Varicose Veins

Varicose veins appear as swollen, twisted, darkish-blue blood vessels under your skin. These veins commonly occur on your lower extremities, such as the legs and feet.

Normally, leg veins contain small one-way valves that help transport blood up to your heart. Varicose veins result from non-functional or damaged valves. This in turn causes backflow of blood to your legs, resulting in blood pooling in your veins. Blood that pools in varicose veins can also flow back into smaller blood vessels known as capillaries. They are known as “spider veins” due to their spider web-like appearance. If you have varicose veins, you may experience discomfort such as pain, heaviness, or burning sensation in your legs.

Dr Ed offers varicose veins treatment in Melbourne to reduce vein visibility and address the associated symptoms. By using foam sclerotherapy, the varicose veins collapse and shrink. The treated vein tissues are then broken down and absorbed by your body.

A single varicose veins treatment can reduce the appearance of the affected veins. However, you may need multiple treatment sessions to achieve the best clinical outcomes. Several treatments are usually required if you have larger varicose veins. Dr Ed uses ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for varicose veins. The ultrasound helps visualise he target varicose veins before inserting a needle (catheter). The ultrasound also guides the catheter during needle insertion. With this technique, the chemical solution can be effectively visualised as it is injected into the vein.

Aftercare

After undergoing varicose veins treatment, you may experience some discomfort. This is usually a mild discomfort in the treated leg. On occasions if the discomfort is more, then a simple analgesic like an anti-inflammatory agent can be used. Some of the initial findings post the treatment include redness, swelling, bruising, or pain at the injection sites. Depending on the severity of your varicose veins and your healing ability, these discomforts may go away within a few days to a week. After a few weeks, the treated veins may appear darker or more prominent. This is because the injected chemical solution causes vein irritation and inflammation. Over time, you may notice that the treated veins become less noticeable as your body reabsorbs them.

Before you go home, your cosmetic physician will provide aftercare instructions, such as:

• Attend scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider.
• Avoid cigarette smoking as it can impair blood flow in the treated area.
• Avoid exposing the treated area to direct sunlight to prevent skin discolouration.
• Avoid hot baths or saunas as they can aggravate bruising or swelling by causing the blood vessels to widen.
• Avoid standing for longer periods.
• Avoid strenuous exercises.
• Avoid swimming to prevent infection in the treated area.
• Avoid waxing or shaving the treated area to prevent skin irritation and redness.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you experience persistent swelling and severe pain in the injection sites.
• Do not engage in contact sports.
• Do not massage the injection sites as it can dislodge the treated veins.
• Do not sit with your legs crossed as this can interfere with blood circulation.
• Drink 2 to 3 litres of water per day to stay hydrated.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
• Keep your compression stockings dry.
• Perform walking exercises as advised by your healthcare provider.
• Take the prescribed medications to address any discomfort or pain.
• Watch out for signs of infection such as pus draining from the injection sites, swelling, and warmth.
• Wear clothes that fit you properly.
• Wear compression stockings religiously to improve blood circulation in your legs.

Varicose Veins Treatment Cost

Several factors can influence the cost of varicose veins treatment. These include the following:

• Practitioner’s fees: Cosmetic physicians offering the treatment may charge different professional fees. Their fees depend on factors such as their credentials and experience.
• Extent of treatment: The number of treatment sessions required will depend on the severity of your varicose veins. More treatment sessions mean additional costs.
• Other costs: Varicose veins treatment may require you to undergo some medical tests. The materials used during the procedure (e.g. medications or compression stockings) and follow-up appointments can also add to the overall costs.

When planning to get varicose veins treatment, you should consider these factors to make informed decisions. During your consultation, the practitioner may provide a breakdown of the potential costs associated with the treatment.

Risks and Complications

Varicose veins treatment, such as foam sclerotherapy, is associated with risks and complications. These include the following:

• Allergic reaction to the sclerosing agent: You may experience skin redness, itchiness, or breathing difficulty if you are allergic to the injected chemical solution (rare).
• Bruising and swelling: The injection process can lead to tissue damage, resulting in bruising and swelling.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Blood clots may form in the deep veins of your leg.
• Pulmonary Embolus (PE): Blood clots can block vessels in your lungs. This is a rare but serious complication.
• Formation of new, small blood vessels near the treated area (matting): The sclerosing agent can irritate the blood vessel lining, resulting in the formation of new, small blood vessels.
• Infection: You may develop an infection at the injection sites if microorganisms enter the area.
• Nerve injury: The injection of the sclerosing agent can damage the nerves in the treated area (rare).
• Recurrence of varicose veins: New varicose veins may form over time, especially if you have non-functional or damaged vein valves.
• Skin discoloration at the injection sites: The injection of the sclerosing agent can increase the production of melanin (a pigment that gives colour to your skin), resulting in skin discolouration.
• Skin ulceration: This can occur if the sclerosing agent leaks outside the vein or if sclerosant is injected intra-arterial (rare)

Is Varicose Vein Treatment Covered by Medicare Australia?

Medicare can cover a portion of varicose veins treatment such as foam sclerotherapy. First, the procedure must be deemed medically necessary. This means that the procedure will be performed to address health concerns such as pain, heaviness, or burning sensation in your legs due to varicose veins. A Duplex venous ultrasound is essential to show reflux of blood in the veins of concern in the lower limbs.