Frequently Asked Questions

Your legs are made up of a network of veins that are responsible for bringing blood back to your heart. A healthy vein contains valves which open and close to assist the return of blood against gravity. Venous disease, or vein insufficiency, occurs if these valves become damaged, allowing the backward flow of blood in the legs. This pooling of blood can lead to a feeling of heaviness and fatigue, and cause skin changes such as blue or purple "spider veins" on the skin's surface or a brown woody appearance to your lower legs. If left untreated, it can lead to leg pain, swelling, ulcers, and other health problems.

The symptoms associated with venous disease include the presence of varicose or "spider" veins, as well as pain, aching, throbbing, heaviness, swelling and fatigue in the legs. Other symptoms include leg discomfort such as restless leg, cramping, and discomfort that worsens throughout the day or while standing. More progressed symptoms include skin changes in the legs, and ulcers. While some physical symptoms can be severe, for some, venous disease may have no physical symptoms.

Venous disease is one of the most common conditions affecting our health. According to the American Vein and Lymphatic Society, 80 million people in the U.S. have some form of venous disorder. It can affect men and women of all ages and activity levels, and while it has a strong genetic component, venous disease can be aggravated by environmental risks, pregnancy, and other factors. Venous disease is common in people who have jobs that require long periods of standing or sitting, and the risk of venous disease increases with age.

If you have varicose veins in your legs, it is a sign that blood is not being properly returned to the heart. In the past, the presence of varicose veins has been considered strictly a cosmetic issue. Today, we know that a varicosity is a symptom of a progressive venous disorder. Untreated, the skin's appearance can worsen, and varicose veins can cause pain and discomfort. Eventually, venous insufficiency can cause serious medical conditions such as phlebitis, cellulitis or ulcers.

Even if you have no physical symptoms, the presence of varicose veins can be a source of embarrassment or self-consciousness. Varicose veins can erode self-esteem, lead to the avoidance of social situations where the legs will be exposed, and significantly affect quality of life.

Venous disease is a progressive disease, and its symptoms intensify over time. Without treatment, early symptoms of venous disease can lead to lipodermatosclerosis, a disease of the skin and connective tissue; an increased chance of superficial venous thrombophlebitis, clotting in the superficial veins that causes severe pain and incapacitation; spontaneous bleeding of an exposed or injured vein; and ulceration, wounds on the leg that will not heal.

A clot that occurs in a deep vein is referred to as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This can be a serious, life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care. If the clot breaks free it can travel in your body to your lungs where it is called a Pulmonary Embolism. Sitting in a confined space or traveling for long periods can increase the risk of DVT, but many other factors contribute to its risk, including inherited disorders, certain medications or vein injuries.

Steps you can take to prevent DVT include wearing compression stockings during high risk times like long plane rides or any period of being stationary. Moving regularly during long periods of sitting can also help. Talk with your doctor or contact the Vein Healthcare Center for additional prevention techniques and lifestyle changes that will help reduce your risk of DVT.

Yes, if you have damaged valves causing turbulent flow in your superficial veins this can increase the chances of experiencing superficial venous thrombophlebitis which can then extend into a deep vein. Venous reflux is considered a minor risk factor for deep vein thrombosis. DVT is not part of the progression of venous disease, however with other risk factors it can contribute to the occurrence of DVT.

While venous disease is controllable and treatable, it is an incurable, chronic, and progressive disease. Any symptom of venous disease should be considered an early stage symptom of a serious medical disorder, which, left untreated, can lead to worsening symptoms and complications to overall health and well-being.

Yes. There are several steps you can take to alleviate symptoms, including elevating the legs above the heart, wearing loose-fitting clothing, avoiding high-heels, taking frequent breaks if you are sitting for long periods of time, and taking regular walks. Also, wearing compression stockings regularly and especially during high risk times like pregnancy, on plane rides, or during periods of exertion, help support the return of blood to the heart.

