Varicose Vein Treatment Options

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.