Spider Vein Removal Cost

How much does the procedure of spider vein removal cost? This article helps you get the basic facts about it, and also about how the treatment methods are undertaken.
In case you were not aware, varicose veins is a medical condition which is characterized by veins that have become enlarged or knotted. This condition mainly afflicts the limbs, although any vein of the body may be affected. Now, what we are speaking of here, that is spider veins, is a milder variation of varicose veins. Although the name may seem to be a bit intimidating, it is less likely to cause any serious health concerns. In fact, for most people, it is nothing but a cosmetic worry. As the name suggests, these veins appear as spider webs, with short lines which have sharp uneven surface or outline. These veins are often red or blue, and as mentioned, mostly affect the limbs. As far as the spider vein removal cost is concerned, it depends upon several factors including the treatment method, the doctor who is responsible for the treatment, and the region as well.

Spider Vein Treatment

So as I was saying, the treatment methods are one of the variables which influence the cost of the removal. Generally, there are two types of treatment options: sclerotherapy and laser vein removal.

Sclerotherapy
This is the most common treatment plan for the removal of spider veins. Here, the doctor injects the affected veins with a solution that causes them to close. This causes a hindrance in blood flow to these veins, thus causing them to scar. Within a few weeks, the injected spider veins are expected to fade away. This method when executed properly, provides appreciable results. However, in some cases, patients might have to go for the shots more than once. Now, if we speak of the cost of using this common technique, then as I had mentioned, multiple factors come into play. Examples include the number of veins that are being treated, the enlargement of the veins, and number of affected parts. To add to this, the cost may even vary from doctor to doctor, and from region to region. So although an exact figure cannot be derived for the cost, on an average it may be around $550 per leg per treatment.

Laser Vein Removal
This relatively new technique shoots strong bursts of light onto the spider veins. What this does is, it makes the veins fade gradually, eventually disappearing. The advantage of this method is its nature of being direct and accurate. Meaning, it targets only the area that is meant to be treated. This ensures that the treatment does not affect the skin type and color. Even in this case, the cost is influenced by factors such as those mentioned above, including how long the treatment actually takes. Some procedures may take as long as 30 minutes, although this may not be true for all cases. So to give you an average figure of how much you may be spending on the treatment, it may be $200-$400 per session.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Apart from the above commonly used treatment methods for spider vein removal, there is what is known as ambulatory phlebectomy. This is reputed to be the most expensive option of all. With the help of a series of tiny skin punctures, the surgeon removes the affected veins. This method is a pricey affair because of its quick execution time, and also because it can be done in a single visit. The starting cost may be $1000 per leg, which again may be more depending upon factors already mentioned earlier.

As mentioned, the cost of a spider vein removal surgery is driven by a multiple of factors, starting right from the method of treatment to the region where it would be executed. So quoting an exact value would be a matter of discrepancy. So to get the right information, a doctor himself would be the best source of information, after he diagnosis your particular case.
By
Published: 3/24/2011
Like This Article?
Follow:
Post Comment
Your Comments:
Your Name: