VEINfree™ Varicose Vein Treatment

Varicose and spider veins can be an unsightly and often painful medical condition that affects millions of women and men, including many in the Pittsburgh area. The condition is brought on by abnormal blood flow and weakening of the blood vessel wall in the affected leg veins. Genetics is typically the main cause of varicose and spider veins; however, any condition or activity that puts pressure on the veins such as weight gain, sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time or pregnancy can contribute to their development.

Covered by most health insurance plans.

At The Skin Center, we offer laser vein treatments in Pittsburgh using VascuLight® as well as our VEINfree™ treatment using Endovenous Laser Treatment (EvLT) technology. Our VEINfree treatment program is covered by most health insurance plans and enables women and men of all ages to eliminate aching, throbbing, unsightly veins without leg vein surgery in Pittsburgh such as varicose vein stripping. Treatment is quick and easy, and requires no lengthy recovery. Sclerotherapy and light-based vein therapies also may be used for small-area varicose vein treatment and spider vein treatment for our Pittsburgh area clients.

Before		After
Before		After

EvLT for leg veins is a medical advancement that utilizes a small laser fiber which is placed inside the length of the saphenous vein through a very small point of entry usually located near the knee. As the targeted laser energy is released, the saphenous vein closes so that blood can no longer flow through it, and collateral circulation is obtained. Immediate relief from the painful symptoms of vein disease is achieved and normal daily activities following the treatment may be performed with little to no discomfort.

Patient satisfaction with EvLT treatments is high. A prominent study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology showed greater than a 93% success rate after two years. These results are comparable or superior to those achieved with other methods of varicose vein and spider vein treatment including surgery.

For more information about our treatment program or to schedule a complimentary VEINfree Screening, call our office at 1-800-429-1151.

Laser Vein Treatment Frequently Asked Questions

I'd like to find out if I'm a candidate. What is my next step?
Call our office today to schedule a complimentary VEINfree Screening at any of our convenient locations. You will be asked to bring a pair of shorts to wear during the exam. Our medical technician will review your medical health history information, evaluate your condition and discuss our VEINfree treatment program to help determine if treatment is right for you. Providing you are a candidate for treatment, she will arrange for a completely noninvasive mapping ultrasound, which is performed by a registered vascular technologist (RVT). The ultrasound will show the effected saphenous veins and provide a "map" for the physician on the day of treatment.

What can I expect the day of the treatment?
On the day of your laser vein treatment in Pittsburgh, a local anesthetic will be applied to the length of the vein to make the treatment virtually painless. With the assistance of ultrasound technology, a thin laser fiber will be threaded through a very small entry point, usually near the knee. Once inserted, targeted laser energy will be delivered inside the saphenous vein wall, closing the vein so that blood can be re-routed. The treatment takes about an hour and normal daily activities can be resumed immediately following the treatment with little to no discomfort.

Depending on the severity of the problems with the saphenous vein, and if both legs require treatment, multiple appointments will be scheduled. Sclerotherapy in Pittsburgh, PA may be added to the treatment protocol for smaller varicose veins or spider veins.

Who is a good candidate for VEINfree Laser Treatments?
Any healthy female or male who experiences aching legs, heavy legs or swelling or discomfort associated with varicose veins that have been caused by the saphenous vein can be candidates for EvLT.

Will my insurance cover EvLT?
Most health insurance plans cover the cost of the ultrasound mapping appointment and a large percentage of the cost of the endovenous laser treatments needed. The amount of coverage depends on your health care policy. However, insurance will not cover any fees associated with sclerotherapy for cosmetic refinement.

Will I need multiple treatments?
The number of treatments required will depend on the severity of the saphenous veins and if both legs are being treated. If both legs require treatment, then multiple appointments will be necessary, as we will treat one leg at a time.

Do Endovenous Laser Treatments correct all varicose and spider veins?
No. Endovenous Laser Treatment corrects varicose veins caused by the saphenous veins. In each leg there are two saphenous veins - the great or large saphenous vein and the small saphenous vein. Most moderate to severe varicose veins and spider veins are usually caused by venous reflux of the saphenous veins. Venous reflux is when blood flows backwards towards your feet instead of towards your heart where it is supposed to flow. The result is blood pooling in your lower extremities, raising the pressure and making the vein bulge out and distend. Venous reflux is a medical condition that can result in pain, swelling and open ulcers in the legs as well as tired and "heavy" feeling legs. Smaller varicose veins can be corrected with Sclerotherapy for cosmetic enhancement purposes.

What can I expect following EvLT?
Following the treatment, you will be able to return to your normal routine immediately, with the exception of strenuous exercise. The treated leg may feel slightly tender at the entry point and you may experience some slight bruising and a feeling of tightness. The slight discomfort and bruising is common and will dissipate in a few days.

What type of aftercare is required?
You will be asked to continue to wear the compression garment for seven consecutive days. You will also be asked to walk as much as possible following the treatment and for at least 20 minutes three times a day for the next three to four days.

What are the alternatives to EvLT?
Until recently the most common way to treat venous reflux of the saphenous veins or varicose veins caused by the saphenous veins was through a surgical procedure called vein ligation or vein stripping. This procedure is performed in the hospital, under general anesthetic and requires a lengthy recovery period. During vein ligation or vein stripping the effected saphenous vein is surgically removed. In addition, success rates are low and the veins often re-open causing the initial symptoms to reoccur. Using Endovenous Laser Treatment, the saphenous veins are ablated through a small entry point; the treatment is performed in-office and with minimal downtime.