Fox Valley Plastic Surgery | Vein Treatments Fox Valley Plastic Surgery

Veins are the blood vessels that return blood to the heart from the body. To overcome the force of gravity, veins use one-way valves which open to allow blood flow to the heart, and close to prevent “reflux” of blood back to the body. When these valves fail to function, or if the vein is damaged so the valves do not completely close, blood can pool in the vein, causing a variety of vein complications such as increasing pressure and making the vein bulge and become visible.

Approximately half of the population has some form of vein disease, with varicose veins in particular affecting between 15-25% of all adults. Also, women are twice as likely as men to have them. Heredity is the single most important cause of vein disease: about 70% of all patients with varicose veins have parents with the same condition. Pregnancies are also a contributing cause of vein disease, as are age, obesity, and jobs which require long periods of standing.

Fortunately, we can see most vein disease by observing the size and color of the vein at the skin’s surface. In some cases, however, the diseased vein may be deeper in the body and not visible through the skin. Many patients with vein disease experience cramping, aching, burning, itching, soreness, or “restless” legs. If you have experienced any of these symptoms, our physicians can easily perform an ultrasound test to determine if you have vein disease.

As an IAC-accredited vein center, we are committed to providing the highest standard of vascular care. Accreditation requires a rigorous evaluation of our diagnostic testing, treatment protocols, and patient outcomes to ensure compliance with nationally recognized quality and safety standards. Only a select number of vein clinics in Wisconsin have achieved this distinction.

Nationwide, vein procedures have an average 3-year closure rate of 93%, meaning most patients do not experience a recurrence of their vein condition after treatment. At the Vein Center at Fox Valley Plastic Surgery, we have achieved a 97.1% closure rate after 3 years, exceeding the national average.

This difference in outcomes highlights an important truth: where you choose to have your vein treatment matters. Even a few percentage points can be statistically significant when it comes to long-term success and reducing the likelihood of recurrence.

Our higher success rate is supported by a comprehensive, patient-focused approach. A registered vascular technician is involved throughout your entire treatment plan, providing continuity of care from diagnosis through follow-up. This level of consistency, combined with advanced techniques and experienced providers, helps ensure optimal results for every patient.

If you’re considering vein treatment in Wisconsin, choosing an experienced, accredited vein center can make a meaningful difference in your long-term outcomes.

Treatment Options

Varicose veins are the large, “rope-like” veins which are often 1/4” or larger in diameter. Varicose veins generally grow in size over time and can also result in substantial pain and complications if not treated.

Spider veins are the small, thread-like colored veins that are most often seen on the surface of the skin. While many people seek treatment for spider veins for cosmetic reasons, spider veins also can cause substantial discomfort, requiring therapy.

What To Expect

Risks of Untreated Varicose Veins

Some people believe that varicose veins are only a cosmetic problem and are not a priority when they talk with their doctors. However, varicose veins can be a real medical concern. Varicose veins generally worsen over time. Initially, individuals will experience slight pain and restlessness in the diseased leg. If untreated, this pain will increase and result in limitations in walking and cramps during sleep. Eventually, varicose veins can lead to sores on the foot, blood clots, and tissue loss, which can lead to serious problems that might require hospitalization.

Complications of Vein Treatment

Fortunately, RFA, EVLA and sclerotherapy rarely cause any serious complications when properly performed. Common minor complications of these procedures include bruising, mild itching, tingling, tenderness and tightness in the treated leg for up to two weeks after the treatment.

“Don’t hesitate. The surgery is worth it. The quality of life is unbelievable. I feel better at 45 than I did at 30!” Patient 31014, age 42.

Treatment Plan

While multiple treatments may be necessary, most patients will see some result after the first treatment. Full results develop over 3 to 6 months.

Comprehensive and Coordinated Care

The Vein Center at Fox Valley Plastic Surgery specializes in complete vein care for women and men, offering 4 different treatment options. We are the only facility within one hour of Oshkosh that can offer you the full range of vein procedures. Your entire course of care will be coordinated by Sue B., the Vein Center Manager, who is also a Registered Vascular Technician, a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, and a Registered Radiologic Technologist. Different physicians and PA’s may treat the patients, but all treatments are coordinated by Sue so that patients have continuity of care throughout the entire process.

Speed up your initial consultation by watching our Vein Treatments video. The 30 minute video will be shown in the office if you do not watch it online.

Varicose veins are one of the most recognizable indications of venous insufficiency. If left untreated, varicose veins can progress to become a more serious form of venous disease called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which can lead to progressively more serious and painful symptoms over time.

