The Vein & Skin Clinic is one of New Zealand’s foremost Vein Treatment and Appearance Medicine Clinics.
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Varicose Veins

The Vein and Skin Clinic is at the forefront of non-surgical treatment of varicose veins, irrespective of how large they look.
The Vein and Skin Clinic’s leading phlebologist, Dr Henryk Poczwa, first introduced the revolutionary laser treatment of varicose veins into New Zealand in 2002. Since then numerous Phlebologists and Vascular Surgeons have adopted the procedure because of its high success rate and low risk.  It is a walk in, walk out procedure.

Traditional surgery of varicose veins is now rapidly being replaced by Endovenous Laser Ablation(EVLA) and/or Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS).

The Vein and Skin Clinic is an affiliated provider to Southern Cross for varicose vein treatments.  NIB First Choice, Sovereign, Unimed and most other insurance companies also cover varicose vein procedures at Vein and Skin Clinic.

Varicose Veins FAQ's

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins usually arise from normal veins which can develop faulty valves (usually a genetic predisposition), causing a backflow of blood as more and more valves break down and with greater back flow over time these veins become enlarged, knotty and visible on the upper and lower legs.  

The main role of veins in the legs is to return blood to the heart. This is accomplished by one-way valves inside the veins. These valves prevent back flow of blood. 

Varicose veins develop when these one-way valves malfunction, usually in deeper veins in the thigh or back of the knee. Blood pools in these veins. The veins become swollen, and over time more valves break down. Consequently, more varicose veins form. By the time varicose veins become visible on the legs, the condition is quite advanced.

Up to 30% of the population suffer from varicose veins, women being more predisposed than men.

Symptoms include heaviness, aching, burning, stinging, throbbing, swelling, leg cramps and restlessness.

As the condition worsens a skin rash or eczema can develop, small red and blue veins appear on the feet and ankles, the lower leg can become pigmented and scarred and if left untreated the varicose veins can predispose to leg ulcers and deep vein clots.

The factors that predispose to varicose veins are:

  • Genetic (varicose veins run in families)
  • Gender, (women are more prone to varicose veins, especially because of pregnancy )
  • Obesity
  • Prolonged standing
  • Increasing age
  • Trauma
  • Post traditional varicose vein surgery

How are varicose veins treated?

Vein and Skin Clinic’s Phlebologists (vein experts) offer modern, non-surgical options for varicose vein treatment.
  1. UGS (Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy)
  2. EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation)
  3. EVLA in combination with UGS (most common) 
Vein and Skin clinic is Southern Cross affiliated, and also covered by NIB First Choice, Sovereign, Unimed and most other insurance companies.

Book a consultation with Vein and Skin Clinics experienced Phlebologists to advise what treatment is best for you. 

Do I need those varicose veins?

No. Varicose veins are unhealthy and are responsible for numerous symptoms and some potentially serious problems. 

Blood flow in varicose veins is the reverse of normal flow. Treatment (UGS and/or EVLA) is needed so that more efficient blood flow can be re-routed back to the heart via healthy, normal veins.

Which treatment option is best for me?

The Vein and Skin Clinic’s expert Phlebologists will outline the best treatment course for you. 

During initial consultation an ultrasound examination and clinical assessment of your varicose veins will be performed.

What is a Phlebologist?

A Phlebologist is a medically qualified doctor who has undergone further post-graduate training in disorders of veins. A Phlebologist can expertly diagnose, treat and where possible prevent any form of venous disease. This includes spider veins, reticular veins, varicose veins, vascular birthmarks, blood clots (DVT – deep vein thrombosis) or leg ulcers.

Is Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) and/or Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) better than Varicose Vein Surgery?

Vein and Skin Clinic’s Phlebologists say YES! 

Our personal experience, as well as world-wide evidence, shows EVLA to have vastly superior long-term results with very low recurrence rates. Conventional surgical stripping and ligation has a higher rate of recurrence and is commonly associated with development of new varicose veins.

UGS is a great treatment for smaller varicose veins. UGS can also be used for veins occurring post traditional surgery which are not suitable for combination EVLA/UGS treatment.

EVLA is usually suitable for all vein sizes – no matter how large.

EVLA is usually performed in association with UGS.

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Book A Consultation

The cost of this procedure varies according to the areas that require treatment and whether the area is treated alone or in conjunction with other areas. (This is most common).

To book a consultation with one of our doctors (fees apply) please Contact Us through our enquiry form or by phoning Vein & Skin Clinic on 0800 639 968.