Endovenous laser treatment, or EVLT, is a minimally invasive vein treatment procedure in which heat from a specialized laser is applied to close or shrink varicose veins. During the procedure, an optical fiber catheter is inserted into the diseased veins, and the catheter is guided to the right veins through the use of ultrasound technology. The procedure only requires local anesthesia that is injected around the area to be treated and does not require a hospital stay. The treatment procedure typically takes around one to two hours. You will be able to walk out of the hospital within an hour after the procedure is done.
Sclerotherapy is also a medical treatment procedure to treat spider and varicose veins. It is one of the most frequently used procedures to treat spider and varicose veins. Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a chemical solution called sclerosant into the affected veins. The chemical then scars and closes off the veins and forces blood to reroute itself to healthier veins. Over time, the injected spider and varicose veins are reabsorbed by the body and fade away.
How much do endovenous laser vein ablation and sclerotherapy cost?
The cost for EVLT depends on the extent of varicose veins as larger varicose veins may require multiple sessions and the state where you are getting treatment. On average, the procedure can cost between $600 to $3000. Costs depend upon various factors such as the extent of varicose veins that need to be treated which determines the number of sessions you would require and the state you are getting the treatment.
Similar to EVLT, the cost for sclerotherapy also depends on the extent of spider and/or varicose veins and the state where you are getting treatment. On average, sclerotherapy costs around $350 to $410 per session. This does not cover other related expenses such as hospital service charges, anesthesia, or surgeon’s fee. You need to consult with the doctor’s office to determine the final fee.
Are endovenous laser treatment and sclerotherapy covered by insurance?
Whether or not the vein treatment procedure is covered by insurance depends on the purpose of the treatment procedure rather than the type of treatment procedure. Varicose vein treatments are covered by most insurance companies, as long as they are deemed medically necessary. If the varicose veins are accompanied by other associated symptoms such as leg pain, leg swelling, and dry, itchy, reddened skin around the veins, insurance is more likely to cover the cost of treatment.
For this, some insurance companies may require a referral to cover treatment so they can verify that it is medically necessary. Even then, it is possible for the front office staff at the vein center to obtain a referral on your behalf. Speak to the vein center about this when you book your appointment. They can then gain an understanding of your insurance coverage and maybe even obtain a referral for you without you having to go through the hassle of visiting your primary care physician.
Spider vein treatment, however, is generally considered a cosmetic treatment and not medically necessary, which would mean that most insurance will not cover sclerotherapy for spider vein treatment. However, it is best to discuss with the doctor’s office to determine whether your insurance does cover the treatment.
How long is the recovery period after both procedures?
The time taken for your legs to heal after EVLT depends on multiple factors, such as your general health disposition, the extent of your treatment, and how well you look after yourself after the procedure. On average, you can get back to work three days after treatment, and drive after around five days of treatment. It can take about three weeks for you to heal sufficiently to perform all your usual activities after an endovenous laser treatment procedure. For sclerotherapy, the recovery period is also similar, although it can be slightly longer. Like with EVLT, the recovery period is dependent upon how well you look after yourself, the extent of your treatment, and your general health. After the procedure, it can take anywhere between 2 weeks to six weeks for your legs to fully heal.
If you are looking for vein treatment and wondering which of these treatment procedures work best for you, the best thing for you to do is to consult a vein specialist. Each case is unique, and only your vein doctor can tell you which treatment procedure works best for you. This article can only provide you general information on what sclerotherapy and endovenous laser treatment are; only your vein specialist can tell you exactly how to proceed with your treatment plan after examining your condition.
Book an appointment at our vein clinic where our experienced vein specialists can provide you the best treatment available in California. We have vein clinics at several locations across the United States, including in San Jose. In San Jose, our vein clinic is located in a beautiful neighborhood near Palo Alto, Sunnydale, and Santa Clara. It is down the block from the Santa Clara Medical Center and the Santana Row Shopping Mall.