Questions you should Ask
Q: What are varicose veins?
A: A varicose vein is a failed vein, the contents of which are stagnant or refluxing. Either way, this blood is out of circulation. The function of your veins is to channel blood back to the heart. The larger veins have valves which direct the flow of blood. When any of these valves fail, blood can accumulate under pressure, engorging and distorting the veins in your leg. Varicose veins appear as either bulging and rope-like, or small and thread-like. They can result in aching, tired and swollen legs; create a burning, throbbing, or itching sensation; and cause muscle cramps and a general restlessness in your legs. Varicose veins are a vascular disorder requiring treatment for medical reasons.
Q: What causes varicose veins?
A: One clear factor is heredity. Most patients who suffer from varicose veins have a family history of the condition. Another factor is hormonal changes that specifically affect women. Pregnancy or birth control pills further increase your chances of developing vein disorders. Other contributing factors include prolonged standing, being overweight and/or trauma to the leg.
Q: What are spider veins?
A: Spider veins are small, thin veins that lie close to the surface of the skin. Although these super-fine veins are connected with the larger venous system, they are not an essential part of it. Spider veins typically do not cause discomfort and are rarely a medical problem. Patients occasionally describe a burning feeling or stinging along the spider veins.
Q: Does vein disease affect women and men equally?
A: Women account for approximately 85-90% of varicose vein cases, mainly because of the unique additional risk factors for females, including estrogen levels and pregnancy. Women are particularly afflicted with reticular veins. These light blue veins usually appear in a lattice framework, giving a marbled appearance to the skin. They are the most harmless looking veins, but they can be the most symptomatic of all. Discomfort of varicose veins may cause Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) in women. When these veins are effectively treated, the discomfort and automatic movements diminish.
Q: What should I look for in a vein doctor?
A: Experience matters. Varicose vein disease can be very complex and each patient is unique. Therefore, it’s important to find a physician experienced in treating the entire spectrum of vein disease from spider veins, to large ropey varicose veins, to complications such as leg ulcers.
Santa Barbara Vein Center is the leading local medical practice devoted exclusively to the diagnosis and treatment of vein disease. We are have been successfully treating vein disorders for over 25 years.
Dr. West is dedicated to making patients feel at ease throughout the process. He will thoroughly evaluate your condition, discuss the details of your situation so you feel comfortable and present you with a course of action that works best for you.
Santa Barbara Vein Center is the leading local medical practice devoted exclusively to the diagnosis and treatment of vein disease. We are have been successfully treating vein disorders for over 25 years.
Dr. West is dedicated to making patients feel at ease throughout the process. He will thoroughly evaluate your condition, discuss the details of your situation so you feel comfortable and present you with a course of action that works best for you.
Q: Why isn’t surgery a good idea?
A: Vein stripping requires multiple unsightly incisions under general anesthesia. Today’s technology can achieve the same results just as effectively and with much less downtime.
Q: What is the difference between endovenous lasers and surface lasers?
A: An endovenous laser is used to treat large veins beneath the surface of the skin. Surface lasers treat the lighter, more delicate spider veins that appear close to the skin’s surface.
Q: What is sclerotherapy?
A: Sclerotherapy is a microinjection procedure that requires no pain medication or surgery. Abnormal veins are destroyed by injecting a solution called a sclerosant, which irritates the vein wall. It is not simply injecting the sclerosant, but paying attention to the volume, concentration and “exposure time” that makes the difference between success and failure.
Q: How does the sclerosant work exactly?
A: The sclerosant we use is an FDA-approved medication, which intentionally causes injury to the inner vein wall. This injury occurs in a controlled manner, depending on the volume and concentration of the medication used in each site. The medication is inactivated quickly by dilutional effect and interaction with structural components of the vein wall, making the effect localized. The initial injury to the vein wall results in a healing process which causes the vein to literally heal shut over time. This results in shrinkage of the vein, and eventually, complete obliteration of the target vein.
Q: Does sclerotherapy cause any damage or side effects?
A: As with all medical procedures, side effects and complications are possible. This is why it is important to seek treatment from an experienced physician. Side effects are rare and usually mild. If you have a patent foramen ovale (PFO), you may not be a candidate for sclerotherapy. With sclerotherapy of spider veins, you may develop localized itching. Localized hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) may occur, but usually resolves with time.
Q: What is Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)?
A: Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) was FDA-approved in 2002 EVLA is a quick, minimally invasive laser treatment that requires no hospitalization and no complicated surgery. The entire procedure, start to finish, takes about one hour and causes minimal to no pain. Performed under ultrasound guidance, EVLA uses laser energy to treat the underlying cause of varicose veins by closing off the vein to any future blood flow. Your body then naturally routes blood back to the heart through remaining healthy veins.
Q: Does Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) cause any damage or side effects?
A: Major complications from EVLA are very rare. Mild discomfort should be expected and minor bruising will also occur.
Q: How will my blood circulate if I eliminate my varicose veins?
A: Varicose veins are a burden on your circulation. Because the blood inside them is refluxing (going backwards), correcting the flow can only improve your circulation. In treating varicose veins, we eliminate only the bad veins and safeguard the healthy veins for normal circulation. We also preserve healthy veins for possible future use as a bypass graft source. Ultrasound helps to ensure that treatment is highly selective.
Q: Just how serious a problem is recurrence?
A: If you have a chronic vein problem, your chances of recurrence are affected by several factors, the most important of which is the thoroughness of your treatment. But even with proper diagnosis and treatment people prone to varicose veins often develop more abnormal veins as the years go by. Fortunately, these veins respond nicely to minimally invasive treatments.
Q: Is it okay to postpone treatment?
A: As you probably know, postponing any type of treatment can have its drawbacks. Varicose vein disease is a progressive disease that, if left untreated, will only get worse. When making a decision about your varicose veins, keep in mind that the sooner you get your veins treated, the easier they are to treat and control.
Q: Will I need to be hospitalized or take time off from work?
A: Treatment is on an outpatient basis during convenient office visits. You can resume most activities shortly after each session.
Q: What happens during a physician consultation?
A: Upon arrival, you will complete a patient medical history form. Dr. West will examine you and answer your questions. Your circulation will be evaluated with a non-invasive ultrasound, and an individualized treatment plan will be developed for you.
Q: Is vein treatment covered by insurance?
A:
Medicare and most major insurance companies in California pay for varicose vein treatment. Dr. West is contracted with Medicare and most PPO insurance plans. The SBVC staff will assist in obtaining prior approval for vein treatment, if needed. We will also help you understand what portion of your treatment will be paid under your policy.
Medicare and most major insurance companies in California pay for varicose vein treatment. Dr. West is contracted with Medicare and most PPO insurance plans. The SBVC staff will assist in obtaining prior approval for vein treatment, if needed. We will also help you understand what portion of your treatment will be paid under your policy.
Treatment of spider veins is always considered cosmetic and is provided on a cash basis only. Call us at 805-563-VEIN (8346) to learn more.
