Non-Surgical Treatment Options For Varicose Veins, Spider Veins And Related Conditions.
A significant proportion of the population experiences vein-related concerns at some point in their lives. These may include conditions such as spider veins or varicose veins.
Varicose veins are not only a cosmetic concern. Some individuals may experience symptoms such as:
Aching or heaviness in the legs
Throbbing or cramping
Itching or skin changes
Swelling or discomfort
In some cases, venous conditions require medical assessment to determine appropriate management.
More than 25% of men and 40% of women experience troublesome veins at some point in their lives.
Assessment of venous conditions involves evaluating the structure and function of the veins. Management planning is individualised and based on clinical findings, symptoms, and patient factors.
Where appropriate, treatment may be planned in stages. This may include addressing underlying venous pathways before considering management of surface or smaller vessels. Not all patients require the same approach, and not all vein conditions are suitable for the same treatments.
Treatment response, recovery experience, and outcomes vary between patients. A consultation is required to discuss suitability, potential risks, limitations, and expected recovery.
Spider veins and varicose veins: what’s the difference?
Spider veins and varicose veins are different conditions and are managed differently.
Spider veins are small, superficial blood vessels that appear close to the surface of the skin and may appear red, purple, or blue.
Varicose veins are larger, deeper veins that are often raised and may be associated with symptoms such as aching, swelling, or heaviness.
Stages of Venous Disease Progression
Varicose veins extend beyond being solely a cosmetic issue. Patients with varicose veins may encounter discomforting symptoms such as aching, throbbing, cramping, itching, ulcers, and other indications that necessitate medical attention.
Melbourne Vein Doctors are located at the Melbourne Specialty Centre, 277 Lygon Street Brunswick, (directly across the road from Inner North Medical Clinic).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Our treatments typically last no more than 60 minutes.
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Recovery experience varies between patients and depends on the type of management undertaken. This will be discussed during consultation.
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Regrettably, vein disease is a progressive condition, and if not addressed, it is likely to deteriorate with time. Neglected varicose veins can lead to escalating symptoms, including leg tiredness, heaviness, aching, throbbing, restlessness, tingling, itching, numbness, and swelling. If varicose veins are left untreated, more severe complications such as phlebitis, blood clots, dermatitis, and vein ulcers can arise.
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If you already have varicose veins, becoming pregnant will likely exacerbate the condition as the pregnancy progresses. It is advisable to seek treatment for varicose veins before or in between pregnancies for optimal results.
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The doctor will thoroughly examine the areas of concern, taking into account your medical history. To accurately assess the severity of your condition, all our patients undergo a doppler ultrasound, which utilizes sound waves to create images. Our specialized sonographers will assist in mapping your veins. Following the assessment, there will be a detailed discussion to create a personalized treatment plan for your veins, typically involving a single or a combination of treatments. You will receive a folder containing written materials explaining your condition and the management plan. We understand that there is a lot of information to process, and we do not expect you to remember everything.
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People experience procedures differently, and pain or discomfort can vary from person to person. During assessment and treatment planning, this is taken into account and discussed with you beforehand.
Depending on the procedure, measures may be used to help manage discomfort, such as topical numbing agents, local anaesthetic, or other clinically appropriate options. The type of pain management used will depend on the procedure being performed and individual factors.
Some patients report sensations such as pressure, warmth, or brief stinging during parts of treatment. These experiences vary, and discomfort can occur despite pain-management measures. Recovery experience also differs between patients and will be discussed during consultation.
A consultation is required to explain what you may experience during and after treatment, as well as potential risks and aftercare considerations.
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While the spider veins that undergo treatment will not reappear, it is important to note that the body continually forms new blood vessels during the healing process. As a result, new spider veins may appear in different areas over time.
With varicose veins, there is a possibility of recurrence following treatment. However, the likelihood of this occurrence is significantly reduced with microphlebectomy treatment.
Ready To Talk To Our Vein Experts?
Melbourne Vein Doctors are located at the Melbourne Specialty Centre, 277 Lygon Street Brunswick, (directly across the road from Inner North Medical Clinic).