Vein Treatments

There are a variety of ways in which to treat veins and this is dependent on vein size and location. At the Vein & Skin Clinic we use non-surgical methods.

Small Veins

Broken capillaries, spider or red veins (Telangiectasiae) Blue/Green veins (Reticular Veins)

Facial Veins

*    The clinic offers IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

*    Some facial veins are better treated with sclerotherapy (injection of chemical irritants that make the veins contract, become    hardened and then gradually assimilated by the body (akin to a bruise that gradually disappears).

*     Radiofrequency Surgery A fine electrode is used to cauterize small veins - good for small isolated veins in difficult to get at areas.

Leg Veins

Spider (telangiectasiae) and Blue/Green (Reticular)

1. Compression Sclerotherapy
   

Best treated by compression sclerotherapy, (injection of chemical sclerosant to destroy the vein)  the solution causes the veins to spasm and become inflamed.  This begins the sclerosing process which causes the veins to close and then the bodies defences will simply cause the veins to break down and gradually disappear.

• Usually more than one treatment is required
• Larger veins are treated first
• Sponge padding is applied post treatment and worn for a few days
• Compression hosiery is worn for one to several weeks to encourage the veins to remain closed.
  

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

Ideal for extremely tiny spider veins, blush areas, spider naevi and hereditary  telangiectatic matting (sock like distribution of a mass of tiny bright red veins over ankle and foot.

Varicose Vein Treatments

The Vein and Skin Clinic Ltd is Southern Cross Affiliated and Covered by most Insurance company's.
The Vein and Skin Clinic Ltd offers two non surgical means of treating even the largest of varicose veins.

1. UGS (ultrasound guided sclerotherapy)
2. EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation)
   (NB your experienced phlebolgist will advise you which procedure is the more suitable for you.)

(1) UGS (Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy)

Modern ultrasound machines allow accurate visualization of veins either superficial or deep within the leg.  Varicose veins usually originate from deeper within the leg where valves within the veins are no longer functioning properly.   It is important to treat the veins from these sites.

The use of the ultrasound by an experienced sonographer will allow the phlebologist (Dr H Poczwa or Dr C Peter Freeman) to accurately place a small needle into the varicose veins and then safely inject the sclerosant to cause the vein to spasm and shut down.  Several injections are usually required.  (NB The leg is not particularly sensitive and people generally tolerate the procedure with only minimal discomfort.)

• The treatment session is only 30 - 60 minutes.
• Several treatments may be required.
• Compression stockings are put on and usually worn for 1 - 2 weeks.
• Daily walking is mandatory.
• Work can be resumed immediately.
• Normal activities can be resumed immediately.
• Rigorous sport is best delayed for a week or two.
• Low incidence of side-effects  (The clinic has comprehensive patient hand-outs which fully outlines all risks).
  

Results

Modern UGS (ultrasound guided sclerotherapy) has been shown in numerous studies to offer up to 90% clearance rate of varicose veins.  No guarantee can be given that sclerotherapy will be effective in every case. 
Varicose veins are a hereditary complaint and new veins may develop over the ensuing months or years.