TEEN KUTZ

fade after a few months, or call for additional sclerotheraphy.
Your physician may well wait as much
as a year before deciding on additional treatment.
After the procedure, you should avoid extremes
in temperature for 48 hours. No hot baths,
although showers with tepid water are allowed.
Stay out of the sun, the swimming pool, the hot
tubs. Walking is definitely encouraged if not
mandatory (wear that compression stocking!), but
not strenuous exercising, jogging, weightlifting.
The cost of sclerotherapy varies enormously
depending on the severity of the condition, your
doctor, where you live, and, of course, your insurance
policy. Be very sure to discuss all costs
and insurance matters with the doctor so you
won’t be unpleasantly surprised when the bills
come in. Get a written estimate and contact your
insurance carrier so you know exactly how much
you will be liable for. If the procedure is being
done for medical reasons—to relieve pain and
swelling, for example—you are probably covered.
If it is solely for cosmetic reasons, your company
will probably not recognize it as a covered benefit.
Check your policy and have a heart-to-heart
with your doctor to see if there may be an under-
lying condition that necessitates the procedure.
You’ll almost definitely need a letter from your
doctor explaining your condition if this is the case.
If you are treated in a medical facility that employs
doctors—that is, they are salaried and don’t
charge for individual services—your costs might
also be minimal.
Although no hospital stay is necessary, there
are some additional costs you should be aware of.
Again, these may or may not be covered by your
medical insurance. These included medications,
operating room supples (if the doctor charges
separately), and special surgical stockings. Be
wary if anyone tries to sell you books, DVDs, or
any other materials relating to your procedure.
The doctor or his staff should provide all you need
to know for free.
There are usually no long-term effects from
sclerotherapy, other than the positive one of getting
rid of the unwanted veins. Spider veins are
part of the superficial venous system—the vast
percentage of blood circulation is performed by
large veins under the leg muscles. The most apparent
result will be how much better you look in
your shorts or that new bikini. IMAGE
66 IMAGE Fall 2008