Frequently Asked Questions

All About Veins

  • What is the main difference between arteries and veins?

    In simplest terms, arteries pump oxygen-rich blood FROM the heart, veins return oxygen-depleted blood TO the heart.

  • Are there different types of veins?

    Yes! Deep leg veins return blood directly to the heart and are in the center of the leg, near the bones. Superficial leg veins are just beneath the skin. These veins have less support from surrounding muscles and bones than the deep veins and may develop an area of weakness in the vein wall. Varicose veins happen when the veins ‘balloon’.

    Another type of vein, called perforator veins, serve as connections between the superficial system and the deep system of leg veins.

  • Why do varicose veins occur more in the legs?

    Gravity is the culprit. The distance from the feet to the heart is the furthest blood has to travel in the body. Consequently, those vessels experience a great deal of pressure. If vein valves can’t handle it, the backflow of blood can cause the surface veins to become swollen and distorted.

  • What happens if I don’t treat my varicose veins?

    Maybe nothing, maybe a lot! Like all medical conditions, vein diseases manifest themselves differently in each patient. Some people may have large ropey veins and swollen ankles, but have neither symptoms nor much progression of the disease. Other people may suffer considerably with little visible symptoms. Dr. Moore states, “I never recommend ‘no treatment’, but my advice has to be individualized for every patient.” The problem will eventually progress with time and there can be serious consequences. Plus, there are often important issues that cannot be seen. Consult an experienced Vein Specialist who can evaluate your situation and offer options that make sense to you.

  • Is there any short term treatment for varicose veins?

    ESES (pronounced S-S) is an easy way to remember the conservative approach. It stands for Exercise, Stockings, Elevation and Still.

    • Exercising – maintaining a healthy weight
    • Stockings – wearing compression hose
    • Elevating – elevating the legs
    • Resting – reducing stress on the legs

    Keep in mind that these steps will not make the veins go away or even prevent them from worsening because the underlying disease (venous reflux) has not been addressed. However, it may provide some symptomatic relief.

    If there are inflamed areas or an infection, topical antibiotics may be prescribed. If ulcers develop, medication and dressings should be changed regularly.

    There are also potentially longer-term treatment alternatives for visible varicose veins, such as sclerotherapy and phlebectomy.

  • Is age an important consideration for the ClosureFast™ procedure?

    Age alone is not the determining factor in whether or not the ClosureFast™ procedure is right for you. The ClosureFast™ procedure has been used to treat patients across a wide range of ages. The most important step in determining whether or not the ClosureFast™ procedure is a good solution for you is a complete ultrasound examination by your physician or vein doctor.

  • How soon should I start to notice a difference?

    It depends on the treatment and the individual. With microphlebectomy, the veins are gone when the procedure is complete (one of the advantages of this technique). After sclerotherapy, small veins may disappear in 2 to 3 weeks, while larger ones may take up to 8 weeks. Some may take as long as 8 months before all pigmentation disappears. Dr. Moore will discuss his prognosis with you.

    People will usually comment that their symptoms have either improved or resolved at the one week follow up appointment. Oftentimes, they still may have some residual aching in the thigh from the ablation procedure, but state that their legs feel “lighter”.

  • Will there be a scar?

    Since the incisions are so tiny, there is not usually any scarring.

  • Can I exercise afterwards?

    We find that people who use their leg muscles every day after treatment have faster healing, fewer complications, and less discomfort. The simplest and most effective form of exercise for good vein function is walking.

    You may perform most of your normal activities after the procedure. We encourage walking several times a day because this promotes good blood circulation and minimizes your risk of any complications. Avoid any heavy lifting and squatting for one week as this can reopen the vein. Light exercise is fine, but no lunging, excessive jumping, squats, or heavy weights for one week. Hot baths and soaking in Jacuzzi tubs can also reopen the vein, so avoid doing either of these for one week after the procedure.

  • How quickly after treatment can I return to normal activities?

    Many patients typically return to normal activities within a day.1 Following the treatment, Dr. Moore may recommend a regular walking regimen and suggest you refrain from very strenuous activities (heavy lifting, for example) or prolonged periods of standing.

    1. Lurie F, Creton D, Eklof B, Kabnick LS, Kistner RL, Pichot O, et al. Prospective randomized study of endovenous radiofrequency obliteration (Closure®) versus ligation and stripping in a selected patient population (EVOLVES study). J Vasc Surg 2003;38:207-14.

  • What happens to the blood flow once the vein is removed?

    Your body has already rerouted blood around the veins that don’t do their jobs. Blood in the treated vein will eventually be absorbed by the body along with the vein.

  • Can my varicose veins come back?