Today, the ease, painlessness and exceptionally high success rate of venous therapy has made it possible for most people to enjoy the benefits of treatment while eliminating the risks of progression. Breakthroughs in minimally-invasive treatment of vein disorders mean patients experience less treatment time and less pain, and it has opened the door for many to eliminate discomfort that they may have otherwise chosen to endure. For those experiencing severe or chronic pain or advanced vascular ulcers, treatment can be life-altering. And, for those struggling with the appearance of varicose veins, it can lead to more confidence and improved quality of life.

Treatment depends on the severity and extent of disease. There are many different approaches including Endothermal, with laser ablation or radio frequency ablation. There are implantable devices such as cyanoacrylate. Medicinal approaches with chemical ablation and sclerotherapy which are injections into the problematic veins. All approaches cause the troublesome vein to close and eventually disappear, allowing blood to be diverted to the many other healthy veins in the leg.

While endovenous treatments are all minimally invasive, there are non-invasive treatments available that include the use of compression stockings, alternative treatments such as herbal medications, and implementing lifestyle changes and prevention techniques. At the Vein Healthcare Center, we will customize a treatment plan just for you and review all of your options.

Most insurance carriers understand the medical necessity of venous treatment and base coverage on similar criteria a physician will use in suggesting treatment. Most patients experiencing symptoms of venous disease fit the criteria of medical necessity, which includes lifestyle disruption, pain, and complications if the disease is allowed to progress. Prior authorization or pre-determination for approval is often required, and can be obtained by a Vein Healthcare Center staff member on your behalf.

Today's treatments have excellent initial and long-term success rates when performed by a certified well trained phlebologist. Endothermal ablation procedures, which replaced traditional vein "stripping", were FDA-approved in 1999 using radio frequency, and they are currently performed with either radio frequency or laser both have success rates of between over 90% at 10 years.

All medical procedures carry risk. However, endovenous therapy is considered an extremely low risk procedure. All of the complications are unlikely, preventable and treatable. Complications are atypical and will be reviewed prior to treatment with a provider.

No, there are no age restrictions on treatment. Most ambulatory people are eligible for treatment. A thorough health history and physical exam should always be performed before any treatment and in some cases there may be exceptions to treatment.

No, today superficial venous insufficiency treatments are performed in an outpatient setting requiring minimal, if any, downtime and very few post-op restrictions. They are performed in the physician's office and do not require a hospital visit or an overnight hospital stay.

Yes. If you take these types of medications, treating your veins is not only possible, but it can be advantageous. Always tell your physician about any medications you are taking.

Most patients will enjoy relief of their symptoms shortly after treatment. Bulges, blue veins, and spider veins will disappear, and symptoms such as heaviness, fatigue, aching, throbbing, itching, swelling and restlessness also resolve slowly following treatment. It is important to note that the maximum benefit of treatment is seen over time with continuous improvement over a full year.

In most cases, those who undergo endovenous treatment can return to their regular daily activities immediately. Most procedures require avoiding strenuous activity initially, for 5-7 days, but encourage light exercise like walking.

While modern vein treatments are all minimally invasive, there are non-invasive treatments available that include the use of compression stockings, alternative treatments such as herbal medications, and implementing lifestyle changes and prevention techniques. At the Vein Healthcare Center, we will customize a treatment plan just for you and review all of your options.

Check with your insurance provider to confirm whether or not a referral from your primary care physician is required. You are also welcome to schedule an appointment without involving your primary physician and the team at Vein Healthcare Center can request a referral if it is required by your insurance.

Initial visits at the Vein Healthcare Center will usually take place with one of our advanced practice providers. It will include a thorough review of your health history and current symptoms, a physical exam, and a lower extremity vein ultrasound mapping as part of achieving a comprehensive understanding of how your vein health affects your overall health. All initial visits are intended to provide a comfortable environment where you have an opportunity to learn about your condition and the opportunities available that will allow you to live a more confident, pain-free life.

The Patient Information section provides patient forms to help you prepare for your visit to the Vein Healthcare Center and gives you easy access to guidelines following your treatment.

The Vein Healthcare Center is located at 35 Foden Road, South Portland, Maine. Get directions and view a map of our location.