12502 Willowbrook Road
Suite 580
Cumberland, MD 21502
240-964-1046
Vein Disease FAQ
Still have questions? Our FAQ
section provides information on vein disease, vein treatment, and
insurance coverage.
Varicose veins, often mischaracterized as a cosmetic problem are actually a sign of an underlying disorder of the circulatory system called venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency, the cause of varicose and spider veins, affects nearly 30 million Americans. Rapid advances in laser technology now allow outpatient treatment of this condition.
The good news is that we can help treat your venous insufficiency!
- Ultrasound assessment of the leg veins
- Laser ablation of varicose veins
- Chemical sclerotherapy of varicose and spider veins
Procedures are quick, relatively painless, and require little to no down time. Treatment of venous insufficiency is covered by many insurance plans.
Healthy veins contain valves that open and close to assist the return of blood to the heart. Veins can become dilated when the valves that control blood flow become damaged or diseased, causing blood to pool in the legs. This results in inefficient blood flow back to the heart.
Varicose veins are often raised above the skin on legs and can resemble twisted, bulging cords. Left untreated, they can progress to a more serious form of venous disease called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Increased pressure leads to further damage of additional veins. CVI can cause swelling and achiness even without varicose veins.
Common Signs and Symptoms
- Heaviness, swelling, fatigue
- Aching, cramping, or leg pain
- Varicose veins or spider veins
- Skin changes or rashes
- Ulcers, open wounds, or sores
Treatment Options
EVLT
Endovascular Venous Laser Ablation, or the EVLT Procedure uses targeted laser energy to seal veins shut. Ultrasound will be used to map our your veins and a thin laser fiber is inserted through a tiny entry point, usually near the knee.
EVLT includes:
- Treatment in less than an hour
- No hospital stay – performed as an outpatient procedure at Sculpt
- No general anesthesia
- Immediate relief of symptoms
- Minimal to no scarring
- Short recovery
- Minimal to no side-effects
- There may be minor soreness or temporary bruising, but can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers as necessary.
Sclerotherapy
One of the most prevalent treatments for spider veins and varicose veins is sclerotherapy. During treatment, a sclerosing agent is injected into the vein through a tiny needle. Upon injection, the solution replaces the blood in the vein, generating irritation and corrosion to the walls of the vessel. The body then initiates a natural healing process and the unsightly veins begin to decompose, shrink and eventually disappear. Treatment can last from 15 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on the number of veins treated in a particular session. Several treatments may be required to achieve the optimum result. In some cases, as few as 2-3 treatments will fulfill the desired outcome.
Dr. Pappas will conduct an initial consult that includes medical history, a physical exam, and an evaluation of the circulation in the legs prior to any treatment. Based on the consult, the most effective treatment options will be discussed.
Disclaimer: In accordance with the FTC Guidelines concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, all patient testimonials or endorsements of services and treatment offered at Western Maryland Vascular Institute reflect the personal experiences of those individuals who have expressed their personal opinions and their experiences may not be representative of every patient’s treatment. Western Maryland Vascular Institute does not claim that these testimonials reflect the typical experience and results of every patient.