Dr Zil Yassine (BA MBBS Uni. NSW, MA Harvard, Fellow (College of Phlebology UK) is the Director of Medical Training and one of the doctors at The Vein Institute and a specialist in varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency and venous ulceration. As a leading authority and pioneer in his field across Australia, Dr Zil has continued to improve the standard of varicose vein treatment in Australia for close to ten years and counting.
Dr Zil is The Vein Institute’s Medical Director and if you come to any one of our clinics, you’re likely to see him treating patients and working closely with the doctors and nurses. We sat down to get to know a little more about his experience as a doctor, as well as all things vein treatment.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I’ve spent the past 15 years as a doctor in various roles, including working in emergency departments. While I keep busy travelling between interstate clinics to treat patients, I still find time for my passions. With a strong academic interest in history, my bedside table is often stacked with history books. While I’m not reading, I love to travel, especially in Europe (though it’s a bit tricky at the moment!). Exercising and spending time with friends and family keeps me busy the rest of the time.
What do you enjoy most about being a doctor at The Vein Institute?
While speaking to patients and helping them understand their condition is important, for me the most rewarding part of my job by far is treating a patient and seeing tangible results. When someone is in pain and discomfort, being able to bring them lasting relief and mobility within an hour or two is something that gives me a great deal of satisfaction.
How did you get into varicose veins?
It was actually when I was watching TV and saw a professor of mine demonstrating a brand-new technique of treating varicose veins. It piqued my curiosity straight away, and the opportunity to step into an innovative role that produces excellent outcomes without the need for surgery ticked all the boxes for me, and I’ve been exclusively treating veins for over five years now.
Where do you see vein treatment in 10 years?
I think we’ll see a complete move away from surgery, with virtually all vein treatment being done in outpatient clinics. The procedures themselves will also continue to be less invasive and less painful as technology and techniques continue to be refined.
There are also lots of interesting and promising leads with the involvement of AI in treating veins, and this emerging technology could make it even more accessible.
What would you say to someone unsure about having their varicose veins treated?
It’s totally understandable to be unsure, varicose vein treatment is never black and white. Not every person needs treatment, but speaking to someone and having your veins assessed is the best way to tell. It’s really important you speak to someone who treats veins every day, as they’ve got the best experience and understanding of it all. Don’t be afraid to ask hard questions, really grill the specialist. It’s important to make an informed decision, so don’t be afraid to ask any questions that will help you.
Laser ablation is also something I couldn’t recommend enough for people who get treated, as it’s incredibly successful both short and long term.
Learn more: I think I have a varicose vein, now what?
Seek expert advice
The doctors at The Vein Institute specialise in varicose vein treatment. We offer patients a comprehensive program using non-surgical laser treatment techniques. You can learn more in our Definitive Guide to Varicose Vein Treatment.
The benefits of non-surgical varicose vein treatment are:
- Walk-in walk-out treatment
- 98% success rate
- Extremely effective
- Can be performed at a clinic (no hospitalisation)
- No general anaesthetic
- Medicare rebates apply
- No downtime or time away from work
To book a consultation and discuss our treatment program, call 1300 981 402. Or, make an enquiry via the Contact Us page.