327 East 65th Street, New York, NY 10065, Manhattan
Frequently Asked Questions
Heredity, or genetic predisposition to weak vein walls and vein valves, is the main reason why varicose and spider veins develop. This means that if you have developed a venous disorder, there is a 60-80% chance that someone in your family already has vein problems as well. There are also contributing factors that can accelerate the progression of the disease, including pregnancy, birth control pills, lack of exercise, prolonged sitting or standing, and even obesity. The aging process increases the likelihood of varicose and spider veins.
Aging, weather, and sun exposure can give hands a leathery feel and make hand veins more pronounced. Dr. Navarro can easily and effectively treat dilated hand veins with sclerotherapy. (see Hand Veins)
We cannot treat your genetic predisposition to develop varicose or spider veins, so new veins may reappear in the same area or in other areas. Usually a touch-up treatment to remove new veins will be needed every 1-3 years.
Treatment is not recommended during pregnancy but may be performed while the mother is breast-feeding.
Varicose veins are often aggravated by extended periods of sitting during travel. In-flight inactivity, when combined with weak vein walls and valves, can lead to ‘Economy Class Syndrome,’ or the development of blood clots in the superficial or deep venous system of the lower legs. To keep legs healthy at 30,000 feet practice in-flight exercises like rotating your ankles while seated, walking the aisle, and standing calf raises. Use compression stockings, avoid constricting garments, avoid alcohol, and remember to stay hydrated as it is an important way to maintain healthy venous blood flow.
No existing through-the-skin lasers can offer consistent, satisfactory results in the treatment of spider veins on the legs. Only facial spider veins can be effectively treated with lasers. Over the past 10 years, lasers have been used endovenously (from inside the vein) to treat large varicose veins with great success. This procedure is known as endovenous laser ablation treatment or Endolaser (EVLA, EVLT), and was developed and patented by The Vein Treatment Center. For some spider veins we do recommend through the skin laser therapy combined with sclerotherapy to enhance the results of sclerotherapy.
While women experience vein problems at a rate 15-20 times higher than men, men are more likely than women to suffer from the discomfort of large problem veins. When traditional surgical ligation and stripping was the only treatment option for patients with large vein problems, the gender breakdown of people pursuing surgery remained around 20 to 1 (women to men). Now that new minimally invasive procedures like Endovenous Laser Ablation, aka Endolaser EVLA, EVLT are available, men are opting for large vein procedures more often.
Yes. Many women worry that they have visible veins that negatively affect the appearance of their breasts. We have extensive experience performing sclerotherapy treatments on the breast. A number of women tend to develop visible breast veins after breast augmentation surgery. If deemed unsightly, all breast veins can easily be treated with sclerotherapy (See Breast Veins).
Each patient’s individual treatment needs are different. Treatment will depend on the number, size and location of the failing veins, as well as how fast you heal, and the level of cosmetic results you desire. After an initial consultation we can give you a rough estimate of the number of treatments you will need. (see Treatment Planning)
When treated with Endovenous Laser Ablation (Endolaser, EVLT) the vein that was treated will go away completely. However, these veins are usually accompanied by smaller varicose veins and spider veins that will need to be taken care of with additional treatments.
Spider veins normally require more than one treatment to achieve the desired cosmetic results. We offer sclerotherapy packages with a substantial discount that can be used at any time. If you don’t use the entire package to treat spider veins now and find that they recur in three years you can pick up where you left off.
You can schedule your treatments to suit your schedule however you wish. If you are visiting from out of town we can schedule multiple appointments during your stay to make sure you can receive as many treatments as you may need to keep you from having to make another trip. We would also advise local residents, whenever possible, to schedule treatments in a quick intensive schedule whenever possible as it greatly reduces the chances that you’ll need re-treatment and improves cosmetic results.
The treatments and procedures performed for large varicose veins are covered by most insurance plans when deemed medically necessary (non-cosmetic). Spider veins are considered cosmetic and are not covered. Each insurance plan’s coverage is different and only upon receiving the claim will they make the final decision.
Varicose veins and spider veins are progressive conditions. Without treatment, their cumulative nature will make current vein problems worse and increase the likelihood that new vein problems will develop. Consequently, patients are encouraged to seek treatment early. Likewise, we encourage patients to plan ahead for their treatment, as many modalities require multiple sessions to achieve desired results. The sooner we are able to treat the problem veins, the better the results, the fewer complications, and the faster you will heal from the procedure.
