Vein Services & Treatments

While varicose and spider veins are widely thought of as cosmetic in nature, they often are indicative of more serious medical conditions. The Vein Specialists of Carolina Vascular is a team of board certified, fellowship-trained vascular/interventional radiologists who have helped thousands of western North Carolinians improve leg and vein health.

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About Varicose & Spider Veins

Varicose veins result from weak or damaged vein walls and valves that have allowed blood to pool. A common medical condition, varicose veins are the most obvious symptom of vein disease, appearing "ropey" and enlarged, twisting beneath the skin's surface. But varicose veins aren't simply cosmetic — they also can cause significant pain, as well as symptoms like burning, cramping, fatigued or heavy legs, possible skin discoloration, or even open sores. Risk factors for developing varicose veins include medical and hereditary history, increasing age, hormonal changes, pregnancy, obesity, immobility, and sun exposure.

Spider veins appear as thin red or blue jagged lines, not unlike spider webs or tree branches. They can cover large areas of the legs, and sometimes even the face. Spider veins are generally cosmetic in nature, but they can be a sign of deeper vein disease. Typically no pain or discomfort is associated with spider veins.

Diagnosis

Your veins will be assessed through ultrasound mapping, which reveals the shape and size of the veins in your legs, helping us to accurately locate unhealthy veins for treatment.

Vein Treatments

Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
EVLT is a non-surgical, minimally invasive outpatient procedure to treat and reduce the recurrence of varicose veins. Using ultrasound guidance, an interventional radiologist will close off the varicose vein, which naturally reroutes blood flow to healthier veins. Nearly all EVLT patients report significant pain relief with lasting results, as well as healthier looking legs. The procedure takes about an hour and is usually covered by insurance.

Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment for non-painful varicose and spider veins. There is minimal discomfort during the procedure, and no anesthetic is necessary. Cosmetic sclerotherapy is the purely cosmetic treatment of spider veins and is not typically covered by insurance. However, if our radiologists find vein disease is present at diagnosis, medical sclerotherapy can be performed as a follow-up to EVLT to treat diseased superficial veins. Medical sclerotherapy often is covered by insurance. In both cases, most patients require multiple treatment sessions to achieve desired results.

You have questions. We have answers.

Below is a list of some of the questions we get asked most frequently from our patients. If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to our ARA Cares Coordinator at (828) 436-5500.

How do I prepare for EVLT?
You will be required to purchase prescription-strength compression stockings to wear post-procedure. Shower using antibacterial soap on the day of the procedure, but do not apply lotions or powders. Bring loose fitting pants to wear after the procedure, and you must arrange for a ride home.
What should I expect with EVLT?
You'll remain awake and comfortable during the procedure. The affected area of the leg will be numbed with a local anesthetic before a small catheter is inserted. The physician will use a laser to close the abnormal vein, naturally rerouting blood to surrounding healthy veins instead. After the procedure, we'll apply compression stockings, and you'll be asked to walk on a treadmill for 15 minutes.

Patients must wear compression stockings for the first 24 hours to encourage healing and decrease swelling. After 24 hours, you may remove the stockings to sleep; however, they must be worn at all other times for two weeks. You may resume normal activity after the procedure, but no heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for two weeks. If you experience any discomfort, you may take Tylenol or ibuprofen. Soreness generally disappears after 24 hours, although mild soreness may last 7-10 days.
How do I prepare for sclerotherapy?
You will be required to purchase prescription-strength compression stockings to wear post-procedure. Shower using antibacterial soap on the day of your procedure, but do not shave your legs or apply lotions or powders. Eat a light meal or drink juice one hour before the procedure.
What should I expect with sclerotherapy?
Patients remain awake and no anesthetic is necessary, as the procedure causes minimal discomfort. You'll be able to drive and resume regular activities after the treatment. Medical compression stockings will be applied post-procedure and must be worn for about a week. Patients are encouraged to walk immediately following the treatment to encourage blood flow. Side effects include hard, knotty areas, along with tenderness, bruising, and swelling. You can immediately resume normal daily activities, but avoid sun exposure, heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, etc. for 3 days.