Vein Treatments

There are several different modern and minimally invasive options available to treat venous disease. In many cases, with the unwanted appearance of varicose and spider veins comes an assortment of symptoms we know can affect your daily life, decreasing your quality of life. For these patients, an ultrasound will be performed during the initial consultation. This non-invasive test, which checks on the health of the veins in the legs, is an investigation to uncover the root of the problem. If the results show evidence of venous disease, Dr. Gabriel can then best propose a treatment plan. This plan is specifically designed for you based on the findings, and will help to effectively alleviate your symptoms. If you have insurance, this initial visit can be billed to your insurance, but we also have competitive pricing and flexible payment options for those without insurance.

We also accommodate patients who have no symptoms, but are troubled with the unwanted appearance of their veins. Several treatment options are available to improve the overall appearance of your arms and legs, enabling you with the confidence to bare your arms and legs and to wear shorts again. We offer competitive pricing and flexible payment options (including no interest plans available through Care Credit).

Compression Stockings

A conservative treatment, compression stockings increase the pressure in the tissue under the skin (subcutaneous) thereby squeezing the veins and helping to prevent excess blood from pooling in your veins. The compression of this subcutaneous tissue helps move excess fluid (swelling) back into the capillaries (tiniest of the blood vessels) and helps prevent too much fluid from leaking out of these little vessels.

Compression stockings are a necessary part of therapy after endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) and sclerotherapy treatments. We keep a supply of stockings available for purchase in our office for your convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Compression Stockings

Are these stockings similar to ones my grandmother used to wear?
Not in the slightest. The compression stockings of today are sheer, lightweight and barely distinguishable from regular fashion stockings.

How will I feel in compression stockings?
If your leg discomfort is due to venous insufficiency, you should notice immediate reduced swelling and virtually no pain. Nevertheless, like with any new therapy, it may take some time getting accustomed to, but you'll have more energy and feel better almost instantly.

Does Medicare cover compression stockings?
Compression stockings are a non-covered service under Medicare B. Medicare will not pay for these items even with a prescription from your doctor. For more information, contact the Medicare office for your region.

Does my health insurance pay for compression stockings?
While Medicare does not cover them, some insurance companies will pay for compression stockings greater than 20 mmHg. Please consult your insurance for specific coverage questions.

Does The Vein Centre bill to insurance for compression stockings?
No. The Vein Centre does not bill insurance companies for compression stockings.

Can I submit my bill to the insurance company?
Yes, most insurances have claim forms designed for subscribers to submit medical expenses they have paid for out of pocket. We would be happy to provide you with a detailed receipt. If you require any other documentation for this process, please don't hesitate to ask us.

How should I wash my compression stockings?
Washing instructions are included with every pair of stockings or printed on the outside of the box. The brands we sell (Juzo, Sigvaris, and Surgeon's Choice) are all machine washer and dryer safe.

Does a run in compression stockings affect the compression?
Most likely a run will not have an effect, however it is possible for a severe run to affect the compression of the garment. It depends on factors such as the severity and location of the run. The sheerer the garment the more susceptible it is to runs. There are several things that you can do to help ensure a long life for your compression hose. Check your footwear, hands, nails and feet for any rough spots that may damage the garment during donning or wearing. Take care when donning the garment that you do not snag or pick the fabric. Remove jewelry and wear rubber gloves if needed. Avoid walking around without footwear to protect the stocking.

I have experienced a rash on my skin where it is exposed to the silicone band on the thigh high stockings. What causes this and can you suggest something that will prevent and help heal the rash?
The rash most often results from the entrapment of moisture between the silicone and the skin. When the skin sweats, the moisture on your leg cannot evaporate due to the presence of the silicone, thus becoming trapped. Over-the-counter corticosteroid lotions are often used. To help prevent the rash from occurring, make sure the skin is clean and dry before applying the stockings. It is also important to wash the stockings after each wearing to remove any skin oils and cells that collect on the stocking and band. If the rash continues, notify our office and discontinue use.

Endovenous Laser Treatment

The use of medical laser technology eliminates many of the headaches associated with surgery, such as considerable preparation, general anesthesia, the risk of infection, and a lengthy recovery period. In contrast, endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical, highly successful treatment option for varicose veins. This patient-friendly treatment is performed in-office on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.

After bathing the vein in a sea of local anesthesia, the surgeon inserts a thin catheter into the vein through a small incision generally below the knee with ultrasound guidance. The catheter is passed up the saphenous vein in the thigh. Then laser energy is applied to the inside of the vein. The heat it generates seals the vein closed and the catheter is slowly pulled down the length of the vein, closing it all the way down. Once the diseased vein is closed, other healthy veins take over to carry blood from the leg, re-establishing normal flow.

By closing the saphenous vein, the twisted and varicosed branch veins, which are close to the skin, shrink and may improve in appearance. There is little to no recovery time. In fact, patients are up and walking as soon as the procedure is over - in less than 2 hours.

Sclerotherapy

Used to treat smaller varicose veins and spider veins, sclerotherapy involves an injection of an FDA approved chemical into the vein that causes inflammation of the vein walls and causes the vein walls to stick to one another, collapsing the walls together. The veins close and fade from view, and eventually are absorbed by the body. The needle used is so thin, and the solution so mild, that discomfort is minimal. Small veins are effectively removed by sclerotherapy but veins will often reappear if the underlying causes, incompetent blood vessels, are not treated.

Sclerotherapy is sometimes associated with brown discoloration of the vein that may take up to one year to disappear. Sclerotherapy usually requires repeated treatments. It rarely can cause skin ulcers and as with all medications, some patients may have an allergy to the solution.

Interested in seeing this procedure in action?

Learn about Varicose Veins and Treatment Options with Vascular Specialist Dr. Yves Gabriel

Microphlebectomy

Used for the veins too large to treat with other methods, Microphlebectomy involves removal of the abnormal vein through small incisions in the skin, about the size of a ball-point pen, through which the vein is removed with a special instrument.

Microphlebectomy is performed under local anesthesia, therefore the procedure is virtually painless. There is minimal to no scarring with this technique. Because the vein is removed in its entirety, the result is immediate, and recurrence unlikely.