Varicose Vein Treatment
Treatment of all types of venous disease including varicose veins, Reticular veins and Spider veins.
Varicose veins are a common problem experienced by up to 25% of the population.
It is a common misconception that varicose veins are purely a cosmetic problem. Whilst for many the appearance of varicose veins are understandably a major issue, varicose veins can cause many problems including pain (ache/heaviness), skin rashes, bleeding and in some people skin ulcers that can be very difficult to heal.
There are 3 main types of abnormal veins
- Varicose Veins – large dilated surface veins
- Reticular Veins – superficial bluish veins
- Spider Veins – very superficial and fine purple veins
The treatment options depend on which types of veins are causing trouble, and only a Specialist Vascular Surgeon can offer you ALL of the treatment options, so that you can decide the best choice for your circumstances.
Treatment options include
- Injection Treatment (Sclerotherapy) – office-based treatment using a very fine needle to introduce an irritant solution into reticular and spider veins causing the vein to occlude and fade.
- Radiofrequency Ablation – minimally-invasive treatment of the underlying venous disease. A catheter is introduced into the vein via a needle with the guidance of ultrasound. Now largely replaces “stripping” of varicose veins in the majority of people.
- SuperGlue (VenaSeal) – latest technique to treat underlying venous disease. Suitable for treatment in the office without the need for in-hospital treatment or general anaesthetic. The abnormal vein is “glued” closed with a single injection. Highly effective and in some people avoids the need for stockings after the procedure.
- Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) – similar treatment to above with a catheter used to destroy the vein.
- Surgical Management – new surgical techniques allow treatment of both the underlying venous incompetence and the visible varicose veins through “key-hole” incisions with minimal scarring. This may be the best treatment option for patients with larger varicose veins.
Post-operative discomfort is usually minimal and most patients are able to be treated as a day case avoiding a night in hospital.
Dr. Hansen will fully discuss with you all of the options available to treat your individual veins, the pros and cons of each, and he will recommend the optimal treatment strategy for you.