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Varicose Veins

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Exactly how does a laser treat varicose veins?

A. Your veins carry blood from the capillaries to the heart. In your leg, this means the blood has to flow upward, against gravity. Consequently, these veins have one-way valves to prevent the blood from backflowing. Over time these valves can fail to close tightly, allowing blood to pool and causing the bulging and twisting characteristic of varicose veins.

Endovenous Laser Therapy, EVLT, fixes this problem at the source by delivering just the right wavelength of laser energy to just the right tissue, causing the incompetent vein to close. Your body automatically routes the blood to other healthy veins.

Q. What is the EVLT procedure like?

A. It takes about 45 minutes and requires just local anesthesia. Your IVS physician inserts a thin laser fiber into the vein through a sheath; then the laser light is emitted through the fiber. While you might feel some unfamiliar sensation, it is not painful. And it's all done in an outpatient setting in an IVS office.

Q. How long after the procedure until I see the results?

A. There may be some slight swelling right after the procedure, but you should start seeing the results immediately.

Q. How long should the results last?

A.You should experience no reoccurrence in the veins that have been treated. Follow-up procedures may be desired to obtain optimal aesthetic results.

Q. Will insurance cover my treatments?

A. Insurance will reimburse a high percentage of the treatment cost if there is a documented problem of venous insufficiency. If you have a medical problem and if you receive a positive result from a Doppler Duplex ultrasound scan, we can provide the diagnostic and procedure codes for pre-certification by your insurance company. It is important to note that each insurance company reimburses different amounts for these treatments. We will work with you to ensure you receive the most reimbursement possible.

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Will Insurance Cover My Procedure?

Insurance will reimburse a high percentage of the treatment cost if...
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