FAQ

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are ropy, bulgy, bluish veins typically caused by leaky valves in the legs. The slow blood flow can lead to an inflamed area that becomes warm, red and painful (phlebitis).

Varicose veins can cause darkening of the skin, redness around the calf and shin areas, bleeding and leg swelling. Untreated veins can lead to leg ulcers and skin cancer in some cases.

I have spider veins. What procedure do I need?

It is important to determine if you have other symptoms, such as leg aches, pain, tiredness, restless legs, cramps, etc. If you have these symptoms, your treatment will focus on the source of the vein problem first, and then address the spider veins with sclerotherapy. Spider veins can be the initial presentation of an underlying medical condition.

What is the success rate of treatment?

It depends on the main vein problem, the size of the affected veins, your unique anatomy and which procedures are available to you. Spider vein treatments, when performed correctly and followed up in the clinic, should be permanent. This does not mean you will never develop spider veins elsewhere in the future. The success rate of our primary treatment method, the Venefit™ procedure, is 98% at one year.

What happens to my treated veins?

After treatment, the affected veins will not have blood flow. The body absorbs closed veins that have been isolated from circulation. This process takes time.

If you close my vein with Venefit™, how will my legs drain without that vein? Don’t I need it?

The faulty or leaky valves in your treated veins prevent or slow down the blood’s return to your heart for circulation. Closing an abnormal vein allows more blood to divert into the deep system and healthier veins. This allows for a more efficient circulation back to the heart. 95% of your leg circulation returns to the heart through the deep system of veins that we do not close.

Can closed veins return once they are treated?

Typically, veins that are closed do not return. The body will absorb abnormal or faulty veins over time. During your screening, you will be given treatment options and a long term follow up plan. The key is a solid diagnosis, proper treatment and a follow up schedule. This is a great way to detect any new or unresolved vein issues that may require intervention before the problem progresses.

I am planning an event after my treatment (wedding, vacation, etc.). Will my veins be gone by then?

Vein disappearance depends on the size of the treatment and length of available healing time. Dr. Altuwaijri will evaluate your vein problem, form a treatment plan and estimate the duration of recovery. Large varicose veins heal at a different rate than smaller spider veins.

How long will it take to see results?

When treatment is aimed at getting rid of symptoms, you should feel results between one week and one month after the procedure, depending on your disease, the degree of faulty valves, and what treatment is needed. Cosmetic results vary, depending on how extensively the abnormal veins have spread and how many treatments are required. This will be outlined in detail during your screening with OC VeinCare.

What restrictions will I have after a procedure? I do Zumba, yoga, pilates, etc.

In general, no restrictions will be necessary for average activity. Extreme, strenuous activities with the legs (for example, kickboxing, spinning class, or Cross-Fit) will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Once you are seen and evaluated, you will be advised of any activity restrictions.

Does it hurt?

The varicose vein procedure is performed with the use of a numbing medicine at all times. The feeling of a small ‘ant bite’ may occur depending on the procedure and area of treatment.

What solution do you use for spider vein removal?

We use an FDA approved solution that has been shown to have a high success rate. We do not use a salt water solution (saline), as it is inferior in treating varicose veins or spider veins. Once evaluated in follow up after your sclerotherapy (vein injection), if veins are closed, the likelihood of the same veins returning is very remote.

How many treatments do I need?

A full and thorough examination and diagnostic ultrasound is very important to map out your treatment plan. Treatment is customized and varies between individual patients.

I only have spider veins and no varicose veins, would the procedure work for me?

Treatment of spider veins is fairly straightforward. However, they may be a sign of an underlying medical condition like faulty valves. During your visit at OCVeinCare, Dr. Altuwaijri will diagnose your needs and offer the best treatment option for you. Although spider veins are cosmetic in nature, if you have symptoms of vein disease, they will need to be addressed first.

My Doctor told me to take potassium for my leg cramps. Could it be something else?

Leg cramps can be associated with a number of medical conditions. Vein disease is one of them. It is common to take supplements for leg cramps.

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