Questions

Prior to any procedure, Dr. Simons and the Kentucky Vein Care staff will be on hand to consult with you and answer any questions you have. We noticed some questions being asked often and we’ve decided to give you the answers in an easy way.

We encourage you to contact Kentucky Vein Care at 859.455.8346 and schedule a consultation to get more in depth answers to these questions and any others you may have.

When is the best time to get treated?

It is important to remember that treatment of spider and varicose veins takes time. Although many people do not pay attention to their legs until summertime, the fall and winter are often the best times of year to get treatment for picture perfect legs this summer.

Can I treat both legs in a single session?

Although it is possible, it is not recommended.

How long until I can walk/run/drive?

Because the treatment only requires local anesthetic, patients are able to drive themselves home. Although strenuous activity is discouraged for 4-5 days, normal activity is encouraged, especially walking immediately after surgery. Its not uncommon for patients to go shopping or mow their lawns the day of surgery. Just remember, during this period, compression hose do need to be worn.

How many treatments will I need?

Each patient has individual needs that can be determined during the consultation. Normally, with a CTEV procedure, only one treatment per major vein is needed. If several veins are documented as insufficient, more treatment sessions will be necessary to correct the problem. Sclerotherapy normally requires 2-3 treatments sessions lasting approximately 30 minutes apiece.

Why do I have to wear compression stockings?

Compression stockings are regarded by many vein specialists as an important tool in the treatment of venous disease. Compression hose have been proven effective at easing many of the symptoms associated with venous disease. They are also necessary after a procedure. Furthermore, many insurance companies require a period of Class II compression before a procedure can be performed.

Gradual compression prevents blood from pooling in the leg veins, thereby helping overall circulation. Compression is greatest at the ankle, gradually decreasing up the leg.

Will my veins disappear immediately?

With a sclerotherapy session, it takes approximately 6-8 weeks for the veins to disappear and the bruising to fade. After a CTEV procedure, results can vary. Symptoms typically decrease significantly within the first two weeks and bruising is not usually associated with the procedure. Knots may occur and can be relieved using heat and over the counter pain killers (ibuprofin, Advil, Tylenol) .

Will my veins come back?

Although we may treat the problem veins, we cannot treat your predisposition to develop varicose or spider veins, so new veins may appear in the same or other areas. Often a touch-up every few years is sufficient for continued cosmetic results.

Will insurance cover this?

Most insurance companies cover laser ablation (CTEV) if venous insufficiency is found, although many require a period of wearing compression hose prior to the procedure.

Sclerotherapy is deemed by many insurances as a cosmetic procedure and not often covered unless venous insufficiency is found.

We can, upon request, find out if your policy covers your treatment plan.

What causes venous insufficiency?

Venous insufficiency occurs when valves in the veins become weak or malfunction. Because the valves prevent blood from flowing in the wrong direction, malfunctioning veins cause blood to pool in the veins, causing the vein walls to stretch and bulge.

Valves can malfunction or become incompetent for a variety of reasons including:
Trauma
Pregnancy
Weight gain
Hereditary factors
Obesity
Birth control pills
Hormone replacement therapy
Lack of exercise
Prolonged periods of sitting or standing
Aging