Frequently Asked Questions

Varicose veins are not usually dangerous, and some people have no symptoms. In many people, however, the varicose veins are associated with pain, aching, itching, burning, a heavy or tired feeling in the legs, swelling or cramps, or may spontaneously rupture & bleed.

In rare cases, varicose veins may signify serious underlying disease of the deeper veins, and if this is a possibility, it may be recommended that you undergo further evaluation. Patients with varicose veins are also at slightly higher risk for blood cloths.

Spider veins are small veins that appear as bluish or reddish lines just under the surface of the skin.

Varicose Veins are abnormally enlarged blood vessels in which blood has pooled. They usually are bluish in color, and may appear twisted. They are very common on legs, especially among women. The tendency to develop varicose veins is thought to be linked with heredity. Women, especially those who have had children, and men and woman who spend a lot of time standing seem to be most susceptible to developing varicose veins.

Veins are the blood vessels through which blood flows back to the heart. Blood that flows into the legs must circulate and then return to the heart. Because the blood needs to flow uphill and against gravity, the veins in the lower part of the body must work hard to move the blood back to the heart. Valves in the veins normally allow the blood to flow toward the heart, and prevent the back flow of blood. If these valves weaken and cannot perform their job, blood may pool in the legs, causing veins to bulge and dilate. When blood pools in the larger surface veins, the result can be the blue, bulging type of varicose vein. When this happens to the tiny veins just below the skin surface, the result can be spider veins.

Yes, you can use your Flex account to pay for most vein treatments we provide.

Insurance does not usually cover cosmetic treatments, but VCT makes cosmetic vein treatments affordable and convenient.

Your body has a network of veins that return blood back to the heart. This network is quite capable to circulate the blood and in fact treating the re-fluxing varicose veins helps the remaining veins to function more efficiently. 

Although Varicose Veins and chronic venous insufficiency do not emergently need to be treated, these disorders have a progressive nature and worsen with time. Therefore, it is recommended to seek treatment at your earliest convenience. The only exception is if you are pregnant. You should delay these treatments after your pregnancy is completed. 

Vein Clinics of Tristate performs screenings to evaluate & see if your symptoms are medical or cosmetic. Most patients with symptoms and varicose veins are covered by their health insurance. VCT does assist with the pre-certification process for your needed procedures prior to your treatment.

At your consultation, our physician reviews your medical history, examines your lower extremities, and determines if an ultrasound of your lower extremities are indicated. If so, then the ultrasound is typically scheduled for your next visit. Following this ultrasound, our physician will discuss your individualized treatment recommendation with you.

Before undergoing any treatment or procedure a complete medical history and examination will be done. Circulation and vein structure in your legs will be assessed using ultrasound techniques. We will explain the disease process and the circulation system. This consultation will help determine the most effective method of treatment, if any, to eliminate your varicose or spider veins. We will fully review the recommended treatment, what results are expected, what the procedure entails, and what to anticipate along with post treatment instructions. We will not recommend any treatment to any patient who does not need it or if it is not warranted. We pride ourselves on doing what is best for the patient.

In the past, vein stripping surgery was performed to treat varicose veins. As with any surgery, it required inpatient hospitalization as well as the risks inherent with anesthesia. Furthermore, long term studies only revealed a 55% success rate of vein closure versus the 95-99% success rate of EVLT treatment offered at Vein Clinics of Tristate. 

You may need an ultrasound evaluation of your lower extremities prior to your treatment. In most cases of cosmetic treatment for spider veins, no further testing is necessary. On rare occasions, you may need additional testing as recommended by the physician.