally resume most normal activities immediately. However, it is recommended that you avoid vigorous activities such as strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours after treatment.

When will I see results?
Most patients find that the majority of the treated veins have shown significant improvement within two to six weeks of treatment. However, your final results may not be apparent for several months. Over time, it is possible for new veins to appear, but these too can be eliminated with our laser system.