The Vein Institute

Varicose Vein Treatment Options

At The Vein Institute, we use the latest technology from Europe and the USA to provide the most advanced, non-surgical varicose veins treatment options. Our team of highly skilled doctors are passionate about getting the best possible results and ensuring a positive experience for all patients.

The treatment options for varicose veins include non-surgical treatments such as those offered at The Vein Institute and in-hospital surgical procedures.

Non-surgical treatment options

Non-surgical or minimally invasive treatments seal the vein shut. Once we seal the vein and blood stops flowing through it, your body will start absorbing it. Eventually, the vein will dissolve from view. Several sealing options are available today, each designed for a certain type of vein condition.

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Self Care

Self-care for varicose veins can help you manage your symptoms and slow the condition’s progression. However, home remedies for varicose veins are not treatments, as they do not address the underlying issue of faulty vein valves.

Wear special compression stockings
This will help to reduce swelling and improve circulation. Compression stockings work by gently squeezing the veins and stimulating the muscles to help veins get blood to the heart.

Avoid sitting or standing for long periods
Make sure to move frequently or take breaks. Muscle movement is what moves the blood along the leg vein, so long periods of sitting or standing without moving can cause blood to pool – especially in unhealthy veins.

Diet
What you eat affects your veins. Following a low-salt diet can help prevent swelling caused by water retention. You should also ensure you’re getting enough Vitamins C, D, and E, as these are essential for healthy vein function.

Exercise
Exercise regularly to promote healthy circulation. We recommend doing at least 30 minutes of walking per day. And if you can, swim or take a yoga class a couple of times per week.

Surgical Options

Surgical treatments for varicose veins involve removing the vein rather than sealing it. As removal requires larger incisions and/or a greater number of them, it’s typically performed in a hospital under general anaesthetic. Below are currently available surgical treatments for varicose veins.

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Ligation and Surgical Stripping
This procedure involves making incisions at the two ends of the vein and then cutting and tying the vein off to seal it. Once blood stops flowing through, the vascular surgeon will ‘strip’ the vein out of your body. As it’s a more extensive procedure than Endovenous Laser Ablation, it requires general anaesthesia and sutures.

Phlebectomy
There are two types of phlebectomy: ambulatory and transilluminated. In the former, your surgeon will make incisions along the vein, break it up into segments, and pull them out with a surgical hook. In the latter, they’ll use suction instead of a hook. Sutures are required, but phlebectomy may sometimes be performed under regional anaesthetic.

Compare Treatments

The table below is a simple snapshot of all the varicose veins treatment options.

For more information about our costs, visit our Varicose Vein Treatment Pricing page.

EVLA/RFA Sclero Venaseal Surgery Selfcare
To Treat
Big Straight Veins
To Treat
Small Veins
To Treat
Medium Sized Straight Veins
To Treat
Big Veins
To Treat
All
Pain Level
Similar To An Injection
Pain Level
Similar To An Injection Or Blood Test
Pain Level
Similar To An Injection
Pain Level
None during treatment due to general anaesthetic. Significantly more post treatment.
Pain Level
No pain associated with self care
Success Rate
95 - 98%
Success Rate
65 - 80%
Success Rate
92 - 95%
Success Rate
80 - 90%
Success Rate
Used to minimise symptoms not to fix the issue
Down Time Period
Usually None
Down Time Period
Usually None
Down Time Period
None
Down Time Period
2 - 4 Weeks
Down Time Period
N/A
Anaesthetic
Local at incision point
Anaesthetic
None
Anaesthetic
Local at incision point
Anaesthetic
General anaesthetic or spinal anaesthetic
Anaesthetic
N/A
Appearance
60-80% shrinkage post treatment. Bruising <1 weeks. No visible scars.
Appearance
Immediate bruising before improving in 6 weeks. No visible scars.
Appearance
Improvement usually within fortnight
Appearance
Bruising < 6 weeks. Pain intense for 2 weeks. Minor scaring at each incision point.
Appearance
Appearance will not change
Aftercare
Compression Stockings for 5 days. 30 mins walk a day for 2 weeks.
Aftercare
Compression Stockings 5 days. 30 mins walk a day for 2 weeks.
Aftercare
30 mins walk a day for 2 weeks
Aftercare
Compression stockings for 2 weeks, 30 mins walk a day for 2 weeks, bed rest, high fiber diet, avoid driving for minimum of 2 days.
Aftercare
N/A
No of treatments required
1 Per Leg
No of treatments required
2 - 3 Per Leg on Average
No of treatments required
1 Per Leg
No of treatments required
1 Per Leg
No of treatments required
Use as needed
Recurrance Rate after 5years
<5%
Recurrance Rate after 5years
28%
Recurrance Rate after 5years
10%
Recurrance Rate after 5years
35%
Recurrance Rate after 5years
N/A
Risks
Pigmentation, Nerve Damage, DVT (<1%), Pulmonary Embolism (<1%)
Risks
Pigmentation, Allergic Reaction to solution
Risks
Allergic reaction to glue, phlebitis, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, hematoma or infection
Risks
Allergic reaction to anaesthesia, infection at the incision sites, nerve injury, heavy bleeding, blood clots.
Risks
Risks associated with not treating varicose veins include: bleeding, venous ulcers, blood clots and DVTs.
Remove/Close
Close
Remove/Close
Close
Remove/Close
Close
Remove/Close
Remove
Remove/Close
N/A

