FAQs

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen, and often twisted veins that often occur as a result of defective valves in the vein. Affected veins are sometimes bluish in color and protrude from the surface of the skin.

What are spider veins?

Spider veins do not typically rise above the skin, but form long, twisted webs that may appear red or blue. Spider veins typically occur as a result of venous insufficiency, and may indicate a more serious vein condition.

Are varicose and spider veins more than just a cosmetic concern?

Yes. Due to the pooling of toxic venous blood within these abnormal veins, an inflammatory response is triggered. As a result, one can experience:

• Aching, Pain

• Heaviness

• Tiredness, Fatigue

• Itching, Burning

• Leg Restlessness

• Leg Cramps

• Swelling, Edema

• Phlebitis, Thombophlebitis, Blood Clots

• Venous Stasis Ulcers, Pigmentation, Skin Change

• Hemorrhage of a Vein, Requiring Blood Transfusions

What factors increase the risk of developing venous conditions?

Factors that increase the risk of developing vein disease include:

• Genetics, most common cause

• Standing or sitting for excessive periods of time, putting more pressure on valves

• Gravity, which can trigger valves to become faulty

• Hormones, birth control and hormone replacement therapy

• Pregnancy, due to preponderance of Progesterone

• Time, half of the population has vein disease after the age of 65

How can I reduce my risk of developing spider veins and varicose veins?

Varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency are genetic disorders that will inevitably worsen with time. To reduce the chances that they will manifest and produce symptoms, one can:

• Maintain a healthy and active lifestyle

• Avoid prolonged standing or sitting

• Avoid wearing high heels

• Wear gradient compression stockings

• Elevate legs when resting, watching TV or reading a book

Regardless of what one does, the disease will progress and eventually require treatment. The vein specialists at the Goldman Vein Institute believe in prevention, and treatment is often times the best choice in offsetting this disease process.

Is ultrasound necessary in order to diagnose and treat?

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure used to treat small spider and varicose veins. The experienced vascular specialists at the Goldman Vein Institute offer our patients visual and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy using FDA-approved medications.

What is endovenous thermal laser ablation?

Endovenous laser ablation closes insufficient veins using gentle laser energy, and is a minimally invasive procedure. This FDA-approved, safe, effective treatment takes as little as 10 minutes to perform, and can be done in the comfort of our vein clinics.

Are compression hose required during vein treatment?

Yes. In order to properly assess the complex system of veins of the legs, an upright venous ultrasound exam is crucial. While standing, patients are evaluated for venous reflux, an indicator of faulty valves within certain veins. If these veins are not assessed properly, treatment will not be beneficial, and those veins will recur. Our RVT certified Ultrasound Technologists are rigorously trained to identify venous reflux with precision and accuracy.

What should I expect during and after treatment?

Everyone has a unique experience during treatment, and this cannot be generalized. All of our treatments are done in the comfort of our state of the art facilities. There is no hospitalization or surgical-center admission required. Ultrasound treatments are done utilizing local anesthetic only.

Treatments can last anywhere from 30-60 minutes in duration from the time you walk in to walk out. No scalpels or sutures are utilized, therefore there are no long lasting scars or keloids. There is minimal discomfort involved, and most treatments are characterized as being virtually painless.

How often is treatment done and in how many session?

Again, everyone is unique and has a slightly varied treatment plan. Most treatments require multiple sessions. Each session is separated by 7-14 days. More information is given during the initial consultation where the certified vein specialists will explain your individual treatment plan with you.

Are there any restrictions during treatment?

Yes.

• Avoid prolonged sitting or standing

• Walking is mandatory. Three 20 minute sessions per day is recommended

• Avoid core exercises, heavy lifting and running during treatment.

• Avoid sun exposure to the legs, until all the bruising has resolved

• Avoid certain vitamins or medication. Bring a list of them to the initial consultation

• No hot showers or hot baths within 24 hours of treatment

• Wear compression stockings after treatment.

After treatment is completed, am I cured of vein disease?

No. Unfortunately, there is no cure to this genetically acquired disorder. Much like there is no cure for hypertension or diabetes. The goal to success is containment. So, despite the fact that your legs will look and feel better once treatment is completed, we will schedule you for periodic follow up visits, with short bursts of treatment if necessary.

Are the vein specialists at the Goldman Vein Institute in network with my insurance?

Dr. Goldman and Dr. Varghese are in network with most major insurance carriers, as well as Medicare. Call us today to find out if we are in network with your insurance. We will also tell you what your deductible and copay are and whether the treatments we provide require a referral from your PCP and/or prior authorization.

Does my health insurance cover vein disease treatment?

Yes. Most major health insurance carriers recognize this as a medically necessary disorder, and provide coverage for the treatment of vein disease and venous insufficiency, when medically necessary. During the initial consultation, which is usually covered by most major insurance carriers, our vein specialists and staff at the Goldman Vein Institute assess whether you qualify for medical necessity and discuss health insurance and out of pocket payment options.

Are there various payment options?

Yes. Patients who are interested in individual payment plans for vein treatments may discuss the available options with the staff of Dr. Goldman and Dr. Varghese during the initial consultation, as these are determined on an individual basis. Our goal is to overcome financial barriers so that patients who suffer from vein disease can access excellent care and affordability.