Prior to any procedures, Dr. Simons and the Kentucky Vein Care staff will be on hand to consult with you and answer any questions you have.  We noticed some questions being asked often and we've given you the answers here in an easy Frequently Asked Question section.

We encourage you to contact Kentucky Vein Care and schedule a consultation to get more in depth answers to these questions and any others you may have.


 When is the best time to get treated?

It is important to remember that treatment of spider and varicose veins takes time.  Although many people do not pay attention to their legs until the summertime, the fall and winter is often the best time of year to get treatment to get your legs picture perfect for summer.

How many treatments will I need?

Each patient has individual needs that can be determined during the consultation.  Normally, with a CTEV procedure, only one treatment per major vein is needed.  If several veins are documented as insufficient, more treatment sessions will be necessary to correct the problem. Sclerotherapy normally requires 2-3 treatment sessions.  IPL may require 4-6 treatment sessions.

Can I treat both legs in one CTEV session?

Although it is possible to treat both legs in a single session, it is generally not recommended.

Why do I have to wear compression stockings?

Compression hose are regarded by many vein specialists as an important tool in the treatment of venous disease.  Compression hose have been proven effective at easing many of the symptoms associated with venous disease.  They are also necessary after a procedure is performed, such as sclerotherapy or CTEV.  Furthermore, many insurance companies require a period of Class II Compression before a procedure can be performed.  Graduate compression prevents blood from pooling in the leg veins, thereby helping overall circulation.  Compression is greatest at the ankle, gradually decreasing up the leg.

Will my veins disappear immediately?

With a sclerotherapy injection, it takes approximately 6-8 weeks for the veins to disappear and the bruising to fade.  With a CTEV procedure, results can vary.  Symptoms will decrease significantly within the first 2 weeks, and there is no bruising associated with the procedure.

Will my veins come back?

Although we may treat the problem veins, we cannot treat your predisposition to develop varicose or spider veins, so new veins may appear in the same or other areas.  Often, a touch-up ever few years is sufficient for continued optimum cosmetic results.

What causes venous insufficiency?

Vein problems occur when valves in the veins become weak or malfunction.  Because the valves prevent blood from flowing in the wrong direction (reflux) do not work well, blood pools in the veins. Valves can become abnormal or incompetent for a variety of reasons including:

Trauma
Pregnancy
Weight gain
Hereditary factors
Obesity
Birth control pills
Hormone replacement therapies
Lack of exercise
Prolonged periods of sitting or standing
Aging

Will my insurance cover this?

Most insurances will cover laser ablation if venous insufficiency is found, although many require a period of time where the patient wears compression hose.
Sclerotherapy is deemed by many insurances as a cosmetic procedure and not often covered. However, upon request, we can find out if your insurance policy covers your sclerotherapy treatment.