What are the treatment options for varicose veins?

1. Do nothing - learn to live with them. Elevate your legs frequently.
2. Wear support stockings. They are prescription support stockings that are however expensive, hard to put on, hard to take off and hot, especially in the summer. However they do help.
3. Sclerotherapy - see text for more details
4. Generally speaking, the smaller the veins, the better they do with injections and the larger the veins, the better they do with surgery.
5. Surgery - see text for more details
6. The newer techniques are much less invasive with minimal pain and scarring and use techniques such as radio frequency VNUS Closure and microincisional ambulatory phlebectomy.

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Why do anything about varicose veins?

Varicose veins are generally not dangerous but more of a nuisance. While you may choose to do nothing, varicose veins are usually progressive and have a tendency to create problems such as superficial inflammation, superficial clots, bleeding, ulcers, skin problems and other symptoms.

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What are the advantages and disadvantage of Sclerotherapy vs. Surgery?

1. Sclerotherapy is frequently cheaper and is performed in the office with essentially minimal to zero pain. There can be recurrences, especially of the larger veins.
2. Surgery is often more expensive and can be performed in the office or at an outpatient facility. Surgery tends to have less recurrences particularly with the larger veins.

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What about my medications and vitamins?

Please discuss any medications with Dr. Olson. While most medications and vitamins can be taken as normal, there are exceptions. Anticoagulants should be avoided. Aspirin should be held for 10 days before and after treatments.

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How can I avoid forming varicose veins?

Hereditary varicose veins are difficult to prevent. Some things to consider:

1. Elevation frequently can help.
2.   Prescription support stockings can help.
3.   Maintain an ideal weight. Extra weight puts extra pressure on your veins.
4.   Avoid standing or sitting in one place for long periods of time. When sitting or standing for long periods of time, you should move your feet up and down to allow your calf muscle to push (pump) the blood out of your legs.

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What are the acceptable methods of payments?

Our office is easy to work with and most insurance companies are accepted. Pre-authorization with the insurance company is often required before proceeding with therapy. All insurance companies do not necessarily cover all procedures, but our office can help. Cash payments are accepted, and installments can be arranged.

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