Introductory Evaluation: This level I visit is free of charge for anyone wanting to explore whether vein treatment is right for them. During this visit an exam is performed to assess the extent of your varicose veins. If you have large varicosities, an ultrasound will be scheduled to establish the veins responsible for your condition. If you appear to only have spider veins, you still might need an ultrasound exam to rule out larger vein involvement. This exam takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

Ultrasound: The ultrasound is a critical step to determine the abnormal veins that are contributing to the appearance and symptoms you are experiencing. This can be performed on one or both legs depending on your symptoms. Due to the thorough nature of the exam, the ultrasound usually takes approximately 1 hour to 1.5 hours to complete.

Treatment Plan: During this LEVEL II VISIT your treatment plan will begin. The Vanishing Veins® professional staff will explain the results of your ultrasound. Then you will discuss your options for treatment, including risks and benefits. At this time a short physical exam is performed to rule out any unforeseen problems or changes in the medical status.

Financial Consulatation: Our billing experts will go over the process for submitting an insurance claim with you. Authorization from insurance companies for your treatment can take 3 days to 6 weeks depending on your insurance carrier. You will need to sign both an Advanced Beneficiary Notice and an Informed Consent prior to treatment. You will be provided these forms during this visit.

Treatment (EVLT): Prior to arriving for your exam, you will have applied the topical anesthetic crème, EMLA. You will also have taken your prescribed mild anti-anxiety medication, Xanax (Alprazolam), used for short-term relief of nervousness related to the process.

1. Upon arrival, you will be taken to an exam room to change into a patient robe. The performing physician will come in and review the process and answer any questions.

2. You will then go the procedure room. A quick ultrasound will be performed to identify the best site for doctor to access the vein in your leg.

3. A member of the team will wash your leg with a sterilizing solution. Sterile drapes will be placed at the site to reveal only the areas of the leg where the procedure will occur.

4. The vein will be accessed and a series of fine wires and sheaths will be used to properly position the laser fiber in the vein to be treated.

5. Anesthesia is placed around the vein. This creates a thermal fluid barrier so the heat from the laser will treat only the abnormal vein.

6. The laser is activated and withdrawn from the vein, leading the closure of the varicosity. This step takes approximately 2-3 minutes.

7. Pressure is held at the access site for a brief time to stop any bleeding.

8. After your compression hose is applied to your leg, you are finished.

Follow-up Ultrasound: An ultrasound exam is performed 36-72 hours after the procedure to assess for any complications, such as blood clots formed along the site. This exam takes approximately ½ hour.

Follow-up Visits: The Vanishing Veins® staff would like to see you 6 weeks after your procedure to review your progress and determine if further treatment is needed.