More than 30 million Americans suffer from venous disease, including varicose veins and CVI. Only 1.9 million of those seek treatment annually, while the vast majority remain undiagnosed and untreated. More people lose time at work from vein disorders than from artery disease.

Insurance Coverage Test

In order for insurance to cover the cost of vein treatment, most insurance companies require physicians to classify the severity of venous disease. The classification for venous disease is called the CEAP (Clinical, Etiologic, Anatomic, Pathophysiologic) Classification, which has 6 categories:

Reticular and spider veins
Varicose veins
Varicose veins and leg swelling
Varicose veins and evidence of venous stasis skin changes
Varicose veins and a healed venous stasis ulceration
Varicose veins and an open venous ulceration

In conjunction with the CEAP category, patients are responsible for rating certain components, such as pain/discomfort, pigmentation, inflammation, etc. on a score of mild (1), moderate (2), or severe (3) on the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS). The VCSS score is physician reported, but symptoms are scored based on patient response to subjective questions. The score is designed so that greater emphasis is given to more severe disease, which is more likely to change in response to therapy. Ten descriptors are each graded 0-3. The total score is the sum of the component scores.

The higher the CEAP category and VCSS score, the greater chance that insurance will cover the vein treatments. In answering VCSS questions, it is imperative that patients answer truthfully, but not to minimize their symptoms. It will lower the score and may make the vein treatments ineligible for insurance coverage.

Real Patients stories

“Do it sooner, rather than later.”

- Paul

“I feel better at 45 than I did at 30!”

- Lisa

Pricing

Vein treatment is inherently expensive due to the amount of appointments required and the technologies involved. Fortunately, most insurance companies cover the treatment of vein disease, which is associated with substantial pain and other complications. However, some individual insurance companies may limit the types of therapy which are covered. FVPS will check to see which procedures are covered by insurance. However, the patients are still ultimately responsible for any copays, deductibles, and any other non-covered insurance charges.

Cash vs. Insurance

Patients with a high deductible insurance plan, may feel they will never meet the deductible and prefer to pay a cash price. We offer special pricing for patients who elect to personally pay for a procedure. The insurance allowed amount is generally much higher than the out of pocket cost.
Some patients want a procedure done right away and do not want to wait for a prior authorization decision from their insurance plan. Paying for the procedure out of pocket accomplishes this issue.
Others do not have insurance. Therefore, we offer special pricing for non-insurance billed procedures. However, patients must make full payment prior to a procedure.
Patients who wish to pay for their procedures out of pocket, need to waive their right to insurance coverage for their procedures.

Patients without insurance or who do not wish to use insurance, should call for an individual consultation to get a custom quote for vein treatment.

Free Vein Screenings All Day Long Now!

Wait no longer. Call us for a complimentary vein screening. If vein disease may be present, you have the option to proceed with an insurance covered ultrasound on another day to get a clearer picture of your leg health. You will not believe how good you will feel after vein treatment. Call 920-233-1540 now for a vein screening – an $100 value.

“Sue was fantastic and explained the process to me so I had no surprises on how long it would take to see results and how much it would cost. Getting rid of spider veins is very tedious and Sue expertly picked and poked every last one. The results were amazing and I highly recommend FVPS’s Sue Barta.”

— Jenny O.

“I’ve had two different experiences with FVPS for vein treatments. Sue is stellar at her work. She’s kind and caring putting her patients first. She is also an advocate for her patients. I had challenges with insurance both times and Sue was made sure I was able to complete treatments to satisfaction.”

— Debbie H.

“I have been very satisfied with my experiences at the Oshkosh location with Sue Barta as the lead consultant/technician for my varicose vein treatments, along with Lauren who administered treatments, they are a good team. Sue has taken great care with each step of my treatment program. The entire staff has been professional.”

— Bonnie H.

“I had an amazing experience at FVPS in Osh Kosh. Sue took amazing care of my horrible vein situation utilizing two procedures. My legs have been an embarrassment my entire life. I was sorry to have waited so long for corrective measures, but thankful I was able to find Sue to resolve. She is a kind and understanding woman who took on this ‘project’ with a smile and encouragement.”

— Megan N.

“Sue Barta has always been professional and kind!! Taking care of my varicose veins I was never apprehensive about my procedure! The staff is amazing!”

— Gloria M.

Start Your journey today

Don’t leave your large and small veins untreated. When it comes to perfecting your veins, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Appleton and other Wisconsin and Upper Peninsula of Michigan residents trust the plastic surgeons at Fox Valley Plastic Surgery. Get your veins checked. Contact the Vein Center at 920-233-1540 to request your vein consultation.

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