Virginia Skin & Vein - Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dr. Smith a member of the American College of Phlebology?

Yes. This organization is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of vein disorders, especially cosmetic treatments designed to treat vein conditions. Make sure that you check out Dr. Martin Smith's credentials before your visit.

Five years ago I had a vein stripping performed on both legs. Now the veins are back. Why? What do I do now?

Unfortunately, vein stripping may not treat the source of all of your varicose veins. There can still be venous reflux in other parts of your saphenous system which were not affected by the stripping. That is why here, at Virginia Skin & Vein, we feel that the EVLA process, although relatively new compared to stripping, may in fact be a more permanent solution.

Will insurance pay for my treatment at Virginia Skin & Vein?

Yes. Insurance will often reimburse 80-100% of the treatment cost when it is done in our Roanoke Vein Center. If you have a correctable problem which can be documented by a Doppler Duplex exam and meet your carriers criteria, Virginia Skin & Vein will provide the diagnostic and procedure codes for pre-certification by your insurance company. You will be able to find out in advance how much your insurance company will pay and what your portion will be. Nearly everyone with painful bulging veins meet the standard for reimbursement but if your problem is considered cosmetic with no pathology, insurance will not pay.

I've been told that I need vein striping to treat the large varicose veins in my lower legs. Is this what you would recommend?

To find the best treatment for you, you should come in for an initial evaluation and then if needed, a Doppler Duplex Ultrasound Scan. As for vein stripping, EVLA is extremely effective in eliminating unhealthy veins with little to no discomfort or downtime. As of this writing, it has better overall results than Closure® and is more popular.

What can I do to prevent varicose veins?

While you cannot entirely prevent varicose veins, there are quite a few ways to improve your vein health. Compression hose may help to improve circulation by preventing blood from pooling in the leg veins. Factors that contribute to the formation of varicose veins are: pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, professions which require prolonged standing or sitting, obesity, lack of exercise and increasing age.

Do you have consultations to determine what procedures are needed?

Yes, this is the first step to designing a treatment plan that is right for you. During your initial visit to Dr. Smith, the affected areas will be examined to determine if a Doppler Duplex Ultrasound will be necessary. Once the appropriate treatments have been determined, we will review the costs and other relevant details with you to ensure that you are fully informed.

Why do I need to have an ultrasound scan?

The first step in finding the right treatment for damaged veins is identifying the source. A Doppler Duplex Ultrasound Scan provides a visual window, revealing the diseased, refluxing veins beneath the skin's surface. With this diagnostic capability, we can pinpoint the exact cause of varicose veins and customize a treatment plan for each individual patient and each damaged vein.

If I've had my veins treated, how often should I come in for a follow-up?

We recommend regular follow-up visits because vein disease is progressive, and there is no cure. However, there are ways to minimize the symptoms and increase your overall health by reducing the number of varicose veins in your legs. Call Virginia Skin & Vein office to schedule your follow-up scans.

Is the use of hot tubs good for my veins?

NO. Exposure to heat causes veins to dilate and become larger. In order to maintain venous function, vein size needs to remain consistent.

Do I have to wear compression hose?

You don't have to, and many of you won't, but regular use of compression hose is regarded by vein specialists as one of the most important advances in the treatment of venous disease. Many patients benefit from using hose while some do not; therefore it is an individual assessment.

Where do spider veins come from?

Many times a patient will have inherited the disorder but in some cases, spider veins may be triggered by pregnancy, hormonal variations or minor trauma. Some patients complain of symptoms like itching, burning or stinging, restless legs or minor aches and pains. Although surface veins are mainly a cosmetic problem, they can also be an indication of more serious vein disease deep below the surface.