Q: How do I tell the difference between spider veins and varicose veins?

A: Typically, varicose veins are larger, uneven and have a rope-like appearance and can cause significant pain and discomfort. Spider Veins are visible but not raised. They can appear red, blue or purple. During your initial consultation a certified vein technician will review your case with you and discuss the best types of treatment to include in your individualized treatment plan.

Q: Is there treatment for spider veins?

A: Yes, spider veins can be treated with sclerotherapy right from our clinic in Dublin. During this treatment a solution is injected into the vein making it stick together and close. Blood gets routed to healthy veins nearby.

Q: Are the injections for sclerotherapy painful?

A: Small gauge needles are used during sclerotherapy and cause little discomfort. Patients often describe the sensation as similar to an ant bite.

Q: Will all my spider veins be treated during the same?

A: Veins causing the most discomfort will be treated first. The number of veins treated depends on the length of the session and the severity of your individual case. Multiple visits may be required to achieve desired results.

Q: Is spider vein treatment permanent?

A: Sclerotherapy is a permanent solutions for the veins that are treated. Unfortunately, sclerotherapy cannot prevent new spider veins from forming and further treatment may be required.

Q: Will the same veins require multiple injections?

A: Following treatment a 60-80% improvement is expected on the veins that are treated. Some veins will require more than one injection.

Q: How safe is sclerotherapy treatment? What, if any, are the side effects?

A: Sclerotherapy is very safe and complications are rare. Bruising and tenderness are the only expected side effects. Following treatment your physician may instruct you to wear medical grade compression hose for up to 7 days. Compression stocking will minimize the swelling and bruising and help achieve the best results.

Q: My friend had a laser treatment to eliminate her spider veins. Is sclerotherapy better than a laser?

A: During laser treatment the laser is applied only to the surface of the skin, unable to reach veins beneath the surface. These underlying veins are often the source of the spider veins. With sclerotherapy, the damaged vein can be treated directly even if it does not lie right at the surface.

Q: I have also heard of “stripping” as a treatment for varicose veins. What is it and what makes it different from sclerotherapy?

A: Vein stripping is an older treatment for varicose veins. Stripping an extremely painful process and does not yield permanent results. The majority of doctors do not “strip veins” anymore because the results are not long term.

Q: What causes varicose veins and why do I have them?

A: Genetics is an important factor in the development of both varicose and spider veins. Varicose veins are caused by malfunctioning valves that help carry blood to the heart. When the vein fails the blood is no longer being pushed upwards, causing the blood to pool in the vein. The vein then becomes enlarged, ropey and raised.

Q: What is the treatment used to eliminate varicose veins?

A: The procedure to remove varicose veins is called Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT). This procedure typically takes less than an hour and requires only local anesthesia. By applying specific wavelengths of laser energy to specific tissue above affected veins, the varicose veins will close. Your body will automatically reroute the blood to healthy veins nearby. Most patients report only mild discomfort during the procedure.

Q: Is Endovenous Laser Therapy covered by insurance?

A: In most cases the EVLT procedure is covered through insurance. Insurance companies may require pre-authorization for the procedure and verify the procedure is medically necessary, which can be done through ultrasound. The ultrasound results are sent to the insurance company for their verification and approval.

Q: Why do I need an ultrasound before treatment?

A: The ultrasound will assist in determining if reflux is present due to an incompetent valve. Reflux is when the blood attempts to return to the heart but leaks back through the damaged valve.

Insurance List

Please contact our office at 614-602-6455 to discuss your insurance coverage options.