Gitter Vein Institute • Patient Information
Frequently Asked
Questions.
Find answers about vein conditions, treatment, recovery, and insurance—then bring your own questions to your visit.
Explore the Answers01 · Vein Basics
Understanding
Your Veins
Start with the differences, causes, and symptoms.
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that may look twisted, raised, or bulging beneath the skin. They can cause discomfort and commonly occur in the legs.
Spider veins are much smaller visible vessels near the skin’s surface, often appearing as fine lines or branching patterns on the legs or face.
When one-way valves in a vein do not close properly, blood can flow backward and pool, causing the vein to enlarge. This backward flow is called reflux.
Contributing factors can include heredity, pregnancy, hormonal changes, age, excess weight, and long periods of standing or sitting. An evaluation helps identify which veins are involved.
Symptoms can include aching, burning, heaviness, cramps, itching, or swelling in the legs and ankles. Some people develop skin discoloration or sores near the ankle.
These symptoms can have other causes, so discuss them with a clinician rather than assuming visible veins explain them.
Some vein problems worsen over time, with increasing discomfort, swelling, or skin changes. Venous disease can also be associated with bleeding or poorly healing wounds.
Your symptoms and examination help determine whether monitoring, conservative care, or a procedure is appropriate. An evaluation does not automatically mean you need treatment.
02 · Evaluation & Treatment
Your Evaluation
& Treatment
Learn about testing, procedures, and what a visit may involve.
Gitter Vein Institute performs diagnostic ultrasound in the office. After reviewing your symptoms and examining your veins, the physician determines which tests are needed; testing is performed by the physician or an ultrasound technician.
Contact our team before your visit to confirm the testing and scheduling details for your appointment.
Options may include endovenous treatment with laser or radiofrequency energy, sclerotherapy, or removal of selected surface veins through small openings. The right approach depends on the veins involved and your health.
Your physician will explain the options, their risks and benefits, and any alternatives before you decide. Explore our vein treatment services.
Endovenous laser treatment uses a small fiber inside a vein to deliver heat and close the targeted vessel. It is a minimally invasive procedure, typically performed with local anesthesia.
Your physician can explain whether laser treatment or another approach is appropriate for you.
Endovenous treatment closes a targeted vein from within through a small access site. Vein stripping removes a vein surgically through incisions.
Gitter Vein Institute offers in-office, minimally invasive procedures using local anesthesia. The procedure, recovery, and possible side effects depend on your treatment plan.
An endovenous procedure may take about 30 minutes, but the time varies with the treatment and the veins involved. Allow additional time for preparation and aftercare.
Our team can tell you how much time to set aside for your scheduled visit.
Many of our minimally invasive vein treatments are performed in the office. Endovenous laser treatment generally does not require a hospital stay.
Your physician will confirm the appropriate setting and anesthesia for the procedure recommended for you.
03 · Recovery & Results
Recovery
& Results
Know what to discuss before your procedure and during follow-up.
Walking is generally encouraged soon after endovenous treatment. Your care team will explain when to begin, how much to walk, and any restrictions specific to your procedure.
Many patients resume light daily activities soon after endovenous treatment, and some return to work the next day. Your procedure, health, and type of work may change that timeline.
Follow your physician’s instructions about exercise, lifting, compression, and returning to your usual routine.
You may feel brief discomfort when local anesthetic is given, and some soreness or bruising can occur afterward. Comfort varies by person and procedure.
Tell your care team about your concerns so they can explain the steps used to keep you comfortable and what to expect during recovery.
The timing varies with the cause of your symptoms, the procedure, and your response to treatment. Some changes may be noticed early, while others develop over time.
Your physician will discuss realistic expectations and assess your progress at follow-up. Complete or immediate relief cannot be guaranteed.
Endovenous treatments use small access sites, so scarring is usually limited. Bruising, skin discoloration, or a small scar may still occur.
Ask your physician about the skin changes and cosmetic outcome to expect with your specific treatment.
04 · Spider Veins & Insurance
Spider Veins
& Insurance
Understand your options and confirm coverage before treatment.
Options at Gitter Vein Institute include sclerotherapy injections and VeinGogh. Treatments may be combined when both small visible vessels and associated feeder veins need attention.
The approach depends on the vessels, your skin, and your goals. Learn about spider vein treatment.
Treatment performed solely to improve the appearance of spider veins is generally considered cosmetic and is usually an out-of-pocket expense.
Ask our team about costs and confirm any possible coverage directly with your insurer before treatment.
Some insurance plans cover treatment for symptomatic vein disease when their medical-necessity requirements are met. Coverage depends on your plan, diagnosis, documentation, and any authorization requirements.
Confirm your benefits, deductible, copay, and other expected costs before proceeding. An evaluation or authorization does not guarantee that every charge will be paid.
Still Have
Questions?
Our team can help with appointment details and questions about your visit. Your physician can explain which evaluation or treatment options fit your situation.
Additional patient information: Endovenous treatment and recovery — RadiologyInfo.org