Varicose VEINS

What exactly are Varicose veins?

 

This is 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.

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​ 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:

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• 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.

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Our options for treatment include

 

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.