If you have been referred to a varicose vein specialist for vein treatment, click HERE to book an appointment to seek treatment with our incredible vein doctors at our vein center in NYC, or keep reading to learn about varicose vein treatments, their associated costs, and whether they will be covered by insurance.
Varicose veins are bulging blood vessels that are dark purple, green, blue, or red. They appear twisted and deformed, in contrast to healthy veins, which run in a reasonably straight line. They are more than three millimeters in diameter and are commonly found on the legs, inner thighs, buttocks, and lower pelvic regions.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a symptom of a larger issue, the most common of which is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). One-way valves in healthy veins allow blood to flow into the heart while preventing it from returning to the limbs. When vein valves in the legs begin to leak, gravity pulls blood back down, causing it to pool in veins in the lower limbs and resulting in chronic venous insufficiency. Because of fluid buildup, the venous system may be unable to transport blood to the heart, and pressure on the vein walls increases over time, resulting in the bulging varicose veins you may be noticing.
What are some common symptoms associated with varicose veins?
Symptoms of vein disease include:
- heaviness or pain in the legs, especially after a long day on your feet, caused by increased blood pooling
- Leg fatigue and edema in the foot or ankles, as well as leg cramps, are caused by a lack of circulation, which would normally transport away excess lactic acid produced by frequent muscle activity.
- Varicose and spider veins can be itchy, burning, or painful.
These symptoms are not typical of aging, and venous insufficiency and varicose veins can be treated at a vein clinic!
Varicose Vein Treatment
In almost all cases of vein disease, a vein doctor will recommend non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments because they are safer and easier for both the patient and the doctor at the vein center. VenaSeal, radiofrequency ablation, or varithena can be used to target the main saphenous veins that cause varicose veins and help blood flow back in the right direction towards the heart.
VenaSeal is a new FDA-approved vein adhesive that is used to close the saphenous vein in the leg, which is the source of varicose veins. The VenaSeal glue immediately seals off the diseased vein, and this seal will eventually block blood flow through that vein and reroute it through the healthy veins in your legs.
Radiofrequency ablation involves a local anesthetic administered before inserting a small catheter into the unhealthy vein using ultrasound imaging. The catheter uses thermal energy to close the damaged vein’s walls, redirecting blood flow through healthy veins.
Varithena is a sclerotherapy foam that is injected into a varicose vein to reduce the appearance and symptoms of the vein. Sclerotherapy is discussed further in the following section, but it works similarly to the first two treatments in that it seals off the damaged veins and then reroutes blood flow.
All of these treatments take less than a half-hour and are relatively painless. Because there is no anesthesia or recovery time required, you can go home or back to work immediately following the vein treatment clinic procedure.
Cost/Insurance
The cost of Radiofrequency Ablation, VenaSeal, and Varithena is heavily dependent on the number of veins treated and the severity of the veins. These treatments can cost thousands of dollars in some cases, but they are usually covered by medical insurance.
If a patient reports varicose veins and/or leg pain, a vein doctor will examine the saphenous veins for valve problems, which are the cause of blood flow in the wrong direction, also known as venous reflux. If the patient does have venous insufficiency, the vein doctor will make sure to ask if they are experiencing any symptoms that they did not report initially, so that insurance will cover treatment.
Meet the Vein Doctors!
Now that you know what varicose vein treatments are available and how much they could cost, let’s meet some of the vein physicians at our vein center in New York who will be a part of the team providing your care.
Dr. Juan Montoya is a Yale-trained, double-board-certified expert in venous medicine and cardiothoracic surgery. He speaks English and Spanish fluently and is well-versed in the most recent minimally invasive vein therapies for Chronic Venous Insufficiency.
Dr. Michael Nguyen is a triple board-certified vein specialist who was named Harvard Medical School’s “Mentor of the Year” and “Teacher of the Year.” He values sharing knowledge with his colleagues, and vein doctors frequently visit him to learn the most recent, cutting-edge techniques.
Dr. Sareh Rajaee is a vascular surgeon trained at Yale who specializes in vein and arterial disorders. Her success rate with spider vein and varicose vein treatment is astounding, but numbers aren’t her primary goal. She believes in providing holistic patient care and works hard to build relationships with her patients while advocating for their well-being.
When you make an appointment at our vein center in New York with one of our three vein doctors – Dr. Juan Montoya, Dr. Michael Nguyen, or Dr. Sarah Rajaee – you can be confident that you will receive the best possible care and experience. Check out the Vein Treatment Clinic location in New York City or Long Island for vein treatment today!
It’s important to find a vein doctor who is trained in minimally invasive procedures so that you can be sure that you are receiving the highest standard of vein care.Our vein center in NYC is accessible by both Grand Central Station and Penn Station and is close to major landmarks such as the Empire State Building. The Vein Treatment Clinic New York has physicians who are passionate about your well-being and who can consult with you to help you heal. If you are ready to finally get treatment for your vein disease, check out the Vein Treatment Clinic for vein treatment today!