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Varicose veins are enlarged veins that appear twisted and bulging. They are usually swollen and distended past the skin’s surface. Varicose veins may appear as bluish bumps and cause varying degrees of discomfort.
Spider veins are tiny visible vessels within the skin. They most commonly develop on the face and legs.
Failure of the one-way valves in veins allows blood to lead backwards, causing congestion and enlargement of the vessel. This failure may occur in individual veins themselves; however, in approximately 70% of cases, saphenous reflux is present. This vein must be treated as well for successful vein treatment.
Contributing factors may include heredity, pregnancy, hormonal changes, being overweight, standing or sitting for long periods of time, advancing age or injury to the vein.
Symptoms may include the following: aching or burning in the legs, swelling of the legs or ankles, leg cramps or sores, itching of the skin around the veins, and open wounds such as skin ulcers around the ankles.
Once the doctor meets with the patient, reviews symptoms and visualizes the patient’s vein problems, any required testing is completed at that time by the doctor or ultrasound technician.
There are many treatment options available for varicose veins. Minimally invasive endovenous laser treatment is the most commonly used and effective method. However, there are more invasive alternatives should this technique not be effective for you. The alternatives include ligation and stripping or a phlebectomy. Due to the surgical nature of these treatments, recovery time can be up to four weeks. The potential risks and side effects also are higher with these options.
The endovenous laser treatment, using the Dornier D940 or 1470 laser, is a safe and highly effective treatment for varicose veins. This procedure is usually performed in a physician’s office, typically using a diluted local anesthesia. You can usually return to work the next day, with minimal post-procedure discomfort.
The previous treatment for venous insufficiency and varicose veins was vein stripping. This procedure required hospitalization and general anesthesia. Patients also experienced scarring from incisions, restricted activity and lengthy recovery times.
At the Gitter Vein Institute, we offer in-office procedures using tumescent anesthesia technique, which is a local anesthesia. These procedures are minimally invasive and patients experience virtually no incisions, scarring or discomfort. You can resume activity immediately and will experience maximal cosmetic results.
The procedure usually lasts for about 30 minutes.
No. The endovenous laser treatment is a non-invasive procedure that can be performed in your doctor’s office.
You will be encouraged to walk immediately after the completion of the procedure.
You can return to work the day after the procedure, unless otherwise instructed by your physician. Other activities, such as walking and light daily activities are possible and encouraged immediately following the procedure. Patients are encouraged not to overdo it for a couple of days, however being sedentary is discouraged.
There is a small degree of discomfort during treatment, which patients tolerate very well. All efforts are made by Dr. Gitter and staff to provide a calm, relaxing environment.
The symptoms should begin to disappear immediately following the procedure.
No. Due to the small size of the catheter insertion point, most patients do not experience any scarring at all.
Varicose veins are normally a progressive problem; however they are not life threatening. Some patients notice the veins increasing in size over the years. Left untreated, this increase in pressure can progress to leg pain and aching, swelling of the ankles and legs, skin discoloration and breakdown, poorly healing wounds and complaints of “heaviness” or “tired” legs.
Laser treatments are utilized in combination with sclerotherapy. This achieves desired results in the least amount of time, reducing the amount of sessions required for patients. During laser treatment, the laser is applied to the skin over your spider veins. Laser energy causes the veins to close and shrink. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a liquid agent though a tiny needle directly into any feeder veins that may be contributing to a spider complex, causing contraction and collapse. A third alternative is radio-frequency ablation. This method is therapeutic for all skin types.
No. Spider veins are considered cosmetic and deemed an out-of-pocket expense by insurance companies
Yes. Most insurance companies cover the procedure to treat varicose veins for patients experiencing symptoms. Insurance companies are attracted to the fact that our procedures eliminate the need for hospitalization, general anesthesia and lengthy recovery time, which are seen with more invasive procedures. You can discuss your eligibility with Dr. Gitter when discussing your treatment.
These are our most frequently asked questions. Gitter Vein is here to help you make your best-informed decision. If you have any questions or concerns give us a call at (504) 833-0111
Contact our New Orleans Office:
One Galleria Boulevard
Suite 100
Metairie, Louisiana, 70001
Hours:
Mon – Thurs, 7:30AM – 5:00PM
Friday, 7:30AM – 12:00PM
Closed Daily for Lunch 12:00PM – 1:00PM
Contact our Baton Rouge Office:
10101 Siegen Ln
#3B
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810
Hours:
Mon – Thurs, 7:30AM – 5:00PM
Friday, 7:30AM – 12:00PM
Closed Daily for Lunch 12:00PM – 1:00PM
Gitter Vein Institute invites you to experience a new type of medical environment. We commit our focus and expertise to earn your confidence and trust.