Varicose & Spider Veins (Sclerotherapy)

Sclerotherapy is a treatment for veins that have become enlarged and uncomfortable. It involves injections into the veins with sclerosants (medical solutions) that cause the veins to collapse and dry up resulting in closure of the veins. This treatment can be used to treat both varicose veins and spider veins. The circulation will improve because new networks of veins will develop to bypass the diseased ones. The result of the treatment will last many years. Varicose Veins is a medical disease which is not cured by Sclerotherapy or by surgery. New veins may develop as one gets older and so it is necessary to return for regular follow ups and treatment. Your doctor will be able to tell you how often you need to return for these follow ups.

WHY CAN’T I CURE MY VARICOSE VEINS PROBLEM

Simply because it is a genetic problem. You have them because someone in the family has them. The gene responsible is passed down the family tree. It is a Recessive Gene. This means that being a weaker gene the problem is not passed down to every child. However, the chances of passing the condition down to more children increase when your Mum and your Dad both have the problem. So it is a Medical Condition. It is a disease, though not a life threatening one. It is more common in women because pregnancy is one of the aggravating factors. Another is the hormone Oestrogen which tends to cause dilation of the veins. Occupations where the person tends to stand a lot aggravate the varicose veins after they start to appear. Unfortunately, women are more likely to be in occupations where they stand a lot eg Hair Dressing, Retail etc.

I DON’T WANT ANY TREATMENT

What if I decide that I don’t want any treatment for my veins. Then you will have to live with them and see them

1   They can get WORSE and the veins can become  BIGGER.

2   MORE varicose veins can appear around the original ones.

3   Your CIRCULATION in the legs will DETERIORATE.

4  You will develop symptoms like HEAVINESS, ACHING and SWELLING in the legs & ankles with ITCHING, ECZEMA and DARK DISCOLOURATION in the skin.

5  If you accidentally break your skin around the ankle you are prone to developing an ULCER in the leg which will take a long time to heal because of the poor circulation.

WHAT WILL SCLEROTHERAPY DO FOR ME

SCLEROTHERAPY will PREVENT and RELIEVE the symptoms mentioned above. It is to seek treatment earlier rather than later if you suffer from varicose veins. Delay in treatment often results in deterioration of the existing condition.

SCLEROTHERAPY is an ambulatory treatment meaning it is a WALK IN WALK OUT procedure that is carried out in the clinic and you can return to work immediately after the treatment.

ARE THE INJECTIONS PAINFUL

There is some pain, but most patients have the treatment without any anaesthetic.

The complaints come from having to wear compression stockings which are necessary to achieve better results. Compression Stockings are very tight and must be worn for a week after each treatment. How many treatments depends on how many Varicose Veins there are and how bad they are.

HOW DO I PREPARE MYSELF FOR TREATMENT

It is necessary to have an ULTRASOUND ( DOPPLER ) of the leg veins to check if there are significant damages to the essential valves in the veins before treatment can commence. This is done on your first visit to our surgery and you get the report straight away.  If there are serious damages to these valves in the veins then you may not be suitable for Sclerotherapy. Other treatment options will be discussed with you eg. Surgery etc. We believe in providing you with the right advice so that you will have the appropriate treatment for your situation.

BOOK A VISIT for a Consultation and an Ultrasound Assessment if you have any vein problem in your legs. There is no Medicare cover for the treatment of Spider Veins in the legs. You will get good results from the treatment but Medicare considers treatment of Spider Veins as a cosmetic treatment.

SCLEROTHERAPY OR SURGERY

Surgery is only recommended when the Varicose Vein condition is extremely advanced. As patients are now more knowledgeable and more aware of the condition more than 90% of cases are now treated by Sclerotherapy.

CAN I GET VARICOSE VEINS IN OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY

The short answer is Yes. They can be found in the Vaginal & Vulval region following a pregnancy and a difficult labour, Shoulders & Chest in weight lifters, Torso, and around the Breasts.

FACIAL VEINS & CAPILLARIES

They are quite common around the Nose , Cheeks & Chin. And can be treated with the Hyfrecater. The procedure is quick with minimal discomfort. For those with a very low pain threshold local anaesthetic cream applied 30 minutes before the procedure will take the sting out of it.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HAVE SCLEROTHERAPY FOR THE LEGS

Because you may need 3-4 treatments  1-2 weeks apart and following each treatment you are required to wear compression stockings for a week, the preferred time of the year for Sclerotherapy is in the cooler months. The stockings are a bit hot to wear in hot weather. There will be bruising requiring the use of Arnica Cream regularly to remove it more quickly. You are able to continue normal activities from Day 1 including driving.

DO MEN HAVE TO WEAR STOCKINGS AFTER SCLEROTHERAPY

Yes. There are special compression stockings made for men. All available from our surgery when you come in for our treatment.