All You Need to Know About the Vein Ablation Procedure

During vein ablation, varicose veins are closed off and blood flow is directed to healthier veins. Even though varicose veins are generally cosmetic, they can cause pain in some cases. It is also possible for them to cause blood clots, infections, and rashes if left untreated. When your veins are not able to carry blood back to the heart, you suffer from venous insufficiency.

CVI can cause inflammation, leg ulcers, and internal tissue damage if left untreated. Vein ablation is one of the most effective and minimally invasive procedures for treating varicose veins and CVI.

After vein ablation treatment, most of your normal activities can be resumed, but you must avoid prolonged sitting and strenuous exercise for one to two weeks. During varicose vein treatment (vein ablation), your vein doctor may prescribe over-the-counter medications to ease pain and discomfort.

You will receive specific instructions on how to take care of yourself before you leave the office. Your physician will ask you to leave the medical dressing on the treated area for the period of time prescribed. The anesthetic wears off a few hours after a vein ablation procedure. During this process, you may feel mildly sore or have some other minor discomfort. This problem is usually resolved by over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen.

Baths, swimming pools, and similar activities should be avoided until after vein ablation has fully healed. It is important to prevent infection by doing this. For at least three days, your vein specialist will recommend wearing compression stockings. The purpose of this step is to promote proper blood flow, minimize bruising, and prevent blood clots after vein ablation.

For the first 24 hours after surgery, patients are encouraged to walk ten minutes every hour while awake. The act of walking assists in preventing blood clots. The majority of normal activities, including light jogging, are fine. The first week after the procedure, do not lift anything heavier than 30 pounds.

Almost 100 percent of the time, ablation is successful in closing abnormal target veins, but small, dilated branches often need additional treatment. Phlebectomy and sclerotherapy are some of these treatments. The doctor will usually schedule follow-up treatments after an ablation procedure, but phlebectomy may be performed in conjunction with endovenous ablation when necessary.

Within a few days of your treatment, your vein doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure everything is healing properly. Until then, your vein specialist wants to hear from you if you experience anything unusual. Call the office right away if you notice excessive bleeding, swelling, or pain. Occasionally, blood clots can cause deep vein thrombosis. Care must be provided immediately in this urgent situation.

Many people dismiss varicose veins and spider veins as cosmetic problems. Varicose veins, however, can be a severe condition that threatens your circulatory system if you suffer from their side effects and symptoms. As a result, vein ablation is often at least partially covered in cost by insurance companies.

As long as the removal of varicose and spider veins is deemed “medically necessary” rather than cosmetic, most health insurance plans will cover the treatment. Symptoms such as swollen and painful veins indicate medical necessity.

You can encourage blood flow to the affected area by wearing thigh-high compression stockings, but varicose veins remain until they are treated properly. Before providing coverage for varicose vein treatments, most insurance companies will review the results of a venous ultrasound. Speak with staff at Cardiovascular Medical Associates about coverage options for vein ablation procedures.

Vein ablation procedures are available at Cardiovascular Medical Associates. For more information, call us. We serve patients from Downey CA, Norwalk CA, Lynwood CA, Cerritos CA, Lakewood CA, Whittier CA and surrounding areas.