The desire to be healthy on the inside as well as the outside is a common one. For both men and women, maintaining smooth, healthy, younger-looking skin for as long as possible is important. Unfortunately, far too often, underlying venous insufficiencies can affect not only internal health but the exterior appearance of skin as well. Those individuals that suffer from venous insufficiencies will commonly see the condition develop as varicose veins. These large, swollen veins often show up as twisted rope-like protrusions underneath the skin. Even more distressing to those who suffer from this condition is the fact that often times, varicose veins are associated with a collection of painful symptoms including swelling, bruising, and discoloration. Fortunately, varicose veins aren’t something that must simply be endured. Advances in modern cosmetic technologies mean that patients now enjoy a variety of options when it comes to the treatment of varicose veins.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Veins, as a network, move blood throughout the body and are responsible for returning it to the heart once more. Veins are equipped with a series of valves that help promote this healthy blood flow pattern and keep blood moving the right direction despite the pull of gravity. Individuals that suffer from venous insufficiencies are often plagued by a malfunctioning venous valve that is allowing blood to flow in the wrong direction. As this happens, blood begins to pool in the veins causing pressure and ultimately, swelling.
Treatment Options
In the world of modern cosmetic treatments, many patients and physicians alike are finding Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) to be a highly successful, safe, and efficient route to diminishing and even eliminating varicose veins. This minimally invasive procedure is often recommended after a formal diagnosis of venous insufficiency has been made. Patients who undergo this treatment are often thrilled to learn that it can be done in as quickly as an hour in the comfort of the attending physician’s office. Once the treatment area has been clearly marked, the patient will receive an injection of local anesthetic for maximum comfort throughout the procedure. When the treatment site is numb, the physician will insert a small needle and probe into the treatment area in order to reach the problematic vein or veins. Once the area that requires treatment is reached, the probe will send out a precise current of radiofrequency energy that works to heat and close the vein. Once the vein is sealed, it will ultimately collapse and be reabsorbed back into the body naturally. As this happens, blood is re-directed out towards healthy veins and many of the cosmetic symptoms associated with the former varicose vein begin to fade.
The Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation
The exclusive use of a local anesthetic during RFA means that patients can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing there are no general anesthesia risks involved. Similarly, because the injection site is less than the size of the tip of a pencil, patients don’t have to worry about the potential for infection or care for stitches post-treatment. Overall, RFA is a highly effective and painless alternative to the vein stripping procedure that was often turned to in the past. Because RFA is so effective and safe, many patients looking to also rid themselves of smaller surface-level spider veins feel comfortable combining this procedure with sclerotherapy to remove vein webs across the legs and face too.
Understanding Insurance Coverage for RFA
While many insurance carriers will cover the cost of procedures related to venous insufficiencies, it’s important that prospective patients check with their individual providers prior to undergoing RFA to understand what may or may not be covered. In the event that insurance isn’t available or only provides minimal coverage, the team at the St. Louis Laser Vein Center is always on-hand to provide insight into the many in-clinic financing and payment plan options available to patients. This is particularly helpful to those patients who are looking to treat more severe cases of varicose veins and may require multiple treatment sessions in order to achieve the desired results.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
At the St. Louis Laser Vein Center, Dr. Wright and his team always take a comprehensive approach to patient care and are committed to creating customized treatment plans. In order to do that, we encourage prospective first-time patients to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Wright in order to go over our many treatment options, ask questions, review health portfolios, and voice concerns. If you’re interested in learning more about additional services available at our clinic, feel free to contact us today! We’re excited to begin a journey to change alongside our patients and are here to help you decide if RFA just might be the right treatment option to take your health to the next level of excellence.
