FAQ

No special or complicated preparation is required. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that is easy to remove for a full leg examination, and bringing your medical records (previous ultrasound results, discharge summaries, lab results) along with a list of medications you take on an ongoing basis. Anything else will be arranged by the specialist if needed. If you feel anxious about seeing a doctor, we also recommend writing down all the questions that matter to you so you can discuss them all during the consultation.

Ultrasound is the "gold standard" of diagnostics in phlebology and vascular surgery. It allows the doctor to assess the anatomy of the veins (or arteries), blood flow velocity, and valve competence, and to detect hidden pathological reflux (backward blood flow) or blood clots that cannot be diagnosed during a regular physical exam. In arteries, it can reveal existing atherosclerotic changes so that effective prevention of complications can be prescribed, or the optimal surgical treatment method can be determined if needed. Ultrasound can also, in some cases, be used to assess the effectiveness of treatment itself (for example, treatment of thrombosis or thrombophlebitis).

The treatment strategy is determined by the phlebologist (vascular surgeon) based on duplex ultrasound scan data, the clinical picture, the stage of the disease, and the patient's aesthetic expectations. Modern phlebology follows the principle of an individualized, combined approach (EVLA, RFA, phlebectomy, sclerotherapy, CLaCS). Each method has its own indications, so an individual combination of treatments is selected to achieve the best possible result.

Pricing depends on the main method chosen (laser ablation, sclerotherapy, etc.) and its combination with additional methods (phlebectomy, sclerotherapy), the scope of the intervention (one-sided or bilateral involvement, the complexity category of the condition, the number of affected vein pools, a history of vein inflammation, etc.), the type of anesthesia (local anesthesia or medication-induced sleep), and the category of compression garments, which is selected separately (if needed, it can be purchased at the clinic or brought by the patient if it matches the required class and size).

The standard set of pre-operative lab tests and studies includes: — complete blood count, — blood chemistry panel (liver and kidney markers, blood glucose), coagulogram, — blood tests for infections (hepatitis B, C, syphilis, and HIV), — ECG. This list may be adjusted by the doctor at the appointment if you have certain concomitant or chronic conditions. Tests should be taken no earlier than 2 weeks before the planned surgery date (the infection panel is an exception — it remains valid for 6 months). Send the results to the clinic assistant's phone as soon as they're ready so the doctor can review them in advance. Avoid alcohol and smoking for 48 hours before the procedure. When planning treatment under local anesthesia, there are no restrictions on your eating schedule or on taking your regular medications. If medication-induced sleep is agreed with the doctor, have a light meal 12 hours beforehand and follow the recommendations given by your anesthesiologist (a consultation with the anesthesiologist usually takes place after our assistants receive your basic test results). Exercise on the day before treatment under local anesthesia is not contraindicated. The day before treatment, shave the leg where treatment is planned. On the day of treatment, take a shower and wear loose clothing — keep in mind that after surgery you will need to wear a compression stocking for 1–2 days and not remove it.

Do not shave/epilate or apply skincare creams or lotions to your legs on the day of the procedure. Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for 10–14 days before the procedure. Do not have aggressive peels or hardware treatments (SMAS, RF) within a week before the procedure. Resolve any skin inflammation beforehand, if present — this is a contraindication for the procedure. Bring your pre-fitted compression garments with you.

Basic recommendations: Immediately after the procedure, take a mandatory continuous walk lasting 30–60 minutes. Strictly follow the compression garment wearing schedule (the duration is determined by the doctor at the consultation and during the procedure). Limit visits to saunas, steam rooms, tanning beds, and hot baths; avoid self-tanning products and aggressive body wraps or massage for 3–4 weeks. Avoid heavy strength training and lifting weights over 10 kg for 2–3 weeks. Keep in mind that sclerotherapy is a course-based procedure, and to achieve the best result you need to follow the recommendations throughout the entire course and for a certain period afterward. Skin care after sclerotherapy or CLaCS procedures: Avoid direct UV exposure (tanning) for 3–4 weeks to prevent hyperpigmentation. Use topical anti-inflammatory or heparin-based products as recommended by your doctor. Take any prescribed medication to improve the result as recommended by your doctor (venotonic, capillary-stabilizing drugs). Take a break from high-intensity training for 7–10 days after the procedure. Use compression garments after the procedure only as prescribed by your doctor.

Selection is made exclusively on the prescription of a phlebologist (vascular surgeon), who determines the compression class based on the condition of your vessels (class 1, 2, or 3). Measurements are taken by a specialist at the appointment when there are no contraindications, or by the patient personally. If you take your own measurements: — measure in the first half of the day, when your legs are least swollen, or in the morning, — use a standard measuring tape, — take measurements on both legs. When choosing stockings, also consider your personal comfort — fabrics of different thickness from different manufacturers may have the same compression class but feel different to the patient. The fabric should be soft, since compression garments are considered similar to intimate apparel. Compression garments cannot be exchanged or returned once purchased.

Minimally invasive procedures (laser or radiofrequency ablation, glue ablation, etc.) take 30 to 60 minutes depending on the extent and complexity of the case. Combined techniques (with phlebectomy and/or sclerotherapy) take 50 to 90 minutes. Our assistants always point out that, for standard treatment, your total time at the clinic is up to 2 hours. Please note that your time at the clinic includes pre-operative marking, signing consent forms and initial medical documentation, as well as the procedure itself.

Yes, all modern phlebology procedures follow the "one-day surgery" (outpatient) standard. As soon as 30–60 minutes after the procedure and a final check-up, the patient returns to their normal routine on their own. In fact, the first important recommendation after the procedure is a mandatory 30–60 minute walk at a normal pace.

Most procedures are performed under tumescent (local) anesthesia, which completely blocks pain sensations. This technique involves ultra-thin punctures along the leg; sensations are minor and cause no discomfort at all for 80% of patients. For patients with a high level of anxiety, sedation (medication-induced sleep) under the supervision of an anesthesiologist is available. This method involves injecting a special medication into a vein, allowing you to sleep through the treatment and wake up right after the procedure is finished. After medication-induced sleep, you may feel mild dizziness for a short time, so you will rest in the recovery room for 15–30 minutes after treatment. Also keep in mind that driving is not allowed on the same day after sedation.

As a preventive measure: once a year for veins and arteries (a full check-up) if you have no complaints, for early diagnosis. During pregnancy: a vein ultrasound at the planning stage, if there are complaints or a family history, in the 2nd–3rd trimester for choosing compression garments, and again 3–6 months after childbirth if there are changed veins, to assess vessel condition and choose a correction method. If you have symptoms or a family history of vein disease: vein ultrasound 1–2 times a year or on an individual schedule set by your doctor. Before starting hormone therapy or chemotherapy, and before planned general or aesthetic surgeries: a scheduled vascular ultrasound to assess vein and artery risks.

A vein that has been obliterated (closed by laser or another thermal method) or removed cannot regenerate. However, varicose veins are a chronic, genetically driven condition. There is a chance the condition may appear on other, previously healthy vessels, which is minimized through regular prevention and periodic ultrasound monitoring with a phlebologist, as well as by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet, limiting harmful habits, and monitoring your overall health (including other possible chronic changes and processes that can also affect the veins).