Treating Varicose Veins

Historically, treating varicose veins was a painful procedure with a long recovery. Fortunately, painful vein stripping is a thing of the past.

While radiofrequency of varicose veins is a minimally invasive procedure with a much faster recovery than with traditional vein stripping, there are a number of phases you'll go through in the course of your treatment, including some insurance requirements. Please read on and let us know if you have any questions.

Initial Consultation

We offer an initial consultation with our doctors to anyone who would like to discuss their leg symptoms and whether varicose veins could be the cause of those symptoms. We will cover causes of varicose veins, treatment options as well as risks and benefits. Depending on the results of that consultation, the doctor will frequently order an ultrasound test to determine if venous disease is indeed the problem You should allow up to three hours for the ultrasound tests (both legs), physical exam and discussion with the doctor.

Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

If venous insufficiency is identified, our nurse will discuss a treatment plan with you including any insurance requirements and costs. If you decide to move ahead with a treatment plan, a common requirement from insurance companies is to first see if conservative treatment alone will help your symptoms. This involves wearing compression stockings for several months (three months is typical). Due to the long period of time involved in this pre-treatment phase, it can be a good idea to plan ahead for when you'd like to have the treatment done and work backward from that timeframe. During this pre-treatment phase, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Preparing for Treatment

Once you have fulfilled the requirements needed from your insurance company, our nurse will contact you to evaluate the success of the conservative treatment and to schedule the procedure. The nurse will also go over the treatment and answer any questions you may have.

Treatment Day

On the day of your appointment, you will fill out some basic paperwork and we will have you change into a patient robe. The doctor will answer any questions you may have once you're prepped for your procedure.

Once the doctor is ready to begin, a small incision is made and using a small catheter, the radiofrequency probe is placed into the vein and warms it to bring it closed. The procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes. In most cases, patients experience very little pain during the procedure. Upon completion, your legs will be wrapped tightly to prevent the vein from reopening. The wrap should stay in place for 48 hours after treatment.

After the Procedure

You should walk regularly for several days after your procedure, but avoid activities such as weightlifting or aerobics for one week. You will also need to wear compression stockings for several days after the procedure. The stockings help keep the vein permanently closed and promote healthy bloodflow through the other veins in the leg. It's very important to return to our office three days after your procedure to check for closure of the closed vein and to make sure there are no possible vein clots, a potentially serious complication. Some discoloration or soreness is normal following treatment.

Over the next several weeks and months, your body will begin to absorb the old vein tissue and your symptoms should gradually improve. In the meantime, your circulatory system will create new, healthy pathways. Once the incision is fully closed you should be able to return to normal activities. If there are additional veins needing treatment identified with the original ultrasound or which arise later, follow-up treatment plans can be made at this time.