We specialise in harnessing state-of-the-art technological advancements to provide advanced varicose vein treatments, ensuring the best possible results. Schedule an appointment with confidence, knowing that you're in capable hands.
Now consulting in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
MEET OUR DOCTORS & LEARN ABOUT OUR APPROACH
Watch the video below to learn about our clinic’s approach to patient care and vein treatment. We centre the patient and are passionate about clearly providing all the information you need to make the right decisions about your treatment process.
ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT PLANS
The following symptoms serve as indicators of potential venous issues that, if untreated, can significantly raise the risk of venous ulcers and deep vein thrombosis. These symptoms, which may be easily overlooked or considered normal due to familiarity, include:
Pain
Aching legs
Restlessness in legs
Heaviness in legs
Swelling
Correct assessment and diagnosis are crucial in ensuring optimal venous health. Even if your veins may not appear severely affected from an aesthetic standpoint, seeking early interventional treatment can change the trajectory of disease progression and spare you from experiencing these painful and potentially life-threatening consequences.
VEIN STRUCTURE
Think of your veins like a tree.
Visible on the surface, the veins can be categorised into two types: the leaves, also known as spider veins, and the branches, referred to as reticular veins. Deeper beneath the skin lies the trunk, which corresponds to varicose veins. It is typically in the trunk where problems first arise.
The trunk serves as the supplier of blood to the branch vessels, emphasising its importance. It is crucial never to treat the leaves or branches without ensuring that the trunk has been adequately addressed, if necessary. Failing to follow this treatment order significantly increases the risk of creating a more significant aesthetic problem.
At the Melbourne Vein Group, we adopt a staged approach to treatment. We prioritise addressing the underlying malfunction in the trunk first, followed by treating the affected branch vessels, and finally focusing on the leaves or spider veins. This systematic approach yields substantial improvements in the aesthetic appearance of bulging varicose veins and spider veins, as well as enhanced venous health.
THE TREATMENT PROCESS
Treatment Phase One
In the initial stage of treatment, we focus on addressing large malfunctioning varicose veins, specifically targeting the trunk. We employ a technique called Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLA) to effectively treat and manage the affected veins, including the great, small, and/or anterior accessory saphenous veins.
Treatment Phase Two
During the second stage of treatment, our focus shifts towards addressing small varicose and reticular veins, commonly referred to as branches. To effectively treat these smaller veins, we employ a technique known as Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy (UGS).
This method involves the use of ultrasound guidance to inject foam sclerosant into the affected veins, leading to their closure and eventual resolution. Additionally, depending on the specific situation, we may also utilize a procedure called phlebectomy. This involves the partial removal of larger malfunctioning veins, further aiding in the overall treatment process.
Treatment Phase Three
In the final stage of treatment, our focus is on addressing spider veins, surface veins, and telangiectasia, commonly referred to as leaves.
For the treatment of these cosmetic concerns, we employ a technique called microsclerotherapy. This procedure involves the precise and meticulous injection of a sclerosant solution into the affected veins using very fine needles. To ensure accuracy, we may utilize magnification, transillumination, or augmented reality techniques during the process.
By employing microsclerotherapy, we aim to effectively target and eliminate these superficial veins, resulting in an improved aesthetic appearance and overall satisfaction for our patients.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Vein disease, also known as venous insufficiency, is the improper functioning of the vein valves within the legs that can cause painful symptoms.
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Enlarged, sometimes twisted veins that have become swollen due to venous insufficiency causing blood to pool in the legs. Veins become varicose when their valves fail to successfully pump blood back up to the heart.
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Spider veins are dilated capillaries closer to the surface of the skin. They can be red, purple or blue that are smaller and usually not raised. Spider veins are most common the legs and face.
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Unfortunately vein disease is progressive and if left untreated, will likely become worse over time. Increasing symptoms that can occur with untreated varicose veins include leg tiredness, heaviness, aching, throbbing, restlessness, tingling, itching, numbness and swelling. More serious complications such as phlebitis, blood clots, dermatitis, and vein ulcers can develop if varicose veins are left untreated.
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Women who are pregnant experience higher volumes of blood flow during the pregnancy. The increased blood flow can contribute to enlarged veins in your legs and make developing varicose veins more likely. Another cause of varicose veins during pregnancy has been linked to the change in hormones women go through during pregnancy.
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No. Becoming pregnant with existing varicose veins will only lead to the veins becoming significantly worse as the pregnancy develops. Treatment for varicose veins is best performed before or between pregnancies.
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We are aware that medical procedures can be more painful for some individuals than others, and we carefully cater for this.
At the Melbourne Vein Group, we use the smallest needles available and have a wide range of pain relief options. These include the use of:
– Valium prior to your treatment.
– Numbing cream
– Mandatory local anaesthesia where required
– Laughing gas ( Entonox)
– Green whistle ( Penthrox)
Note: if either laughing gas or the green whistle are used, you will be required to have someone drive you home.
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No. Treatments are walk in, walk out, however, if you require the use of Penthrox or Enternox, then someone is required to drive you home.
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If your flight is longer than 4hrs, it is generally recommended you complete your treatment at least 4 weeks prior to travel. In certain circumstances such as unexpected work travel, we can prescribe a blood thinning agent to be taken prior to travel to reduce your risk of venous thrombosis.
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The spider veins that are treated won't return, however, the body is constantly forming new blood vessels with healing, therefore new spider veins can show up in a different area as a result of this.
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Please bring the compression stockings with you to your consultation so we can assess if they are suitable.
However typically, you will be required to purchase our medical grade compression stockings. These are to be brought to every appointment.
The compression required for treatment, is different to the stockings that you receive while you are in hospital.
Cost of the stockings is $150. Private health funds typically cover a certain percentage of the stockings. Please check with your health fund.
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The costs will depend on the methods required to treat/remove your abnormal veins, the number of abnormal veins to be treated, the number of treatments required, the time and complexity of each treatment; the amount of consumables needed and will naturally vary significantly from person to person.
Once you have had a thorough ultrasound and clinical examination to identify the extent and nature of your vein problem, we will be in a position to provide a quote for treatment.
