Vein & Capillaries

Varicose Veins & Spider Veins

How it works :

Endovenal laser :
For larger veins the vein is cannulated and then a laser fibre guided into the vein. The area surrounding the vein is infiltrated with local anaesthetic. Under ultrasound guidance, the inner wall of the vein is lasered resulting in its collaspe. This combined with vein ligature results in very low incidence of reoccurence and can be viewed as permanent. Compression stockings must be worn afterwards.

Varicose veins can be treated by injection of a sclerosant agent that causes the vein to clot and block off. Over time the blood will flow again in the vein and may require further injections 3-5 years after initial treatment. Compression stockings are required to be worn for 2 weeks after the procedure.

Spider veins,  capillaries and vascular blemishes can be treated with  Long Pulse Nd Yag laser. The blood vessels absorb the light and heat, resulting in damage to the blood vessel. The blood vessels are then resorbed. Several treatments may be required depending on the extent of the spider veins.

Effects

Aching and unsightly veins can be reduced or eliminated. Treatment  will reduce the chance of varicose eczema (leakage of veins and staining of the skin). Unsightly spider veins can be eliminated.

Side Effects :

Some discomfort may be experienced with the Endovenal laser treatment. Superficial phelbitis and DVT are possible but rare.

Leakage of the sclerosant agent may cause skin necrosis (damage) and skin irritation, although this is likely to be minimal with use of Hypertonic Saline or Atheroxysclerol. Deep vein thrombosis is a rare side effect, as is infection in the vein.

Laser treatment can cause redness and minor burning of the skin. Effectiveness is dependent on the underlying skin colour/pigmentation.

Costs :

Single leg endovenal laser great saphenous vein from $1000.

Varicose vein sclerosant injection – the out of pocket costs are $150-250 per half leg.  Laser treatments are $100 -$300 per session covering 2-5 areas. 2-4 treatments may be required.