FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who will be performing my procedure at Virginia Vein Specialists?
Your procedure will be performed by Board Certified Interventional Radiologist with a Registered Ultrasound Technologist or Radiologic Technologist assistant.

What is an Interventional Radiologist?
"Interventional Radiologists are Board Certified Physicians who specialize in miminally invasive, targeted treatments performed using imaging for guidance. Their procedures have less risk, less pain, and less recovery time compared to open surgery". (Society of Interventional Radiology Source Book)

What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose Veins are swollen or stretched veins which protrude in a rope-like manner beneath the skin. These are often associated with pain, bleeding, and skin discoloration or ulceration.

What are some symptoms of Varicose Veins?
Varicose Vein symptoms frequently include: pain, aching, burning and/or itching of the legs.
You may feel tired heavy legs, or experience swelling, cramps, tenderness or throbbing.
You may also notice skin changes or ulcers.

What are Spider Veins?
Spider Veins are properly named telangiectasias. These are the small red, blue, or purple veins on the surface of the skin.

What is Endovenous Laser Ablation?
Endovenous Laser Ablation is used to treat abnormal veins which are usually the underlying cause of varicose veins. It is a minimally invasive and relatively pain free outpatient procedure performed under local anaesthesia. It leaves no scarring and has a short post- procedure recovery period.

How does Endovenous Laser Ablation work?
The treatment begins when one of our physicians locally anesthetizes the affected area of the leg and inserts a thin laser fiber into the vein. This laser then delivers short pulses of energy which damage the wall of the vein, causeing it to shrink and close. Blood can no longer flow through the treated vein and will be diverted to healthy veins.

How long does an Endovenous Laser Ablation take?
The procedure is done as an outpatient and takes approximatedly 45 minutes to 1 hour. Only local anaesthesia is required. You should allow 2 hours overall for your entire visit.

What is a laser?
A medical laser is a concentrated beam of light which has been FDA approved for performing Endovenous Laser Ablations.

What should I do prior to arriving for my Endovenous Laser Ablation Procedure?
Do not take aspirin or aspirin containing products for five days before treatment. (If you are on blood thinners please notify us so that we can speak with your primary doctor and determine a course of action.) This will help keep bruising to a minimum.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages or smoke cigarettes for 2 days before the procedure. Do not shave your legs the day of the treatment.
Wear loose fitting slacks to the clinic the day of your treatment. Bring an appropriately sized pair of medical compression stockings to wear immediately after your treatment. These will help keep swelling and discomfort to a minimum. Please arrange for someone to drive you home. You will be in the office approximately 2.5 hours. The actual procedure itself only takes about 1 hour. Eat a light meal if you choose, but nothing 2 hours prior to your procedure.

How long is the recovery period after Endovenous Laser Ablation?
Normal daily activity is resumed immediately after treatment. There may be some bruising and tenderness for up to 10 days following the procedure. Although vigorous activity should be avoided for two weeks, most patients return to work the following day.

What can I expect during my recovery?
Your leg will be sore for about 1 week. The pain is usually controlled with Ibuprofen. You will need to wear a compression stocking for 10 days.

When will I see results?
You will see early results immediately. Continued improvement may occur in some dases for 1-3 months

How effective is Endovenous Laser Ablation?
Endovenous Laser Ablation is 97% effective.

Does my insurance cover my treatments?
Check your insurance policy. If the procedure is medically necessary and your varicose veins are causing you discomfort or pain, your policy may cover it. Many insurance companies require a trial of conservative manangement prior to varicose vein treatments. This may require several weeks to a month to complete.

What is Ambulatory Phlebectomy?
Ambulatory Phlebectomy is a minor procedure in which an abnormal varicose vein is removed through a tiny incision in the skin. This is performed using a local anesthetic.

What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a popular medical technique. A tiny needle injects the vein with a medication that irritates the lining of the vein. In response to the irritation, the vein closes and is reabsorbed. The blood from the closed vein is routed to properly working veins, restoring correct circulation. This procedure is generally 85% effective and requires sequential treatments for maximum benefit.

What should I do the day of my Sclerotherapy treatment?
Eat something small before treatment, not just coffee. Strenuous dieting should be moderated during treatment. Bring a pair of loose fitting shorts for your treatment.
Do not shave your legs the day of treatment. No lotions, creams, or oils should be applied the day of treatment. For spider vein treatments, you will not need to wear compression hose. Bring compression hose for all other treatments. For safety precautions, please do not bring children unless accompanied by an adult in the waiting room area.

What can I expect following my Sclerotherapy treatment?
Exercise is essential for treatment effectiveness. Walk 20 – 30 minutes daily at a brisk pace. Avoid high impact aerobics and heavy weight training for 1 week. There is no need to modify your normal activities. You can return to work immediately. Avoid sitting or standing in one place for prolonged periods. Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and leg massages. Showers are better than tub baths.
Sun exposure is NOT recommended for 5 days. Wear sunscreen when outdoors. If your legs are uncomfortable after treatment, walking will help. A mild analgesic may also be taken if needed. (Aspirin, Tylenol, Advil or whatever you take for mild headaches and pains is fine.)


Will I need any tests?
Sometimes varicose veins and spider veins are the surface manifestation of an underlying problem within the deeper veins you cannot see. Physical exam alone does not always identify these deeper vein problems and you may need an Ultrasound for additional evaluation.

What do Endovenous Ablation, Ambulatory Phlebectomy, Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy and Sclerotherapy treat?
Endovenous Laser Ablation and Ambulatory Phlebectomy are used to treat varicose veins. Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy is predominantly used to treat perforating veins, and Sclerotherapy is used to treat spider veins and reticular veins.

What can I do to prevent or minimize Varicose Veins?
Elevate your legs whenever possible, keeping you feet at a level higher than your heart
Exercise daily. Walking, climbing stairs, bicycling and swimming pump your calf muscles. This reduces pooling and pressure in the veins.
Move your legs frequently. Flexing your ankles periodically will pump the blood out of your legs. During periods of prolonged sitting or standing, flex your ankles 10 times and repeat this every 10 minutes. Try to avoid sitting for extended periods throughout the day.
Wear support or compression stockings. These provide external counter-pressure and aid in the venous blood flow to the heart. They reduce pooling and pressure in the veins.
Maintain your ideal body weight which will reduce excess pressure on your legs.
Avoid prolonged sitting and standing. On long car or plane trips activate your calf muscle pump by moving your feet up and down frequently as described above. Consider taking short walks every few hours.
Avoid excessive heat on your legs. Hot tubs and hot baths, for example, tend to increase vein distention and lead to more pooling of blood.

Disorders of the superficial veins in your legs are commonly chronic conditions which have developed over time. Vein treatments can control your symptoms and improve your appearance by successfully closing abnormal veins but will not necessarily change your likelihood of developing new problem veins.