FAQ

We understand that when it comes to your veins, you may have a lot of questions. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions to help. If you don’t find the answer to your question, please submit one using the form below.

What is venous reflux disease?

Healthy leg veins contain valves that open and close to assist the return of blood back to the heart. Venous reflux disease develops when the valves that keep blood flowing out of the legs and back to the heart no longer function, causing the blood to pool in the legs, and leading to these signs and symptoms:

  • Varicose Veins
  • Leg or ankle swelling
  • Leg heaviness and fatigue
  • Leg pain, aching or cramping
  • Burning or itching of the skin
  • Restless legs
  • Skin changes or rashes
  • Ulcers, open wounds, or sores
Who suffers from venous reflux disease?

Many factors contribute to the presence of venous reflux, including:

  • Family history
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Trauma
  • Current or previous pregnancies
  • Excess weight
  • Prolonged standing
  • Smoking
What treatments are available for vein disease?

The TRA Vein and Vascular Center offers a wide range of minimally invasive, outpatient procedures to treat vein and vascular issues. During a free consultation, one of our expert providers may suggest a particular procedure or treatment to address specific concerns. Services offered TRA Vein and Vascular Center include:

Adhesive Venous Closure – Adhesive Venous Closure, contrary to radiofrequency or other heat-based vein treatments, uses medical adhesive to close the diseased vein, rerouting blood to nearby healthy veins, which provides symptom relief.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy – A surgical procedure in which a provider uses a hook to pull varicose veins out of the leg. This method of removing the affected vein, resulting in immediate changes in associated symptoms like skin sores, leg swelling, bleeding and blood clots.

Radiofrequency Venous Ablation – Using radiofrequency energy to generate heat to close the diseased vein, which redirects blood flow to healthy veins, relieving symptoms. The treated veins will close, eventually absorbing back into the skin tissue.

Cosmetic Sclerotherapy Injection – Sclerosant is injected into the affected veins causing them to close and reabsorb back into the body over a 3 – 6 week period.

Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy – Similar to cosmetic sclerotherapy, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy uses a sclerosant to block blood flow, causing the veins to collapse and absorb back into the body’s tissue. The procedure uses an ultrasound to treat veins that are under the skin surface.

What are the risks with/without treatment?

Venous reflux disease is a progressive medical condition and if left untreated, may lead to worsening symptoms, skin changes, and in a small set of patients, venous ulcers.

How are varicose veins diagnosed?

Varicose veins are diagnosed with a history and physical exam and with a venous insufficiency ultrasound examination.

What happens during a consultation?

During a consultation, one of our providers will review your symptoms and past medical history with you. They will do a thorough physical exam focusing on venous disease. After reviewing your ultrasound images, they will come up with a comprehensive treatment plan to address your specific needs.

What results should I expect?

Most patients start to feel better the day after the procedure. They will notice the symptoms related to their venous disease decrease. Over the span of a few weeks after the venous procedure, symptoms should be significantly improved. Many of the skin changes related to venous disease can be reversed with treatment.

Will I need to be hospitalized or take time off of work?

We recommend no heavy lifting for a week after the procedure. Most patients return to work the next day. You will not require a hospitalization.

Do I need a referral for vein treatment?

You do not need a referral to see one of our vein specialists.

Does insurance cover vein treatment?

Most insurances cover vein treatment. Many require a trial of compression stockings prior to any procedure.


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