Vein Procedures

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

Varicose veins are the most obvious symptom of vein disease, but not all symptoms are visible. Others include burning, cramping, fatigued or heavy legs, possible skin discoloration or even open sores.

Spider Veins – 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.

Varicose Veins – Our expert team will assess your veins through ultrasound mapping, revealing the shape and size of the veins in your legs and allowing our physicians to accurately locate the unhealthy veins for treatment. If vein disease is present, documentation will be sent to your insurance provider, and Charlotte Radiology will request maximum coverage for your upcoming procedures. EVLT is always performed first, and it’s generally covered by insurance, along with follow-up medical Sclerotherapy. If your ultrasound reveals no vein disease, you may still opt to move forward with cosmetic Sclerotherapy to treat your spider veins, which is a self-pay treatment option.

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.

EVLT: Prior to the procedure, you may request mild sedation medication to help you relax without putting you to sleep. You’ll remain awake and comfortable during the procedure. The area of the leg affected will be numbed with a local anesthetic before a small catheter is inserted. The physician will use a laser to close the impaired vein, naturally rerouting blood to surrounding healthy veins instead. After the procedure, we’ll help you put on compression hose, and you’ll be asked to walk on a treadmill for 15 minutes.

You must wear compression stockings for the first 24 hours to encourage healing and decrease swelling. After 24 hours, you may remove the stockings to sleep; however, they must be worn at all other times over the course of two weeks. You may resume normal activity after the procedure, but no heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for two weeks. If you experience any discomfort, you may take Tylenol or ibuprofen. Soreness generally disappears after 24 hours, although mild soreness may last 7-10 days.

For Sclerotherapy - 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.

For EVLT – Our vein services coordinator will help schedule appointments and obtain insurance approvals. Prior to EVLT, you will be required to purchase prescription-strength compression stockings (do this a week prior to ensure you have them in time!). Shower and wash your legs thoroughly on the day of the procedure. Do NOT apply lotion, cream or powder. Bring loose fitting pants to wear after the procedure. You must have a driver with you at check-in (he or she may leave during the procedure and return to pick you up).

SouthPark Vein Center
Lake Norman Vein Center

Sclerotherapy – 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.

EVLT – EVLT may be covered by insurance following a period of conservative therapy (compression stockings). Our vein services team will work with you to obtain any insurance approvals.

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.