    Venous insufficiency needs to be monitored on a regular basis. Even after the veins are treated, new veins in different locations can develop. Regular follow-up and treatment is essential in keeping varicose veins under control in order to prevent recurrence of symptoms and to minimize the risk of developing ulcers, deep clots or other complications associated with varicose veins.

  • Where will my treatment be provided?

    Most of the time, treatment for varicose veins is an in-office procedure. We have two locations to serve you, Grapevine and Keller Texas.

  • Why do you ask if I have Migraines?

    One of the modern techniques of vein treatment, foam sclerotherapy, can induce a migraine in those who are particularly susceptible. After extensive study for a decade on thousands of patients, this phenomenon has been found to be mostly a curiosity with no harm to patients. Dr. Moore still proceeds with caution, “I generally avoid this particular technique in true migraine patients; I do not want to give my patients a headache.”

  • Will my insurance cover my treatment?

    Most of the time, yes. Venous insufficiency and varicose veins are a medical condition, but insurance companies must still approve the treatment. Patients who experience painful, debilitating symptoms are more likely to get approved than spider veins for a cosmetic reason. Our office is happy to assist with the insurance process.

  • I am coming in for a consultation for the first time, do I need to bring anything with me?

    Welcome! We use a patient portal to complete most of your new patient paperwork, but please be prepared to show us your driver’s license and insurance card. Since Dr. Moore will be examining your legs, most patients wear or bring a pair of shorts. Arriving 10-15 minutes early helps us to see you promptly at your scheduled appointment time. So whether you’re coming to the Keller office or the Grapevine office, we are looking forward to helping you say goodbye to varicose veins.

After Treatment / Recovery

  • What is the main difference between arteries and veins?

    In simplest terms, arteries pump oxygen-rich blood FROM the heart, veins return oxygen-depleted blood TO the heart.

  • Are there different types of veins?

    Yes! Deep leg veins return blood directly to the heart and are in the center of the leg, near the bones. Superficial leg veins are just beneath the skin. These veins have less support from surrounding muscles and bones than the deep veins and may develop an area of weakness in the vein wall. Varicose veins happen when the veins ‘balloon’.

    Another type of vein, called perforator veins, serve as connections between the superficial system and the deep system of leg veins.

  • Why do varicose veins occur more in the legs?

    Gravity is the culprit. The distance from the feet to the heart is the furthest blood has to travel in the body. Consequently, those vessels experience a great deal of pressure. If vein valves can’t handle it, the backflow of blood can cause the surface veins to become swollen and distorted.

  • What happens if I don’t treat my varicose veins?

    Maybe nothing, maybe a lot! Like all medical conditions, vein diseases manifest themselves differently in each patient. Some people may have large ropey veins and swollen ankles, but have neither symptoms nor much progression of the disease. Other people may suffer considerably with little visible symptoms. Dr. Moore states, “I never recommend ‘no treatment’, but my advice has to be individualized for every patient.” The problem will eventually progress with time and there can be serious consequences. Plus, there are often important issues that cannot be seen. Consult an experienced Vein Specialist who can evaluate your situation and offer options that make sense to you.

  • Is there any short term treatment for varicose veins?

    ESES (pronounced S-S) is an easy way to remember the conservative approach. It stands for Exercise, Stockings, Elevation and Still.

    • Exercising – maintaining a healthy weight
    • Stockings – wearing compression hose
    • Elevating – elevating the legs
    • Resting – reducing stress on the legs

    Keep in mind that these steps will not make the veins go away or even prevent them from worsening because the underlying disease (venous reflux) has not been addressed. However, it may provide some symptomatic relief.

    If there are inflamed areas or an infection, topical antibiotics may be prescribed. If ulcers develop, medication and dressings should be changed regularly.

    There are also potentially longer-term treatment alternatives for visible varicose veins, such as sclerotherapy and phlebectomy.

  • Is age an important consideration for the ClosureFast™ procedure?

    Age alone is not the determining factor in whether or not the ClosureFast™ procedure is right for you. The ClosureFast™ procedure has been used to treat patients across a wide range of ages. The most important step in determining whether or not the ClosureFast™ procedure is a good solution for you is a complete ultrasound examination by your physician or vein doctor.

  • How soon should I start to notice a difference?

    It depends on the treatment and the individual. With microphlebectomy, the veins are gone when the procedure is complete (one of the advantages of this technique). After sclerotherapy, small veins may disappear in 2 to 3 weeks, while larger ones may take up to 8 weeks. Some may take as long as 8 months before all pigmentation disappears. Dr. Moore will discuss his prognosis with you.

    People will usually comment that their symptoms have either improved or resolved at the one week follow up appointment. Oftentimes, they still may have some residual aching in the thigh from the ablation procedure, but state that their legs feel “lighter”.

