Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What’s the difference between spider veins and varicose veins? How can I tell which ones I have?
A. Actually, spider veins are a type of varicose vein. Spider veins are small, dilated blood vessels that appear blue and usually cluster together on the skin’s surface on the upper thigh, around the knee or on the ankles. In size, spider veins (known medically as telangiectasias) range between 0.5 and 1 millimeter. Varicose veins, which appear on your legs, are much larger and appear to bulge out from the skin’s surface. These unsightly, enlarged, sometimes twisted veins are often painful and ache.
Q. What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)?
A. Leaky, poorly functioning valves or other deficiencies inside your vein cause varicose and spider veins. This condition is called CVI. When valves do not function properly in pumping blood up to your heart the blood begins to flow backward. It accumulates or pools and causes increasing pressure. The vein walls become weak and dilated causing discomfort. It can also increase the risk of blood clots.
Q. Will my medical insurance cover treatment at your vein clinic?
A. In most cases, insurance does cover vein repair procedures. Our staff will work with you to determine if your insurance coverage applies to your vein treatments.
Q. Will I have to go to the hospital for the vein procedure?
A. No, you will not need to be hospitalized for your vein treatment. Your vein procedures will take place at the North Georgia Vein & Aesthetics, which is a medical facility devoted specifically to treating vein conditions. Our clinic’s Director and Chief Physician, Dr. Peter Wrobel, is highly skilled and trained in phlebology and vein care.
Q. I’ve had a vein treatment. Now the area around the entry site on my leg feels firm. Is this normal?
A. The area may feel firm because of swelling caused by the injections of fluid, or you may still have trapped blood in remaining veins. This firmness may last for several weeks and cause localized tenderness. Your body will absorb the fluid and these areas will soften.
Q. How much bleeding after a procedure is abnormal?
A. Bleeding after the procedure is very rare. You could see a small amount of bloody discharge at the site, but this is normal and nothing to worry about. You should elevate your leg and apply mild, direct pressure. However, the bleeding should not saturate the dressing applied to your leg. If, on that rare occasion, you do experience heavier bleeding, apply firm direct pressure over the site for about 15 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop, please call our office.
Q. After my procedure, my leg is bruised. Is this normal?
A. Some bruising is to be expected but the amount of bruising varies from individual to individual. You will usually notice the bruising the day after the procedure and, in most cases, the bruising is completely resolved in two weeks.
Q. How long will my leg stay numb after a procedure?
A. The local anesthetic injected into your leg along the vein usually wears off a few hours after your procedure.
Q. What are compression stockings and will I need to wear them?
A. Compression stockings are medical stockings often prescribed for patients to wear as part of the vein treatment. Studies show that wearing compression stockings can speed up the healing process. We offer a range of compression stockings for you to choose from.
Q. What happens to the blood if you remove my veins?
A. You have many veins in your legs. The blood that was poorly flowing through the diseased veins will be redirected through branching veins to nearby veins with good valves. Your legs will feel much better in a short period of time.
Q. What if I don’t have my vein problems fixed?
A. Varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency sufferers have an increased risk of blood clots, inflammation of the veins commonly called phlebitis and potentially life threatening pulmonary embolisms. Rashes, discoloring and scarring of the skin and wounds can result from untreated vein disorders.
Q. Do I need a referral?
A. No, you do not need a referral but we would like to keep your primary care doctor aware of our treatment.