Have questions about the treatments available at The Vein Institute?

We have listed some of our most asked questions to the right. If you would like to speak to someone please contact us on 13 83467 or make an appointment.

What type of non-surgical treatment options are available?

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy – This treatment is non-surgical, no scarring and virtually no downtime. A specialised medication is injected into the diseased veins to collapse the vein and allow the body to absorb the sealed vein. The appearance usually improves over a few weeks and continues to improve for about three months.

Endovenous Therapy – Also known as endovenous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation. These treatments are performed comfortably in our clinic with regional anaesthetic. The treatment is a minimally invasive method of treatment for larger varicose veins and is considered the gold standard treatment requiring no hospitalisation or general anaesthetic.

Venaseal “Medical Super Glue”- Venaseal is a modern, non-surgical treatment that uses a medical adhesive to treat varicose veins. As the medical superglue sets within minutes, there is a faster healing process than is sometimes associated with other treatments.

Compression Therapy – Patients who have small varicose veins may relief from their symptoms by wearing compression stockings.

Do you treat spider veins?

We do not usually treat spider veins, we specialise in varicose veins. However, if the spider veins are the result of an underlying varicose vein, then we would set up a treatment plan to treat the varicose veins and spider veins veins.

If the spider veins are a cosmetic concern only, we can provide a referral to a cosmetic physician.

What about traditional remedies or vitamins?

Supplements, while they may help alleviating the symptoms, they will not be able to fix your varicose veins. To actually eliminate varicose veins, there are a number of highly effective, minimally invasive treatments available today that require virtually no recovery time.

Do I need to prepare for the procedure?

No preparation is required. If your procedure is scheduled for the morning, be sure to eat breakfast and take any normal medications. You should wear loose-fitting pants because your legs will be wrapped with elastic bandages after the procedure. Avoid shaving your legs the morning of the treatment.

How long will the laser procedure take?

The procedure takes about an hour, after which you can return home or work.

Will the laser procedure be painful?

The procedure should not be overly painful and most patients experience only mild discomfort while the local anaesthetic is administered. Patients who are highly anxious should discuss their concerns with their doctor. The doctor may arrange a medication or supplement to be taken prior to the procedure to reduce anxiety. For patients taking this medication, a carer or relative is required to transport you home.

Following the procedure, you will be required to wear compression stockings or bandages on the treated legs to ensure the vein remains sealed and to assist the healing process. You may experience some numbness in the leg area until the local anaesthetic wears off.

What is the recovery plan?

  • Minimal to no downtime or time away from work.
  • You can drive after the procedure, if you haven’t taken any medications to reduce anxiety.
  • No long-distance travel greater than 5 hours is recommended.
  • We recommend that all patients wear compression stockings or bandages for a minimum of five days after treatment to assist the healing process.
  • If there is any discomfort following the treatment the doctor may recommend pain reliever medications.

Do I need to follow up after treatment?

All patients must have a review scan within four weeks of the laser procedure to ensure that the laser treatment was successful in sealing the diseased veins.  Following the laser treatment, a few sessions of sclerotherapy injections may be required to treat the more superficial veins.

Can I continue to train at the gym?

We recommend that for the first 10 days following treatment you avoid rigorous activities such as aerobics, jogging, or long periods of sitting and standing. Mild to moderate exercise such as golf or an easy stationary bike ride is permitted. You can carry on with your normal work or home duties provided they are not strenuous.

Will I have to take time off work or will it affect my duties?

Rarely do patients need to take time off work. You can drive after the procedure, if you haven’t taken any medications to reduce anxiety.

What about flying?

Long distance travel (greater than 5 hours) is not recommended for four weeks following treatment. If air travel or long-distance travel is required shortly after treatment, it is important to discuss that with your doctor pre-treatment and you will be required to have an injection.

Will my private health cover the treatment?

Unfortunately, the procedures are not covered by private health cover. You may be able to claim for general consumables depending on your health insurance policy and level of cover. Part of the treatment is covered by medicare when you have a GP referral. We also offer a number of payment plans which we would be happy to talk you through.
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