  • Will there be a scar?

    Since the incisions are so tiny, there is not usually any scarring.

  • Can I exercise afterwards?

    We find that people who use their leg muscles every day after treatment have faster healing, fewer complications, and less discomfort. The simplest and most effective form of exercise for good vein function is walking.

    You may perform most of your normal activities after the procedure. We encourage walking several times a day because this promotes good blood circulation and minimizes your risk of any complications. Avoid any heavy lifting and squatting for one week as this can reopen the vein. Light exercise is fine, but no lunging, excessive jumping, squats, or heavy weights for one week. Hot baths and soaking in Jacuzzi tubs can also reopen the vein, so avoid doing either of these for one week after the procedure.

  • How quickly after treatment can I return to normal activities?

    Many patients typically return to normal activities within a day.1 Following the treatment, Dr. Moore may recommend a regular walking regimen and suggest you refrain from very strenuous activities (heavy lifting, for example) or prolonged periods of standing.

    1. Lurie F, Creton D, Eklof B, Kabnick LS, Kistner RL, Pichot O, et al. Prospective randomized study of endovenous radiofrequency obliteration (Closure®) versus ligation and stripping in a selected patient population (EVOLVES study). J Vasc Surg 2003;38:207-14.

  • What happens to the blood flow once the vein is removed?

    Your body has already rerouted blood around the veins that don’t do their jobs. Blood in the treated vein will eventually be absorbed by the body along with the vein.

  • Can my varicose veins come back?

    Venous insufficiency needs to be monitored on a regular basis. Even after the veins are treated, new veins in different locations can develop. Regular follow-up and treatment is essential in keeping varicose veins under control in order to prevent recurrence of symptoms and to minimize the risk of developing ulcers, deep clots or other complications associated with varicose veins.

  • Where will my treatment be provided?

    Most of the time, treatment for varicose veins is an in-office procedure. We have two locations to serve you, Grapevine and Keller Texas.

  • Why do you ask if I have Migraines?

    One of the modern techniques of vein treatment, foam sclerotherapy, can induce a migraine in those who are particularly susceptible. After extensive study for a decade on thousands of patients, this phenomenon has been found to be mostly a curiosity with no harm to patients. Dr. Moore still proceeds with caution, “I generally avoid this particular technique in true migraine patients; I do not want to give my patients a headache.”

  • Will my insurance cover my treatment?

    Most of the time, yes. Venous insufficiency and varicose veins are a medical condition, but insurance companies must still approve the treatment. Patients who experience painful, debilitating symptoms are more likely to get approved than spider veins for a cosmetic reason. Our office is happy to assist with the insurance process.

  • I am coming in for a consultation for the first time, do I need to bring anything with me?

    Welcome! We use a patient portal to complete most of your new patient paperwork, but please be prepared to show us your driver’s license and insurance card. Since Dr. Moore will be examining your legs, most patients wear or bring a pair of shorts. Arriving 10-15 minutes early helps us to see you promptly at your scheduled appointment time. So whether you’re coming to the Keller office or the Grapevine office, we are looking forward to helping you say goodbye to varicose veins.

Patient Resources

  • What is the main difference between arteries and veins?

    In simplest terms, arteries pump oxygen-rich blood FROM the heart, veins return oxygen-depleted blood TO the heart.

  • Are there different types of veins?

    Yes! Deep leg veins return blood directly to the heart and are in the center of the leg, near the bones. Superficial leg veins are just beneath the skin. These veins have less support from surrounding muscles and bones than the deep veins and may develop an area of weakness in the vein wall. Varicose veins happen when the veins ‘balloon’.

    Another type of vein, called perforator veins, serve as connections between the superficial system and the deep system of leg veins.

  • Why do varicose veins occur more in the legs?

    Gravity is the culprit. The distance from the feet to the heart is the furthest blood has to travel in the body. Consequently, those vessels experience a great deal of pressure. If vein valves can’t handle it, the backflow of blood can cause the surface veins to become swollen and distorted.

  • What happens if I don’t treat my varicose veins?

    Maybe nothing, maybe a lot! Like all medical conditions, vein diseases manifest themselves differently in each patient. Some people may have large ropey veins and swollen ankles, but have neither symptoms nor much progression of the disease. Other people may suffer considerably with little visible symptoms. Dr. Moore states, “I never recommend ‘no treatment’, but my advice has to be individualized for every patient.” The problem will eventually progress with time and there can be serious consequences. Plus, there are often important issues that cannot be seen. Consult an experienced Vein Specialist who can evaluate your situation and offer options that make sense to you.

  • Is there any short term treatment for varicose veins?

