Vein Health Blog

Varicose veins affect millions of Americans. Yet despite how common they are, many patients wait years before seeking treatment — often assuming leg heaviness, aching, and visible veins are just a normal part of aging. They are not.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Your leg veins have tiny one-way valves that keep blood flowing upward toward your heart. When those valves weaken or fail — a condition called venous insufficiency — blood pools in the vein, causing it to enlarge and twist. The result is varicose veins: those rope-like, bulging vessels visible beneath the skin.

Risk factors include family history, prolonged standing or sitting, multiple pregnancies, and female gender. But varicose veins can affect anyone, including men and younger adults.

Common Symptoms

• Leg aching, heaviness, or fatigue — especially after standing
• Visible bulging or twisted veins beneath the skin
• Leg swelling in the ankles and calves
• Burning or throbbing legs
• Restless legs or night cramps
• Skin discoloration around ankles and lower legs
• Itching around affected veins

Is It Just Cosmetic?

This is one of the most common misconceptions we encounter. While spider veins are primarily cosmetic, varicose veins are a medical condition — chronic venous insufficiency — that can significantly impact your quality of life. Left untreated, they can progress to more serious complications including skin ulcers and blood clots.

When Should You See a Doctor?

As soon as symptoms are affecting your daily life. Today's treatments are nothing like the painful vein stripping of the past. Most procedures at Lone Star Vein Institute take less than 30 minutes, require no hospital stay, and allow patients to drive themselves home and return to work the same day.

One of the most common questions at Lone Star Vein Institute: "Will my insurance pay for this?" Often — yes. Varicose vein treatment is frequently covered by medical insurance, sometimes at 100% depending on your carrier.

What Insurance Plans Do You Accept?

We accept most major commercial and government insurance plans — including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, Humana, Tricare, and many more. Call us to confirm your specific plan.

How Does Coverage Work?

Insurance companies cover varicose vein treatment when deemed medically necessary — meaning your veins are causing symptoms that affect your quality of life and conservative measures have not provided relief. Dr. Smith's team handles all insurance verification, prior authorization, and paperwork on your behalf.

What About Spider Veins?

Spider veins are typically considered cosmetic and are generally paid for out of pocket. If your spider veins are causing symptoms, Dr. Smith can evaluate your situation during your consultation.

No Surprises Policy

Transparency is important to us. We can verify your insurance and provide an estimated cost over the phone before your appointment — so there are no surprises when you arrive.

Today, patients with varicose veins have more treatment options than ever. Dr. Smith offers Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), VenaSeal, and Varithena — three distinct, minimally invasive procedures, each with unique advantages.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

RFA uses precisely controlled heat energy to close the diseased saphenous vein. It is one of the most proven vein closure technologies available, with success rates exceeding 95%. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. Patients walk out the same day, drive themselves, and return to work immediately.

VenaSeal

VenaSeal uses a medical-grade adhesive to seal the diseased vein — no heat, no tumescent anesthesia, and typically no compression stockings required afterward. It requires only a single needle access point, making it exceptionally comfortable for patients who prefer to minimize injection-related discomfort.

Varithena

Varithena is the only FDA-approved injectable microfoam for treating varicose veins caused by great saphenous vein insufficiency. It is non-thermal and particularly effective for large, tortuous, or previously treated veins. The foam takes approximately 10 minutes to administer.

How Does Dr. Smith Decide?

The best procedure depends on your individual anatomy — the size, location, and extent of your diseased veins as identified on your venous duplex ultrasound. Dr. Smith will review your findings and discuss all your options, giving you a clear recommendation and answering all your questions during your consultation.

Sclerotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for spider veins and smaller varicose veins. But patients frequently ask: "Why do my veins look worse before they look better?" The answer is completely normal — and understanding the healing process will help you feel confident in your results.

Immediately After Treatment

Right after sclerotherapy, treated veins may appear more red or raised than before. This is normal — it means the sclerosing solution is doing its job. Compression stockings are applied immediately after and should be worn as directed.

Weeks 1–2

You may notice some bruising, mild swelling, or dark discoloration along the treated veins. This is part of the normal inflammatory response and will resolve on its own. Most patients resume normal daily activities right away — walking is encouraged.

Weeks 3–6

Treated veins begin to fade noticeably. The body is gradually absorbing the closed vein tissue. Visible improvement should be apparent by the end of this period.

By Three Months

Full results are typically visible at around three months. Treated veins fade away as the body fully absorbs them, leaving clearer, smoother skin.

Tips for Best Results

• Wear your compression stockings as directed
• Walk daily to promote healthy circulation
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 48–72 hours
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure on treated areas while healing

Vein disease is largely genetic — but that doesn't mean you're powerless. The habits you build today can meaningfully slow the progression of venous insufficiency, reduce symptoms, and improve your overall vascular health.

1. Move More Throughout the Day

Prolonged sitting or standing is one of the biggest contributors to venous pressure in the legs. If your job requires long periods in one position, make a habit of short walking breaks every hour. Even five minutes of walking helps pump blood back up through your leg veins.

2. Wear Compression Socks

Medical-grade compression stockings apply graduated pressure to the legs, helping veins work against gravity. They are particularly effective at reducing swelling, heaviness, and fatigue. We provide compression socks at our clinic — ask Dr. Smith which grade is right for you.

3. Elevate Your Legs When Resting

Elevating your legs above heart level for 15–20 minutes a few times per day helps gravity drain blood from the lower legs and reduces pressure on the veins. Many patients find this significantly relieves heaviness and swelling.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight increases abdominal pressure, which in turn increases pressure on the leg veins. Even modest weight reduction can result in meaningful improvement in vein-related symptoms.

5. Stay Hydrated

Adequate hydration keeps blood viscosity at healthy levels and supports cardiovascular function. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day — more if you're active or spending time in the Texas heat.

If you've been searching for a vein specialist in Georgetown, Sun City, Round Rock, Cedar Park, or the Greater Austin area, you may have encountered a wide range of providers. So how do you know who to trust with your vein care?

What Is DABVLM Certification?

DABVLM stands for Diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine — the highest level of board certification dedicated exclusively to venous and lymphatic medicine. To earn this credential, a physician must demonstrate extensive knowledge, training, and clinical competency in the full spectrum of venous conditions and treatments.

Why It Matters

Vein treatment has advanced dramatically over the past decade. Procedures like RFA, VenaSeal, and Varithena require specialized training, precise ultrasound skills, and deep knowledge of venous anatomy. A DABVLM-certified physician has demonstrated that expertise at the highest standard.

Serving Georgetown, Sun City & the Greater Austin Area

Dr. Adam Smith, MD, DABVLM brings board-certified expertise to Georgetown, Texas — right here in your community. You do not have to travel to Austin or a large hospital system for world-class vein care. We serve patients from Georgetown, Sun City Georgetown — approximately a 10-minute drive — Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Pflugerville, and across the Greater Austin area.

Sun City Georgetown is home to a large and active community of adults, and vein disease is extremely common in this population. Lone Star Vein Institute is proud to serve Sun City residents with expert, compassionate, board-certified care conveniently close to home.