About The Vein Institute
What is The Vein Institutes philosophy?
The Vein Institute was founded to redefine varicose vein care throughout Australia. Patients and their needs are at the heart of our business and everything we do. Everyday, we strive to provide patients with the best varicose veins treatment possible. What does that mean to us? It means high success rates, minimal discomfort, fast recovery, no hospital stays, happy and healthy patients.
Where are you located?
We have 4 clinics – Sydney CBD, Parramatta, Canberra and Melbourne.
Sydney CBD – 227 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Parramatta – George Street Gatehouse, O’Connell St NSW 2150
Canberra – Barton Specialist Clinic, Level 2, 9/3 Sydney Ave, Barton ACT 2600
Melbourne – Level 1, Suite 126 at Chelsea House 55 Flemington Road, North Melbourne VIC 3051
How can I contact you?
You can call our clinic on 1300 535 017 to speak to a member of our team or fill out a form to make an enquiry.
Can I visit offices in other cities?
We prefer that you continue treatment in the same clinic you started with. If you are relocating to a different city, please call our office and we will discuss your options.
Are your team all qualified doctors?
All our doctors are fully qualified from top universities. They have all gone on to complete further specialisations in interventional radiology, phlebology, or vascular health. All treatments will be carried out by one of our doctors and may be assisted by a sonographer and nurse. Learn more about The Vein Institute team.
Does The Vein Institute offer urgent care?
Our doctors are on hand throughout your treatment plan to assist with any questions you may have. If you require urgent care, please contact your local GP or hospital.
How is The Vein Institute different?
The Vein Institute believes in patient first care and getting you the best results possible. We offer patients treatment plans so that there are no hidden costs and guaranteed results. Our team of highly trained doctors use the highest quality equipment to ensure the best results with minimal stress and discomfort for patients. We are located in central locations to offer the most convenient services to patients.
Is there parking available near your clinics?
We are located close to train stations in most of our locations or bus routes. Alternatively, there is plenty of on-street parking next to our clinics.
Do I have to make an appointment, or can I just walk in?
The Vein Institute works on an appointment basis. Please give us a call on 1300 535017 and we would be happy to arrange one for you.
Treatments
What treatments are there for varicose veins?
There are a number of different treatments available for varicose veins; these include Endovenous Laser Ablation, Radiofrequency Ablation, Sclerotherapy and VenaSeal. At The Vein Institute, our doctors will recommend the appropriate treatment for each patient after an assessment and ultrasound scan at your consultation.
Are the treatments safe?
All treatments carried out at The Vein Institute are performed by doctors specialising in the field. New treatments, in general, are considered safer than surgery yet there will always be the rare possibility of complications as with any medical procedure.
Does treatment hurt?
It shouldn’t be painful. The treatment is described as more of a discomfort rather than a pain, similar to an injection or getting your bloods taken. You will be given a local anaesthetic to the leg area via a needle, so this is the only sensation you should feel. The treated leg my feel heavy and tight after laser treatment, as a fluid anaesthetic is given at the site.
Will I need to take time off work?
The Vein Institute is a walk-in walk-out clinic, and the treatments are minimally invasive so patients rarely need to take any time off of work.
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 trouble veins. Following the laser treatment, a few sessions of sclerotherapy injections may be required to treat the more superficial veins.
Do I need a GP referral?
A GP referral isn’t required to see one of our doctors, however if you will require one if you’d like to access the Medicare rebate. The cost of your initial consultation is $290 – with the referral you will receive around $70 back from Medicare. Download the referral form.
Do I have to wear compression stockings?
Yes, initially a compression bandage is applied directly after treatment which you keep on for two days. After the two days, you can change over to the compression stockings for a further 5 days. This helps to promote the best possible healing and outcome. Learn more about what to expect post treatment.
Do I need to prepare for the procedure?
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.
Is it possible to receive treatment on the same day as my consultation?
No, we do not perform the treatment on the same day of your initial consultation. At the consultation, your doctor will use an ultrasound to make an accurate assessment of your veins and discuss your different treatment options. In order to allow you time to consider the treatment options thoroughly, we keep the consultation and treatments separate.
Can all of my veins be treated in one sitting?
