Veins FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is the treatment of Varicose Veins or Spider Veins by injecting them with a liquid medication that irritates the blood vessels, causing them to be reabsorbed by the body.

2. Why does Sclerotherapy work?

The solution acts by irritating the inner vein walls so that they grow together and heal, forming scar tissue. Gradually, this becomes reabsorbed by the body.

3. Aren’t these veins needed?

Varicosities (varicose veins) and Telangiectasia (spider veins) are not functioning normally or efficiently, and your body has already established an alternate system of healthy vessels for the blood to flow through. The circulatory system does not miss the compromised veins and can actually be improved as a result of sclerotherapy.

4. What causes Varicose Veins & Spider Veins?

Varicose Veins & Spider Veins can be hereditary—if your mother has them, you could, too. Prolonged standing, such as at work, places increased stress on the blood vessels and valves, weakening them. Similar stress on veins is caused by overweight or pregnancy, with its increased blood volume. Hormonal changes accompanying pregnancy and menopause relax valves in the veins, and aging causes loss of elasticity and weakening of vein walls and valves. Trauma can lead to compromised veins.

5. Why do you treat Spider Veins?

Many of our patients had stopped wearing shorts because of unsightly veins, and now feel more confident when wearing clothes that reveal their legs. Legs cleared of spider veins can appear more youthful.

6. Do only women get Spider Veins?

Most of our clients are women, but some men, too, acquire spider veins, and can have them cleared up successfully. Both men and women come to us to have varicose veins treated.

7. How long have you been doing this?

Dr. Schick opened his practice in Orange County in 1989 and has been performing sclerotherapy for over 20 years.

8. How long does the procedure take?

Treatment appointments typically last 30 to 45 minutes each. Most patients require a series of two to three sessions, over a two- to three-month period, during which the same vessels are injected each time. The veins should fade more with each treatment.

9. What is the Difference between Spider Veins and Varicose Veins?

The body, in addition to the artery system that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body, has a system of veins to carry blood back to the heart again. There are three types of veins: deep veins, for example in the legs, that use the calf muscles to pump blood back up the legs each time you walk; surface veins, which collect blood from surface areas of the body, and perforator veins, which transmit blood from surface veins to deep veins. The Varicose Veins are the enlarged, protruding veins you see at the skin surface.

Spider Veins can be found in the system of smaller veins that collect blood and transport it to the surface vein system.

10. Will the treated veins come back?

The same veins will not come back; they have been reabsorbed into the body and are no longer there. However, new ones could appear, since the same hereditary conditions are still present. New veins may be smaller. Some patients continue with maintenance procedures to keep any new veins in check.

11. What is the Cost of Vein Treatment?

Average cost of Vein Treatment at Schick VeinCare Clinics is affordable, at just $265 per treatment session. Most patients require two to three sessions. There is no cost for a Consultation.

Gift Certificates are available. To arrange purchase of a Gift Certificate, please call us at (949) 496-8200.

12. Is Vein Treatment Covered by Insurance?

Most insurance companies regard Vein Treatment as a cosmetic procedure, even though Varicose Veins may be accompanied by painful symptoms. Please ask your insurance company.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Please Call for an Appointment at one of our Orange County Offices: (949) 496-8200 or (949) 645-4500

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