Will Insurance Cover My Vein Treatment?
Spider veins (small threadlike veins) are considered cosmetic and, therefore, not covered by insurance. However, varicose veins (larger bulging veins) are usually caused by a more significant problem in the leg, so treatment is typically covered by most insurance companies if patients are experiencing symptoms such as heaviness, aching, and tiredness in the legs. If you are unsure, visit us for a free vein screening, where we’ll evaluate your legs and guide you step-by-step through the process.
Do I Have Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are superficial veins that have lost their ability to appropriately carry blood up and out of the leg back to the heart and are allowing the blood to fall backward toward the feet. This is a result of broken one-way valves inside the veins. Once a vein has become varicose, it won’t go back to normal and must be treated if it is causing discomfort or other issues. If left untreated, severe varicose veins can ultimately lead to chronic leg pain and swelling, eczema-type symptoms, skin thickening and discoloration, and even ulcerations that won’t heal until the veins are treated.
Do I Have Spider Veins?
Spider veins appear as red, blue, or purple fine veins on the skin surface, but most typically occur on the face, legs, or ankles. Spider veins are a cosmetic concern and typically do not cause discomfort, although some patients may experience mild symptoms. Some patients may have both spider veins and large varicose veins.
What Causes Varicose and Spider Veins?
Heredity is the number one factor causing varicose and spider veins. Women are more likely to suffer from varicose veins because of pregnancy and hormonal factors. Pregnancy causes increases in hormone levels and blood volume, which in turn causes veins to enlarge. In addition, the enlarged uterus causes increased pressure on the veins. Varicose veins due to pregnancy may improve within several months after delivery, but in many cases, they never go away. Other predisposing factors include occupations involving prolonged sitting or standing, age, and trauma.
What is the Best Treatment for Varicose or Spider Veins?
A variety of treatment options can be used that involve different procedures, including endovenous laser ablation, endovenous chemical ablation, ambulatory phlebectomy, and cosmetic sclerotherapy. A personalized treatment plan will be recommended by Dr. Cutchen during your initial consultation.
But Don’t I NEED Those Veins?! What if I Need Bypass Surgery Later?
If the veins were functioning normally, then yes! But since the veins are dilated and not working properly, they are doing more harm than good. Heart surgeons do not use varicose veins for bypass surgery for this very reason, and there are other blood vessels that can be used.
Does Varicose Vein Removal Require a Hospital Stay?
Unlike the old-fashioned vein stripping procedures that required a hospital stay and weeks of recovery, today’s vein treatment is simple and efficient. We perform all vein treatments in the comfort and convenience of our beautiful Albuquerque vein center. We use only local anesthesia, so you’ll walk out of our office shortly after your procedure with no major downtime.
Who Should Consider Vein Treatments?
Any individual who has spider or varicose veins is a candidate, and both large and small veins can be treated effectively. If large varicose veins are causing discomfort or other issues, we can effectively alleviate that. Unsightly spider veins can be eliminated and help you show off your legs again.
Are There Any Side Effects With Vein Treatments?
Most treatments have minimal side effects and recovery time. Patients return to most activities immediately with just a few short-term restrictions. We see all our patients back following treatment to make sure that the treatment process is proceeding normally.
Is There Any Recovery with Vein Treatments?
All patients, regardless of treatment, walk out of the office and return to normal activities. We generally recommend restricting rigorous exercise, heavy lifting, and soaking in hot water (hot tub/bathtub) for 1-2 weeks after treatments. While the amount of post-treatment pain varies from one patient to another, patients require only Tylenol or ibuprofen for any discomfort. Cosmetic treatments do not require any post-treatment pain medications. Complete recovery, including resolution of bruising, takes 4-6 weeks. Detailed written and verbal instructions will be provided to each patient both before and after treatment.
Do you have a question?