Varicose Veins during Pregnancy Part 6

What are options for varicose veins that develop during pregnancy?

Over the years, there have been many treatments developed to treat varicose veins. None is 100% percent effective but all work well. Recurrences are common with all present day available treatments. All pregnant females should wait after delivery to have varicose veins treated with surgery. Because many varicose veins disappear spontaneously after child birth, it is important to wait at least 3-6 months before visiting a surgeon.

The available surgical procedures to treat varicose veins include

Surgical Ligation and Stripping: this old method is still useful if one has “large rope” like veins which extend from the groin to the legs. The procedure does require anesthesia and a few days to recover. Surgical ligation does have a few more complication than some of the newer procedures but has the least known recurrence rate

Ligation and stabs: Here the vein is tied off in the groin and small incisions are used to remove the varicosities in other parts of the leg. The procedure does require anesthesia and there is a downtime of a few days. Recurrence is also quite common with this procedure

Ultrasound Guided laser therapy: In the last decade many newer minimally invasive procedures have been developed to treat varicose veins. Essentially a small thin wire is threaded up the vein and vein is heated with Laser or radiofrequency waves. This method can be used treat varicose veins in the thigh area. Because it is an outpatient and fast, almost every physician is now doing it. In fact, many physicians are treating patients with the mildest varicose veins- the reason – lots of money to be made.

The best surgical procedure can only determined by your surgeon and his experience. Before one embarks on vein surgery, read about it and you will know what to expect.

Is Varicose Vein Surgery covered by insurance?

Depends, if one has symptoms of leg swelling, pain, ulcers or clots. If yes, then most medical insurance carriers and Medicare will partly cover the cost of surgery. However, if the surgery is done purely for cosmetic reasons, then cost of the procedure is not covered. The average cost of varicose vein surgery per leg ranges from $ 300-$ 600.

Final Word

For the consumer it is essential to know what procedure your physician will use and whether you have symptoms. Remember this varicose veins (saphenous vein) is frequently used for open heart surgery and for bypasses in the leg. Once this vein has been removed, you will not have another vein to have open heart surgery. Too many physicians are now routinely removing this vein in individuals who could have been treated with compression garments. So all consumers, beware, read about the procedure, and more important, know your physician. While some health care professionals are decent, there are just as many who are interested more in your money than how your leg looks.