FAQ – Dallas Vein Specialists

Frequently Asked Questions about Varicose Veins, Leg Ulcers, Spider Veins and more…

1. What are varicose veins?
2. What are spider veins?
3. Are varicose and spider veins a threat to my health?
4. What is a typical consultation with Dr. Whiddon like?
5. Does insurance cover my treatments?
6. Where is the treatment done?
7. Are the treatments and operations painful?
8. Am I awake during the procedures?
9. What is the downtime for treatments and procedures?
10. Is there a treatment to rid me of the small veins on my face and nose?

What are varicose veins?

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.

What are spider veins?

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.

Are varicose and spider veins a threat to my health?

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.

What is a typical consultation with Dr. Whiddon like?

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.

Does insurance cover my treatments?

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.

Where is the treatment done?

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.

Are the treatments and operations painful?

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.

Am I awake during the procedures?

Our desire for you is that you experience little if any discomfort during the procedure. 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 a range of anesthetic techniques including ORAL SEDATION and/or INHALATION CONSCIOUS ANESTHESIA of nitrous oxide and oxygen gases delivered by a nasal mask. Many patients want to experience no pain, and for these patients we offer IV SEDATION during which short acting agents are administered intravenously. Patients are completely pain free during the brief periods of the procedure that otherwise would be painful or uncomfortable for them. This IV anesthesia technique is safe and has been well received by our patients at Dallas Vein Specialists. Of course vital signs, electrocardiogram, and blood oxygen saturations are monitored throughout the procedure when IV agents are used.

What is the downtime for treatments and procedures?

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.

At Dallas Vein Specialists sclerotherapy for spider veins has been replaced with CLaCS (cryo laser cryo sclerotherapy), a new treatment that employs 4 modalities. CLaCS is achieving superior results to those of sclerotherapy. Other advantages include no requirement to wear compression hose and no restrictions on activity after treatment.

Is there a treatment to rid me of the small veins on my face and nose?

For the tiny, hair-like veins on or around the nose, the VeinGogh device using radiofrequency energy works well. It is quick, effective and using surface cooling anesthesia, is almost painless. For larger veins on the face including ones below or around the eyes, transdermal laser application is the treatment of choice. Again surface cooling with the Zimmer cryo unit, which supplies high flows of extremely cold air, makes the treatment easily tolerated.