- What are varicose veins?
- What are spider veins?
- Are varicose and spider veins a threat to my health?
- What is a typical consultation with Dr. Whiddon like?
- Does insurance cover my treatments?
- Where is the treatment done?
- Are the treatments and surgeries painful?
- Am I awake during the procedures?
- What is the downtime for treatments and procedures?
- Is there a treatment to rid me of the small veins on my face and nose?
Q: What are varicose veins?
A: Varicose veins are enlarged and dilated veins that often have a tortuous or corkscrew appearance. They are typically found on the legs, feet, and pubic area. Varicose veins are caused by incompetency of the valves in the dilated veins. Symptoms that are attributed to varicose veins include fatigue, heaviness of the legs, aching in the limb, skin changes, and open sores or venous ulcers.
Q: What are spider veins?
A: Spider veins or telangiectasias are small, dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin. They frequently have a webbing or network appearance and can be found primarily on the legs and face, but can be found on other parts of the body as well.
Q: Are varicose and spider veins a threat to my health?
A: Varicose veins indicate that there is high pressure in the veins. This is called venous insufficiency or venous hypertension. Aside from the typical symptoms of swelling, aching, and fatigue, venous hypertension of a long duration may result in damage to the deep veins and to the overlying skin. Blood clots may occur, and skin changes may result in dermatitis, pigment or color changes, a waxy unhealthy appearance of the skin, and venous skin ulcers.
Spider veins are usually treated for cosmetic reasons, but these small surface veins may cause symptoms. They may indicate high venous pressure in the superficial venous system. A duplex ultrasound examination may be indicated to ascertain the competency of the superficial and deep venous systems.
Q: What is a typical consultation with Dr. Whiddon like?
A: During your first visit to Dallas Vein Specialists you will be seen and evaluated by Dr. Whiddon. If indicated, an ultrasound examination will be performed. The combination of the history of the clinical problem, the physician’s examination, and the ultrasound study findings will provide a complete assessment of your vein problem. Dr. Whiddon will explain the findings and their significance to you and offer recommendations for treatment if needed. The alternatives and the risks of any procedure will be explained as well. Questions will be answered. DVS wants you to be fully informed and to be comfortable knowing that your best possible clinical result is our desire.
Dr. Whiddon has had favorable reception to his presentations to groups of patients in a relaxed and informal setting. During these sessions the causes, clinical presentations, abnormal physiology, and treatment measures and results are explained. Questions from patients are welcomed. Audio visual aids and an old fashioned blackboard are used to illustrate various points. These talks usually precede individual patient evaluations and examinations.
Q: Does insurance cover my treatments?
A: Coverage depends on your individual benefits package that was arranged when you enrolled in your policy. Our staff at Dallas Vein Specialists will verify and pre-certify coverage for treatments. We will give thorough explanation of what portion insurance will cover and what portion is patient responsibility.
Q: Where is the treatment done?
A: All treatments are done in our Dallas Vein Specialists office. There is no over night stay, no hospital fees, and easily accessible and free parking. Depending on the treatments, some patients may return to work right after their visit.
Q: Are the treatments and surgeries painful?
A: Varicose vein treatments are all minimally invasive procedures that can be done with our without sedation. At Dallas Vein Specialists we try to make each procedure as pain-free as possible.
Q: Am I awake during the procedures?
A: We want your procedure to be as painless as possible while not impairing functioning after the procedure with residual effects from heavy sedation or anesthesia. LOCAL ANESTHESIA is always used for the varicose vein procedures. Depending on the extent of vein involvement injection of local anesthesia may cause some pain and discomfort. To avoid this we offer mild ORAL SEDATION and/or INHALATION CONSCIOUS ANESTHESIA of nitrous oxide and oxygen gases delivered by a nasal mask. This, in conjunction with local anesthesia, makes the procedure essentially pain free. Nitrous oxide works quickly causing relaxation and anesthesia. After the administration of the nitrous oxide is discontinued, it is rapidly cleared from the body. There are no residual effects, and patients who receive local anesthesia and nitrous oxide/oxygen gas may leave the office and safely drive home. If oral sedation is also administered, driving is not permitted on the day of the procedure.
Q: What is the downtime for treatments and procedures?
A: For any surgical procedure, we do recommend taking that day off of work and using that time to relax. For the first week after the surgical procedure we advise no vigorous activity and avoidance of heavy lifting and workouts. Many patients return to work that next day and resume the majority of their normal activities: driving, walking, working, and household tasks. We ask that you avoid aerobic activities for the first week post-op and limit any workout regimen to light toning weights and walking.
For sclerotherapy, the injection of spider veins or other superficial veins, you may return to work and normal activities immediately after treatment. Avoid vigorous workouts for the first few days and plan to wear compression stocking during 10 days to two weeks after treatments.
Q: Is there a treatment to rid me of the small veins on my face and nose?
A: Treatment is now available for the cosmetically undesirable thin hair-like veins of the face and nose using VeinGogh technology. At Dallas Vein Specialists we are glad to be the first vein practice in the Dallas area to offer this fast, safe and almost painless procedure, which results in the disappearance of these small veins of the face, nose, or legs that have shown resistance to normal sclerotherapy or treatment with skin lasers or intense pulsed light.
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