When it comes to varicose vein treatment, you need to be able to make an informed decision. Not just about the treatment itself but also the clinic.
So, to help you in this process, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of our treatment process.
Initial Chat
The first step is a chat.
You’ll need to call us at 1300 535 017 or fill out our booking form.
One of our staff will then contact you to discuss your vein concerns and any questions you might have.
At this stage, you’ll also be able to book your consultation with one of our vein specialists.
Referral
Following the chat, you’ll need to visit your GP to get a referral. A referral will let you access the Medicare rebate for the initial consultation.
You can download the referral form here.
Once your GP has filled it out, you can email it to [email protected], fax it to 02 9199 8391, or simply bring it to your consultation.
Consultation
The consultation stage is where you meet with one of our sonographers and vein specialists. At this stage, you can expect us to go over your medical history, test for allergens, and perform an ultrasound scan of your legs or any other venous problem area you point out.
These steps will help us determine:
- If you have varicose veins and how complex and big they are. The circulatory system is large and interconnected, so we often find that varicose veins closer to the surface connect to a deeper vein or that a varicose vein in one part of the body is attached to one in another (e.g., leg veins and pelvic veins).
- If there are any other vein conditions resulting from the varicose veins (e.g., oedema, ulcers)
- Whether you’re allergic to anything we use in the varicose veins treatment process, like cyanoacrylate glue or sclerosants
- If you have any medical conditions that we’ll need to account for during treatment (e.g., clotting disorders)
And based on that information, we can select the treatment plan that’s best for you.
As we mentioned, your treatment will depend on what we determine during your initial consultation. Your options will include:
- Endovenous laser ablation. Your doctor will insert a catheter with a laser tip into your varicose vein and seal it through heat energy.
- Radiofrequency ablation. This treatment follows the same principle as laser ablation. But instead of heat energy, your doctor will seal the vein through a series of precise radiofrequency bursts.
- Medical superglue. Here, your doctor will inject a medical-grade glue into the problem vein through a syringe or a catheter (depending on the vein’s size). They’ll then apply pressure to ‘glue’ the vein shut.
- Sclerotherapy. Your doctor will inject a sclerosant into the varicose vein. Sclerotherapy works by agitating the vein’s lining, encouraging scar tissue to form and block blood flow. Don’t worry, though. The scarring will heal. Depending on the size of your varicose vein, your doctor may inject the sclerosant through a syringe or a catheter. They may also opt to use foam sclerotherapy (which combines the sclerosant with CO2) to cover a wider area.
- ClariVein. Your doctor will use the specialised ClariVein catheter to inject sclerosant deeper into your problem vein.
Each treatment works through sealing the varicose vein in one way or another. This seal will block blood flow to the vein, prompting your body to absorb it and reroute blood flow.
Depending on your condition, we may choose to combine two treatment options (eg, sclerotherapy and EVLA) to ensure the best outcome. Additionally, we may advise you to come in again to clear away spider veins or stubborn vein branches.
People
All our treatments are performed by qualified vein specialists with years of experience. Depending on location, timing, and sometimes condition, your doctor may be Dr Zil Yassine, Dr Jane Li, or Dr Radha K Popuri. You can learn more about their credentials and specialities here.
Your doctor will also be supported by a clinic assistant, who will ensure that all equipment is in pristine condition and help make sure that your treatment goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible.
Post-treatment
Immediately after the treatment, the clinic assistant will clean up the injection site and cover it with a bandage and a compression sock. These will help keep the site clean and to regulate the blood flow around the treatment area to help the seal hold.
On that note, we’ll also advise you on any post-treatment steps you’ll need to take for the best possible outcome. These may include:
- Going for walks (including taking one right after treatment)
- Wearing compression stockings for a few days
- Elevating your legs
- Avoiding hot water
You can learn more about these post-op steps here.
You’ll also need to come in for a follow-up consultation a few weeks after your treatment. Here, we’ll discuss any concerns you have or any issues you’ve experienced. We’ll also perform another ultrasound scan to make sure the healing process is progressing well and if you’ll need any additional treatments.
Payments
Varicose vein treatments are expensive, which we know has put some people off seeking help in the past. However, we want to reiterate that with a referral (and if you’re eligible), you will receive a medical rebate for both the consultation and treatment.
We also offer payment plans. These include a 60-day in-house plan and longer plans via Medipay. We’ll be happy to discuss your options with you during your consultation.
See our pricing page for more information.
We hope this rundown has helped you better understand varicose vein treatments and our treatment process.
But if you still have questions, you can browse our FAQ page or contact us at 1300 535 017.