At The Vein Institute, we use the latest technology from Europe and the USA to provide the most advanced, non-surgical options in the treatment of varicose veins. 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 range from self-care options for pain and symptom management, non-surgical treatments such as those which are offered at The Vein Institute, and in-hospital surgical procedures.
Compare Treatments
Below is a simple snapshot of all the varicose vein treatment options
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 1300 535 017 or make an appointment.
What type of non-surgical treatment options are available?
Endovenous Therapy – Also known as endovenous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation, these treatments are performed comfortably in our clinic with local 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?
If the spider veins are a cosmetic concern only, we can provide a referral to a cosmetic physician.
What about traditional remedies or vitamins?
Do I need to prepare for the procedure?
How long will the laser procedure take?
Will the laser procedure be painful?
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.