The majority of the deeper veins will be treated in the laser sessions, however you will have some sclerotherapy injections sessions at a different time after your laser therapy to treat the smaller surface veins that can’t be treated with the laser.
Can I travel throughout treatment?
Long-haul travel (more than five hours) is not recommended for a few weeks following treatments. It is important to discuss your travel plans with the doctor prior to your treatments.
Can I have a treatment close to a major operation?
While it depends on the operation, generally if it’s a major procedure, it’s best to wait until your surgery and recovery is complete before having vein treatments.
Can I take antibiotics during treatment?
Yes – As long as you don’t have any active systemic infection at the time of treatment.
Is there anything I need to avoid while having treatment?
You should avoid:
- Shaving your legs just prior to treatment
- Really hot shower pre and post treatment
- Laser hair removal for the duration of treatment and for a couple of months post treatment
- Waxing for the duration of treatment and for a couple of months post treatment
- Overseas long haul travel for at least 3 weeks post treatment
- Strenuous exercise for one week
Can I take the contraceptive pill during treatment?
Generally (but not always) your doctor will recommend that you stop taking the contraceptive pill for four weeks post laser treatment and sclerotherapy treatments, however, this will be determined based on a few factors which will be explained to you in your consultation.
Can I take hormone replacement therapy during treatment?
Ideally you should stop taking hormone replacement therapy during treatment as it can slightly increase the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis / Pulmonary Embolism. However, if it is necessary to continue taking HRT, many patients have been safely treated with laser and sclerotherapy.
Can I see a Physiotherapist /Chiropractor/Osteopath for treatment whilst undergoing treatment for my veins?
Yes – There is no problem with having this treatment at the same time.
Do traditional remedies or vitamins work for varicose veins?
Remedies, supplements and vitamins on their own will not fix your varicose veins. However, they may help to reduce symptoms or their appearance. Read more about varicose vein natural remedies.
Is it best to do it in winter or summer?
This is a personal choice. Some patients like to schedule their treatment prior to an event. Though healing varies between patients, we recommend commencing treatment six months prior to any event for optimal results. The recommended compression stockings are lightweight and easily worn in summer or winter. Some people prefer to have them treated in winter to have the extra layer and because they are less likely to be wearing shorts.
Can I go to the gym after treatment?
We recommend you abstain from rigorous activities like gym work, running, heavy lifting, aerobics etc for 10 days post laser and sclerotherapy to let veins heal – Gentle walking every day is advised! You can carry on with normal work or home duties as long as they are not overly strenuous.
Am I too young, or too old for treatment?
There are no age limits for varicose vein treatment, however if a patient is younger that 16 we would advise speaking to your pediatrician.
I was told I needed surgery, is there an alternative?
Modern varicose vein treatments have come a long way since vein stripping and other surgical procedures that required patients to be hospitalised and needing lengthy downtime and recovery. Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Foam Sclerotherapy injections are excellent alternative treatment options for most patients.
Pregnancy
Why does pregnancy cause or exacerbate varicose veins?
Pregnancy can cause or exacerbate varicose veins for a number of reasons. The higher levels of pregnancy hormones; estrogen and progesterone, can cause veins to dilate. In addition, during pregnancy, the uterus can put pressure on the inferior vena cava, the main vein that carries blood to the heart from the lower extremities. Read more about varicose veins in pregnancy.
I am pregnant and have noticed my veins are getting worse. What should I do?
It is not unusual for pregnant women to feel their veins are getting worse. This can also be a time when they first notice the appearance of varicose or spider veins. We recommend wearing medical grade compression stockings from the beginning of the pregnancy and for several weeks after birth. Once you have finished breastfeeding, we suggest making an appointment with a vein specialist to decide on an appropriate treatment.
Do I need to wait until I have completed my family to have treatment?
No, you do not need to wait until you have completed your family to have treatment, however we do recommend waiting until you have finished breastfeeding, before getting pregnant again.
Can varicose veins cause problems for the baby or during the birth?
Varicose veins should not cause a problem for the baby or during birth as they usually have a low level of blood flow through them. In some cases, vulvar varicose veins can lead to pelvic congestion syndrome.