When Your Spider Vein Treatment Becomes a Medical Journey
So you decided to treat your spider veins and headed to a vein clinic. You’re ready for a simple cosmetic procedure, but after your consultation, the doctor gives you some unexpected news: you have Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) in your trunk superficial veins—specifically, the Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) and Small Saphenous Vein (SSV).
This isn't a rare situation; it happens to 5-10% of our patients. CVI is incredibly common, affecting half the general population. However, it only becomes a medical issue—and one covered by insurance—if the symptoms are significant enough to impact your daily life.
"Can we just get rid of the spider veins anyway?"
That’s a fair question. The answer is yes, we can. But it wouldn't be doing you any favors. If the underlying issue (the reflux from your trunk veins) isn't addressed, cosmetic sclerotherapy is ineffective. It's a waste of your time, money, and suffering.
Here’s the path forward:
1. Create a "Leg Diary": Many people have symptoms for so long that they believe they're normal. Do you constantly scratch an itchy spot over a vein, thinking it’s just eczema? Do you chalk up ankle swelling or leg pain to "just getting older"? Are night leg cramps something you blame on your posture or mattress? Write it all down. These are often signs of CVI.
2. Wear Compression Stockings: This is a simple trial. Put on medical-grade compression stockings daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you feel more energetic and less tired in the afternoon, that's your body telling you that you were experiencing symptoms of vein disease. That "food coma" you’ve been blaming on lunch might actually be CVI.
3. Talk to Your Doctor: Once you can connect your daily struggles to your symptoms, let your doctor know. We need to document these details to meet insurance requirements for medical necessity. Working with an experienced clinic is crucial, as we understand the specific requirements of different insurance companies.
What if you don’t have any symptoms?
In this case, we can proceed with cosmetic sclerotherapy. However, please be aware that the treatment will likely be temporary and not very effective. CVI is a progressive condition, and most people without symptoms will develop them within 2-3 years, eventually needing a more comprehensive medical treatment.
