How do you treat Varicose Veins due to slow valves & reflux?

I have varicose veins due to slow valves and reflux. How can it be treated? How long it will take? How much it will cost?

Answers from doctors (5)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Oct 04, 2017

The physiology of Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is that it is usually an inherited failure of vein valves. When the valves fail, the blood is able to back flow instead of continuing up to the heart/lungs. When there is back flow, it creates pressure in the lower legs and causes varicose veins (think of them as pressure relief valves). This is diagnosed with ultrasound. Seek an evaluation with a board certified vascular trained surgeon experienced in treating these. The affected vein (usually saphenous, long, short or sometimes both) is sealed when a small laser fiber is inserted and seals the vein from the inside. As a surgeon, I remove most of the varicose veins at the same setting through tiny punctures. The actual procedure only takes about an hour and there is little down time. If you have symptoms, heaviness, aching, pain, skin changes, cramping, superficial clots etc, you would be eligible for insurance coverage. Most plans cover these unless there is an exclusion. Cost out of pocket varies from surgeon to surgeon and different cities/states.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

The physiology of Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is that it is usually an inherited failure of vein valves. When the valves fail, the blood is able to back flow instead of continuing up to the heart/lungs. When there is back flow, it creates pressure in the lower legs and causes varicose veins (think of them as pressure relief valves). This is diagnosed with ultrasound. Seek an evaluation with a board certified vascular trained surgeon experienced in treating these. The affected vein (usually saphenous, long, short or sometimes both) is sealed when a small laser fiber is inserted and seals the vein from the inside. As a surgeon, I remove most of the varicose veins at the same setting through tiny punctures. The actual procedure only takes about an hour and there is little down time. If you have symptoms, heaviness, aching, pain, skin changes, cramping, superficial clots etc, you would be eligible for insurance coverage. Most plans cover these unless there is an exclusion. Cost out of pocket varies from surgeon to surgeon and different cities/states.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 03, 2012

The gold standard of treatment for varicose veins due to valvular reflux is to close the malfunctioning valves. This can be done in multiple ways such as laser, RF, mechanochemical ablation and even glue. Not all procedures are covered by insurance and the cost varies. See a vein specialist for a full venous evaluation and a discussion of the procedures available, costs of each and recovery time.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

The gold standard of treatment for varicose veins due to valvular reflux is to close the malfunctioning valves. This can be done in multiple ways such as laser, RF, mechanochemical ablation and even glue. Not all procedures are covered by insurance and the cost varies. See a vein specialist for a full venous evaluation and a discussion of the procedures available, costs of each and recovery time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Published on Jan 10, 2012

You are asking questions which can only be answered after a clinical evaluation in the office.
Stephen F. Daugherty, MD, FACS, RVT, RPhS

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Answered by VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

You are asking questions which can only be answered after a clinical evaluation in the office.
Stephen F. Daugherty, MD, FACS, RVT, RPhS

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jan 10, 2012

Depends on many factors can betreated effectively in most cases you'll have to see your provider for the answers to the other questions.
Michael D. Ingegno, MD

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Depends on many factors can betreated effectively in most cases you'll have to see your provider for the answers to the other questions.
Michael D. Ingegno, MD

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Jan 10, 2012

This is usually treated with ablation. You would have call the office for cost, etc but most of these procedures are covered by insurance.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

This is usually treated with ablation. You would have call the office for cost, etc but most of these procedures are covered by insurance.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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