    ESES (pronounced S-S) is an easy way to remember the conservative approach. It stands for Exercise, Stockings, Elevation and Still.

    • Exercising – maintaining a healthy weight
    • Stockings – wearing compression hose
    • Elevating – elevating the legs
    • Resting – reducing stress on the legs

    Keep in mind that these steps will not make the veins go away or even prevent them from worsening because the underlying disease (venous reflux) has not been addressed. However, it may provide some symptomatic relief.

    If there are inflamed areas or an infection, topical antibiotics may be prescribed. If ulcers develop, medication and dressings should be changed regularly.

    There are also potentially longer-term treatment alternatives for visible varicose veins, such as sclerotherapy and phlebectomy.

  • Is age an important consideration for the ClosureFast™ procedure?

    Age alone is not the determining factor in whether or not the ClosureFast™ procedure is right for you. The ClosureFast™ procedure has been used to treat patients across a wide range of ages. The most important step in determining whether or not the ClosureFast™ procedure is a good solution for you is a complete ultrasound examination by your physician or vein doctor.

  • How soon should I start to notice a difference?

    It depends on the treatment and the individual. With microphlebectomy, the veins are gone when the procedure is complete (one of the advantages of this technique). After sclerotherapy, small veins may disappear in 2 to 3 weeks, while larger ones may take up to 8 weeks. Some may take as long as 8 months before all pigmentation disappears. Dr. Moore will discuss his prognosis with you.

    People will usually comment that their symptoms have either improved or resolved at the one week follow up appointment. Oftentimes, they still may have some residual aching in the thigh from the ablation procedure, but state that their legs feel “lighter”.

  • Will there be a scar?

    Since the incisions are so tiny, there is not usually any scarring.

  • Can I exercise afterwards?

    We find that people who use their leg muscles every day after treatment have faster healing, fewer complications, and less discomfort. The simplest and most effective form of exercise for good vein function is walking.

    You may perform most of your normal activities after the procedure. We encourage walking several times a day because this promotes good blood circulation and minimizes your risk of any complications. Avoid any heavy lifting and squatting for one week as this can reopen the vein. Light exercise is fine, but no lunging, excessive jumping, squats, or heavy weights for one week. Hot baths and soaking in Jacuzzi tubs can also reopen the vein, so avoid doing either of these for one week after the procedure.

  • How quickly after treatment can I return to normal activities?

    Many patients typically return to normal activities within a day.1 Following the treatment, Dr. Moore may recommend a regular walking regimen and suggest you refrain from very strenuous activities (heavy lifting, for example) or prolonged periods of standing.

    1. Lurie F, Creton D, Eklof B, Kabnick LS, Kistner RL, Pichot O, et al. Prospective randomized study of endovenous radiofrequency obliteration (Closure®) versus ligation and stripping in a selected patient population (EVOLVES study). J Vasc Surg 2003;38:207-14.

  • What happens to the blood flow once the vein is removed?

    Your body has already rerouted blood around the veins that don’t do their jobs. Blood in the treated vein will eventually be absorbed by the body along with the vein.

  • Can my varicose veins come back?

    Venous insufficiency needs to be monitored on a regular basis. Even after the veins are treated, new veins in different locations can develop. Regular follow-up and treatment is essential in keeping varicose veins under control in order to prevent recurrence of symptoms and to minimize the risk of developing ulcers, deep clots or other complications associated with varicose veins.

  • Where will my treatment be provided?

    Most of the time, treatment for varicose veins is an in-office procedure. We have two locations to serve you, Grapevine and Keller Texas.

  • Why do you ask if I have Migraines?

    One of the modern techniques of vein treatment, foam sclerotherapy, can induce a migraine in those who are particularly susceptible. After extensive study for a decade on thousands of patients, this phenomenon has been found to be mostly a curiosity with no harm to patients. Dr. Moore still proceeds with caution, “I generally avoid this particular technique in true migraine patients; I do not want to give my patients a headache.”

  • Will my insurance cover my treatment?

    Most of the time, yes. Venous insufficiency and varicose veins are a medical condition, but insurance companies must still approve the treatment. Patients who experience painful, debilitating symptoms are more likely to get approved than spider veins for a cosmetic reason. Our office is happy to assist with the insurance process.

  • I am coming in for a consultation for the first time, do I need to bring anything with me?

    Welcome! We use a patient portal to complete most of your new patient paperwork, but please be prepared to show us your driver’s license and insurance card. Since Dr. Moore will be examining your legs, most patients wear or bring a pair of shorts. Arriving 10-15 minutes early helps us to see you promptly at your scheduled appointment time. So whether you’re coming to the Keller office or the Grapevine office, we are looking forward to helping you say goodbye to varicose veins.