Vein FAQ
Vein Treatment FAQ
Straight answers to the questions patients ask most about veins, grouped by topic. Still unsure? Call (470) 742-1832 or book a vein consultation.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Roger Eduardo, MD, FASMBS, Board-Certified General Surgeon. Last reviewed August 2026.
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Vein disease & symptoms
- What causes varicose veins?
- Varicose veins develop when the one-way valves inside leg veins weaken or fail. Blood that should flow upward toward the heart pools backward, increasing pressure and causing veins to bulge. Risk factors include genetics, prolonged standing, pregnancy, obesity, and age. The underlying condition (venous reflux) is highly treatable with today's minimally invasive office procedures.
- What symptoms suggest I have venous reflux?
- Common symptoms include heavy, aching, or fatigued legs (especially after standing); visible varicose veins or spider veins; leg or ankle swelling by the end of the day; itching or burning over vein areas; leg cramps at night; skin discoloration around the ankles; and restless legs. Many patients are surprised to learn that even painful 'invisible' veins can be the result of venous reflux.
- What happens if venous reflux is left untreated?
- Untreated venous reflux is a progressive condition. Over time it can worsen from mild varicose veins to chronic leg swelling, skin discoloration, hardening of the skin, and ultimately venous ulcers, open wounds near the ankle that are difficult to heal. Early treatment prevents these complications and provides significant quality-of-life improvement.
02
Treatments
- What is the difference between radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and VenaSeal?
- Both close the faulty saphenous vein so blood reroutes through healthy vessels. RFA uses heat delivered via a catheter to seal the vein wall, it requires local tumescent anesthesia and compression stockings for 1–2 weeks post-procedure. VenaSeal uses a medical-grade adhesive with no heat, no tumescent anesthesia, and typically no compression stockings required afterward. VenaSeal tends to be more comfortable; RFA has a longer track record.
- What is sclerotherapy, and is it right for me?
- Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution directly into spider veins or small varicose branches, causing them to collapse and gradually fade. It is ideal for cosmetic spider veins and small reticular veins that are not caused by significant underlying reflux. Sessions take 20–30 minutes and require no downtime.
- What's the difference between VenaSeal and Varithena?
- Both are non-thermal, they close veins without heat. VenaSeal delivers a medical adhesive through a catheter to seal a relatively straight saphenous vein. Varithena is a polidocanol microfoam injected into the vein, which makes it especially useful for twisting, tortuous veins a catheter can't easily navigate. Dr. Eduardo selects between them based on your vein anatomy on ultrasound.
- What treatments does Omnia Health use to close a vein?
- Dr. Eduardo offers radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as the thermal, catheter-based option to close a refluxing vein, plus non-thermal options (VenaSeal and Varithena), sclerotherapy, and microphlebectomy. The right approach for your anatomy is chosen after your duplex ultrasound.
03
Procedure, pain & recovery
- Are vein procedures painful?
- Vein procedures are performed under local anesthesia and are generally well-tolerated. Patients often describe a feeling of pressure or mild warmth during the procedure. Post-procedure discomfort is typically mild (manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers) and resolves within a few days.
- When can I return to normal activities after vein treatment?
- Most patients walk out of the office and return to light activities the same day. We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for the first 1–2 weeks. Walking is actively encouraged starting immediately after treatment.
- How many treatment sessions will I need?
- Most patients with isolated great saphenous vein reflux can be treated in one to two sessions. Patients with multiple affected veins or significant spider veins may need additional sclerotherapy sessions spaced 4–8 weeks apart. Your treatment plan will be outlined after your duplex ultrasound evaluation.
04
Results & longevity
- Will my varicose veins come back after treatment?
- A vein that is successfully closed or removed does not usually come back, though a small number of treated veins reopen over time, which is why we follow you with ultrasound. Because venous reflux is a chronic condition, new veins can develop over time, particularly if underlying risk factors (excess weight, prolonged standing, family history) are not addressed. Annual surveillance ultrasound helps detect any new reflux early.
- How soon will I feel relief after vein treatment?
- Many patients notice that heaviness and aching begin to ease within the first couple of weeks as pressure in the leg drops. Swelling and skin changes improve more gradually over weeks to months. Cosmetic improvement of treated surface and spider veins also develops over several weeks as the veins are reabsorbed. Individual results vary.
05
Cost & insurance
- Is vein treatment covered by insurance?
- When venous reflux is documented by ultrasound and you have medically significant symptoms (pain, swelling, skin changes), treatment is typically covered by most major insurance plans and Medicare. Cosmetic-only spider vein treatment (sclerotherapy) is generally not covered. Our team performs thorough insurance verification and pre-authorization before your procedure.
- Why isn't cosmetic spider vein treatment covered?
- Insurance covers treatment that is medically necessary, addressing reflux that causes symptoms like pain, swelling, or skin changes, documented by ultrasound. Spider veins that are purely a cosmetic concern, without medical symptoms, don't meet that standard, so they're generally self-pay. If your spider veins are fed by underlying reflux, treating that reflux may be covered. We separate covered from cosmetic clearly, up front.
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