How to Protect Yourself: Varicose Vein Treatments

How to Protect Yourself: Varicose Vein Treatments

Every year thousands of women and men consider getting treatment for varicose veins and spider veins. Advertisements for treating venous disease often acclaim “unique,” “permanent” or “painless” treatments, making it extremely difficult to decide on the best treatment. Below is some information that may help. But remember, there is no substitute for consulting with a properly-trained physician.

What are varicose veins?

Veins become enlarged with pools of blood when they fail to circulate blood properly. These visible bulging veins – varicose veins – are most common in the legs and thighs and in severe cases may rupture or form open ulcers on the skin.

What are spider veins?

Small spider veins can appear on the skin's surface and may look like a "starburst" or web-like formation. They are most common in the thighs, ankles, feet and face.

Is treatment always necessary?

No, varicose and spider veins may be a cosmetic problem. However, in some cases, they can cause severe pain and treatment would likely be recommended by your doctor.

Be wary of unsubstantiated claims.

Claims extolling “major breakthroughs,” “permanent results,” or other treatment claims should have documentation supporting them. Ask for the specific documentation and proof of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of any treatment options. For more information on FDA-approved treatments, you may call the FDA’s toll-free hotline at 1-888-INFO-FDA or visit www.fda.gov.

What are the available procedures?

Surgery and sclerotherapy are most commonly used to eliminate problem varicose veins. Spider veins can also be treated with sclerotherapy. Your doctor should recommend a particular treatment based upon the diagnosis made and your personal history.

What types of doctors treat varicose and spider veins?

Surgery is generally performed by general and vascular surgeons. Sclerotherapy is often performed by dermatologists, as well as some general, vascular and plastic surgeons.

Question your doctor.

Carefully question your doctor about the various procedures available to you, safety and side effects for each type of treatment, and the amount of pain and scarring you might experience. Scrutinize any consent form given to you by your doctor and ask questions about its content. Make sure you understand exactly how much the procedure you choose will cost. Check to see if the procedure is covered under your medical insurance. Remember to ask your doctor how long the results will last. Will the veins come back? What are the recurrence rates for the procedure you choose?

Get a second opinion.

You may want to consult more than one doctor before deciding on a method of treatment. Be sure to ask doctors about their level of experience regarding the particular procedures you are considering. Check with your local hospital to see if they have a physician referral service, which will give you detailed information about doctors. To check the doctor or surgeon’s licensing status call the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration at 1-888-419-3456 or the Florida Board of Medicine at (850) 488-0595.

File a complaint.

If you have a complaint that cannot be resolved with your doctor, file a complaint with the Agency for Healthcare Administration online at www.ahca.myflorida.com or by phone at 1-888-419-3456. Additionally, you may file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office online at www.myfloridalegal.com or by phone at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.

You may also file a complaint with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which acts as the State's consumer complaint clearinghouse, at www.floridaconsumerhelp.com.