Varicose VEINS

Varicose and spider veins are very common, affecting over 50% of women and 20% of men in Western communities. You are NOT alone!

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Varicose veins are a condition that occurs when the superficial veins no longer function properly. Due to various factors, walls of the veins lose their elasticity and become dilated and elongated. Without effective tissue support, the vein becomes large and tortuous. Valves inside the veins, which are designed to direct the blood back to the heart, become incompetent or “leak” so the blood passes backwards down the leg instead of returning to the heart.

​These changes result in;

Pooling of blood

Increased venous pressure/Backflow

Accumulation of fluid in your legs.

 

This may progress to:

Clotting/Thrombosis in the veins

Bleeding from superficial veins

Eczema, skin thickening and pigmentation 

Ulceration in the lower leg (uncommon in uncomplicated varicose veins).

 

Contributing factors include:

Hereditary

Age

Obesity

Pregnancy

HRT

Previous deep venous thrombosis

Constipation

Dietary factors

Lifestyle factors eg, Inactivity

Connective tissue disorders  

Congenital 

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Treatment Options after comprehensive Consultation and imaging:

• Endovenous Laser Therapy/Ablation (EVLT/EVLA)- Developed in 1999, using state of the art Laser “Gold Standard”

• Foam Sclerotherapy – A cheaper non-surgical alternative to laser (suitable for some patients)

• Clarivein ™ – A novel non thermal closure device, commenced use in Australia in 2011

• Venaseal (Glue) ™ – The newest method of sealing the vein with Glue, 1st used in Australia in Nov 2014

• Surgical stripping - combined with “stab avulsion”, was the mainstay of treatment for the last century. This technique requires a general anaesthetic and was associated with a longer recovery time, and frequent recurrence (up to 50% at 5yrs). It is the only procedure which can be access in the public system if varicosities have become complicated (bleeding, ulceration, venous eczema, thrombophlebitis).

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Recurrence of Veins

New varicose and spider veins may develop over time, as a patient’s underlying tendency to form varicose veins cannot be changed. These recurrent veins can also be successfully treated.   

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Recommended LIFESTYLE Factors include:

Maintaining a healthy weight

Avoiding prolonged standing

Undertaking regular exercise

Using compression stockings

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Medical Skin and Laser's team tailor a program to suit you.

We provide a full range of treatments for Varicose Veins recommended and endorsed by; 

Royal Australasian College of Surgeons 

Australian and New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery 

ANZ Society Phlebology 

Australian College of Phlebology.