FAQ
FAQ
A1: Varicose veins are enlarged veins that appear to bulge from the skin’s surface. Blue, purple or flesh-colored, varicose veins can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most typically found in the legs and feet. Often these damaged veins cause throbbing, aching and/or burning pain, swelling, itching and heaviness of the leg.
Uncomfortable and unsightly, varicose veins are progressive and likely to cause serious problems if left untreated.
Contact Dr. Marchand today if you suspect you have varicose veins. Dr. Marchand of Veins Las Vegas, the premier treatment provider for varicose veins, will walk you through the process from vein care to vein treatment with the utmost care for your sensitive vein concerns.
A2: Varicose veins are caused by a condition known as superficial venous reflux. Superficial veins (veins close to the surface of the skin) contain tiny one-way valves that aid in the return of deoxygenated blood to the heart. Sometimes these veins become diseased or damaged, which causes the vein to lose elasticity over time. Eventually the valves within these veins become weak and are unable to function properly. Essentially, the blood cannot progress quickly enough, and the leg becomes congested with poorly circulated blood. This causes the veins to bulge and become varicose.
Dr. Marchand will take the time to answer your superficial venous reflux and varicose vein questions in a professional, discreet manner. You can be confident in Veins Las Vegas – we provide both comprehensive answers and comprehensive vein treatment based on your unique vein care needs.
A3: Varicose veins occur more often in women than men, and are more likely to develop with age; however, anyone can develop varicose veins. Varicose veins are a relatively common occurrence, affecting 20% to 30% of all adults.
Genetics may be the most common influencer of varicose veins, as weak vein walls are often inherited. Other contributing factors include: obesity, trauma, pregnancy, hormonal changes (such as menopause) and past vein diseases. Men and women who have jobs that require standing for long periods of time have an increased risk of developing varicose veins.
- Bulging, gnarled, rope-like veins on the surface of the skin
- Throbbing and/or burning
- Aching
- Leg Swelling (Edema)
- Heaviness of the leg
- Itching
- Cramping
- Skin changes
While varicose veins are not always painful, it is important to see a doctor if you suspect you have varicose veins, as they may lead to other serious conditions.
Dr. Marchand will alleviate your concerns about your personal vein health. Because of his comprehensive understanding of accurate vein disorder diagnosis, Dr. Marchand will design a complete vein treatment solution that works best for you.
A4A: ESES (pronounced SS) is an acronym used to help patients remember what many insurance providers typically refer to as “conservative treatment” for vein disorders. ESES stands for exercise, stockings, elevation and still. Regular exercise (and, if possible weight reduction) can alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins. Compression stockings provide support for the damaged veins. Elevating and resting the legs can also help reduce swelling and promote symptom relief.
Because the ESES method only addresses the symptoms, rather than the actual problem of venous reflex, the sensation of relief may be temporary. However, many insurance companies are more likely to cover treatments like thermal ablation if the conservative ESES method is used for three to six months and has failed to relieve symptoms.
Dr. Marchand will provide you with easy-to-follow, comprehensive instructions for conservative care, as well as provide you with more permanent treatment options, based on your specific vein care issues.
A5: Venous leg ulcers occur when varicose veins and other vein diseases are left untreated. The first sign is a bruise-like spot that appears where the blood is leaking out of the vein and into the surrounding tissues. Without treatment, the patch of skin will become gray and die, creating a sensitive, open wound. Venous ulcers are often very painful, as they may easily become infected, causing odorous, weeping sores that may take months or years to heal.
These open wounds that are slow to heal may also be caused by insufficient arterial blood supply and could be a symptom of peripheral artery disease, also known as PAD. Dr. Marchand also specializes in cardiovascular care, so you can rest assured knowing Dr. Marchand will diagnose the correct underlying cause of your symptoms. For more information, please visit Advanced Cardiovascular Care.
A6: Sclerotherapy is a technique that is mainly used to treat spider veins or smaller, surface varicose veins less than 1-2mm in diameter. A liquid solution is injected into the vein at various intervals, causing the vein to close up, allowing other, healthier veins to take over. The body eventually absorbs the fibrous tissue of the former vein.
A7: Ambulatory phlebectomy is an office-based, outpatient surgical procedure for removing varicose veins. Using local or regional anesthesia, the physician creates tiny punctures in the leg. Because even damaged veins are very collapsible, the physician is able to pull the veins out through incisions so tiny that stitches are not required. The remaining, healthy veins then take over.
A8: Vein stripping is a hospital-based, surgical procedure that involves completely removing damaged veins from the body. This process is performed under general anesthesia and requires hospital stay. First, incisions are made at the top and bottom of the damaged vein. Then, a flexible wire is fed through the top incision, and the vein is pulled out of the body through the lower incision. Recovery can often take as long as two weeks and patients often report frequent pain and discomfort.
Due to advances in medical technology, vein stripping is much less common today. Dr. Marchand of Veins Las Vegas offers several office-based, outpatient vein treatment alternatives that are less invasive, require less recovery time and cause much less pain and discomfort.
A8A: Thermal ablation refers to two methods of treatment that use heat to seal off diseased reflux veins, thereby diverting blood flow to normal, healthy veins. Vein closure using thermal ablation is performed using one of two different techniques: radiofrequency ablation or endovenous laser vein treatment.
During radiofrequency ablation, a thin, sterile catheter is inserted into the vein while the patient is under sedation. Using radiofrequency, the catheter is quickly heated, sealing up the diseased vein one section at a time. The body immediately diverts blood flow to other, healthy veins.
Much like radiofrequency ablation, endovenous laser treatment also introduces a thin, sterile catheter into the varicose vein. Using safe, targeted laser technology, the catheter is heated and the vein is sealed shut, diverting blood flow to the surrounding veins.
Both treatments have high success rates and are less invasive, less painful and require less recovery time than some other methods, such as vein stripping.
Dr. Marchand is proficient in both thermal ablation vein care solutions and he will work with you to find the best solution to suit your specific vein care needs.
A8B: The body reabsorbs the fibrous tissue of the former vein. In most cases, this tissue is indistinguishable from other bodily tissue after the former vein has healed completely.
A9: Arteries and veins are the network of blood pathways the heart uses to distribute blood and oxygen throughout the body. The heart pumps oxygen-rich blood to the body via the arteries, whereas oxygen-depleted blood returns to the heart via the veins.
A10: Insurance companies evaluate vein treatment coverage, like all treatments and procedures, based on medical necessity. Many insurance providers cover most or all of the costs of vein treatments provided by Veins Las Vegas, especially if conservative treatment has not alleviated pain and other symptoms of venous reflux.
Dr. Marchand will take the time to go over payment and insurance options with you, so your concerns and questions are addressed before treatment.