FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1.) How do I know if I am a candidate for vein ablation?
Before any course of treatment is performed you have a consultation
with our physician where he will examine you leg(s) and perform an
ultrasound to evaluate the veins in your leg(s). He will discuss the results
and suggest a course of treatment specifically for you.
2.) Is vein ablation painful?
Most people report little or no pain, however individual responses vary. Usually
the only sensation is felt during the delivery of anesthetic to the leg. After the
procedure you may feel some tenderness, tingling, itching or tightness in the
treated leg.
3.) How successful is endovenous ablation?
The success rate is 95-98%.
4.) Is the loss of the vein a problem? Don’t I need the vein for blood flow?
No. Because there are many veins in the leg, the blood that would have flowed
through the closed vein simply flows through other healthy veins.
5.) Might I need these veins for bypass surgery?
No. The vein we seal is not usable for surgery it has stretched too much and
would not be suitable for bypass surgery.
6.) Can I get varicose veins again if I am treated successfully?
Yes, but not from the vein that is treated. Other leg veins may cause new varicose
veins in different locations.
7.) When will my varicose veins disappear?
The time that it takes the varicose veins to disappears varies from one to three
months. If there are any residual veins still apparent they are treated with
sclerotherapy.
8.) Why do I have to wear a compression stocking after the procedure?
The stocking keeps the vein from re-opening and it empties your varicose vein
of blood.
9.) How long do I have to wear the stocking?
Generally speaking you will wear the stocking one to two weeks depending upon the procedure you had done. For vein ablation the stocking is worn for approximately one week and sclerotherapy it is two weeks.
10.) Will I be in pain after the procedure?
After the procedure you may feel some tenderness, tingling, itching or tightness in
the treated leg.
12.) When will my leg symptoms disappear?
Any symptoms should disappear after one to two weeks.
14.) Is there a long recovery period?
After the procedure you are encouraged to immediately walk and resume
normal activity.
15.) Does someone have to drive me home after the procedure?
We do not want you stepping on the brake pedal or bracing your leg immediately
following the procedure so we recommend that you have someone drive you
home.
16.) What are the restrictions after the procedure?
For the two weeks following the procedure you should avoid swimming,
vigorous gym workouts, hot baths or excessive sun.
17.) When can I return to work?
Returning to work is dependent on what type of work you do and what procedure you had. If you are standing on your feet all day long, it is suggested that you not work for two days.
18.) Will insurance pay for the endovenous ablation?
Typically most medical insurances will cover the procedure if you are having
symptoms. Most medical insurances will not cover treatment of cosmetic
procedures. Our patient coordinator will contact your insurance and help with
any precertification that is necessary.
19.) Do I take my medication before the procedure?
Blood thinning medications, aspirin, advil, motrin, ibuprofen need to be stopped
five days before the procedure. If you are taking coumadin or plavix this needs
to be discussed with the doctor. Other medications and vitamins are fine to take.