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Spider Veins

While spider veins are generally cosmetic in nature, they can do a lot of damage to a person’s self-image and can also be a sign of deeper vein disease. They appear as thin red or blue jagged lines, offering covering large areas of the legs and even face.

Treatment

Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is the most common form of treatment for non-painful varicose and spider veins. Charlotte Radiology offers both medical Sclerotherapy (performed by one of our subspecialized physicians) and cosmetic Sclerotherapy (performed by one of our registered nurses).

Medical Sclerotherapy is generally covered by insurance and is performed as a follow-up to EVLT to treat diseased superficial veins that are linked to previously treated varicose veins.

Cosmetic Sclerotherapy is the purely cosmetic treatment of spider veins. In both cases, multiple treatment sessions are generally needed to achieve desired results.

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FAQ

What are the symptoms? Expand

Spider veins usually bring no pain or discomfort. Visual symptoms include bluish lines beneath the skin’s surface, resembling spider webs or tree branches.

How are spider veins diagnosed? Expand

Since non-painful varicose veins can often appear as spider veins, our team will assess your veins through ultrasound mapping first, revealing the shape and size of the veins in your legs and allowing our physicians to accurately locate the unhealthy veins for treatment. If your ultrasound reveals no vein disease, then we’ll treat your spider veins cosmetically through cosmetic Sclerotherapy. If vein disease is present, EVLT is the standard of care to treat the underlying problem. We’ll send documentation to your insurance provider and request maximum coverage for your upcoming procedures. EVLT is generally covered by insurance, along with follow-up medical Sclerotherapy.

What should I expect? Expand

Sclerotherapy is performed in one of our Vein Centers. Patients remain awake, and no anesthetic is necessary – there is minimal discomfort during the procedure. You’ll be able to drive and resume regular activities after the treatment. Medical compression stockings will be applied post-procedure and must be worn for about a week. Patients are encouraged to walk immediately following the treatment to encourage blood flow. Side effects include hard, knotty areas, along with tenderness, bruising and swelling. You can immediately resume normal daily activities, but avoid sun exposure, heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, etc. for 3 days.

How do I prepare? Expand

Please let us know if you are taking antibiotics 7-10 days before or after sclerotherapy, or if you take aspirin daily. Prior to the procedure, you will be required to purchase prescription-strength compression stockings (do this a week prior to ensure you have them in time!). Shower using antibacterial soap on the day of your procedure. Do not shave your legs the day of the treatment or apply lotion, cream or oils to your legs. Eat a light meal or drink juice one hour before the procedure. For your comfort, you may bring a pair of shorts to wear during the procedure. Please arrive 15 minutes early.

What locations offer Sclerotherapy? Expand
  • SouthPark Vein Center
Is it covered by insurance? Expand

While medical Sclerotherapy is generally covered by insurance as a follow-up treatment to EVLT, cosmetic Sclerotherapy is a cosmetic procedure that is not covered. Patients assume responsibility for out-of-pocket expenses.

What can I expect in terms of billing? Expand

If submitting your vein treatment through insurance, your insurance card must be presented at your appointment, and any payment due is expected at the time of service.

Estimates for services are provided ahead of time, and patient financing options are available. Charlotte Radiology will verify insurance coverage and benefits; however, specific questions regarding your individual policy and coverage should be directed to your insurance carrier, as insurance plans and benefits vary widely.

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