Cosmetic vs Medical Vein Treatment

Vein treatment procedures fall into one of two areas: cosmetic or medically necessary. The most common questions we hear about vein treatments are: “What is the difference between the two?” and “Which treatment do I need?”

Here is a breakdown of the difference between cosmetic and medical treatments as well as determining which procedure is right for your vein condition. 

Cosmetic treatments

The most common cosmetic treatment is for spider veins. These veins are thin, blue or purple in color, and are visible on the skin’s surface, usually on the legs or face. In most cases, spider veins are treated for superficial reasons. Although they can hinder your appearance and be annoying, they do not pose any significant medical threat.  In-office treatment options include injections, sclerotherapy, and laser treatments. Since spider veins are considered cosmetic, many insurance plans will not cover this treatment. However, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance carrier for coverage limits. 

Medical treatments

Varicose veins are enlarged veins at the skin’s surface, appearing bulged or rope-like in nature. Caused by a medical condition known as venous insufficiency where the veins inside your leg are functioning poorly, varicose vein treatment is usually considered medically necessary.  Symptoms can include, but are not limited to, a painful pressure or throbbing, bruising, and skin itching or irritation at the vein site. Fortunately, vein procedures have advanced over the years, and varicose veins can be treated effectively with minimally evasive technology and little downtime.  If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to more serious conditions including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and venous stasis ulcers. Most insurance carriers cover this treatment, especially if the symptoms affect daily activities. 

What do I have?

The best way to determine the status of your vein health and what treatment is necessary is to schedule an evaluation with a vein specialist. During your appointment, our specialist will perform a “vein mapping” color duplex ultrasound. This allows us to view your veins beneath the surface and offers a visual of venous anatomy, valve function, and current blood flow. Based on the mapping, physical exam, medical history, and conversation about your symptoms, our specialist can determine your diagnosis and recommended course of treatment. 

No one should suffer or be in discomfort due to unhealthy veins. If you are considering treatment of varicose veins or spider veins, contact Vein & Laser Center today. To set up a time to discuss your options,  visit our website or call us at 815-744-0005.

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Sources

https://www.bmhvt.org/varicose-veins-not-just-a-cosmetic-problem/

https://www.chicagoveininstitute.com/cosmetic-vs-medical-vein-treatments/