Take Control of Your Varicose Veins

Look and feel better fast with EVLT laser varicose vein treatment

When you feel that throbbing sensation and see the blue twisted protrusions on your legs, you know you can’t afford to put off vein treatment any longer. So what should you do next? It’s important to know that you can take control of your vein care, and treatment does not have to be long or painful. In less than an hour, you can be free from bulging, twisted varicose veins and get back to enjoying your everyday activities.

The EVLT System uses targeted laser energy to seal varicose veins shut with a safe, fast and effective procedure. EVLT Laser Varicose Vein Treatment eliminates unsightly varicose veins with no hospital stay, minimal-to-no scarring, no lengthy recovery and minimal-to-no side effects.

Leg veins screenings available

We are currently offering leg vein screenings to check for the signs of chronic venous insufficiency, which is often associated with varicose veins. Call 205-980-1744 today to schedule your appointment at Hedden & Gunn Plastic Surgery in Birmingham. Our vein specialists will assess your symptoms and offer treatment options that best meet your needs.

Why do women get varicose veins more often?

We all know that varicose veins (enlarged veins that often look like twisted and bulging cords, typically caused by weak or damaged valves in the veins) can be unsightly and painful. They can affect both women and men, but they tend to affect a great number of women. Why? There are many factors that increase a person’s chances of developing varicose or spider veins, such as age, medical and family history, obesity and sun exposure, to name a few.

In addition to those general factors, there are two female specific factors that can play a role:

• Hormonal changes – These occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Taking birth control pills and other medications containing estrogen and progesterone also may contribute to the formation of varicose or spider veins.
• Pregnancy – During pregnancy, there is an increase in the amount of blood in the body that can cause veins to enlarge. The growing uterus also puts pressure on the veins. Varicose veins usually improve within 3 months after delivery. More varicose and spider veins usually appear with each additional pregnancy.

Is EVLT covered by insurance?

The EVLT procedure for varicose veins is often covered when performed for medical reasons. For varicose veins to qualify as a medical reason, patients must demonstrate symptomatic venous reflux disease that may include the following:

• Pain, swelling, leg cramps, ulcers, bleeding from varicosities.
• Presence of reflux on ultrasound scan.

Insurance carriers typically require a 3- to 6-month period of conservative therapy (compression, elevation of legs, possibly weight loss) before providing coverage for EVLT. Always check with your insurance company to determine which treatment options are covered under your plan.

What can I do to help prevent varicose veins?

There are steps that you can take to help reduce your chances of getting varicose veins, but it is important to know that sometimes varicose veins cannot be avoided. There are certain risk factors regardless of preventative measures, and knowing that varicose veins can be an indication of more serious vein disease is something to keep in mind.

Here is a list of actions you can take to reduce your risk and help lessen the pain of current varicose veins:

• Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. Make sure to move around as often as possible and shift your weight on a regular basis.
• Raise your legs when sitting to help with blood flow.
• Exercise on a regular basis to maintain better circulation and strengthen your veins.
• Reduce excess weight. Excess weight increases the pressure on your legs and makes it more difficult to move the blood from your legs to your heart.
• Wear compression stockings to help improve circulation.