Varicose Veins Treatment

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged veins which are close to the skin’s surface. They are usually visible and can become painful particularly after prolonged standing or walking. Most commonly affected veins are those in the legs and feet due to the increased pressure, which affect valves in the veins, resulting in retrograde (downward) flow of the blood.

Downward direction of the blood flow (which is increased by the gravity) further damages valves, which fail to close properly, allowing pooling of the blood and stretching and thickening of the affected veins.

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the problem and may include aching legs, ankle swelling, redness, dryness, itchiness of the affected area, cramps, skin discolouration, restless leg syndrome etc.

Conservative treatment includes regular rest in an elevated position combined with gentle exercise and elastic stockings to support the weakened veins.

Modern varicose vein treatments include Sclerotherapy and Varicose Vein Ablation

What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive interventional walk in-walk out procedure in which chemical sclerosant is injected, to seal off the varicose or larger spider veins. Under ultrasound guidance, small needles are used to inject sclerosant liquid or foam into the varicose veins to harden, or “sclerose” them, which closes them permanently.

Over weeks to months, the body naturally absorbs the treated vein, rerouting blood flow to healthier veins.

This therapy can also be used for vascular and lymphatic malformations, particularly in children and younger people.

How does sclerotherapy work?

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is performed by the injection of sclerosant solution, which causes irritation of the vein. The end result is scar tissue formation, which will actually close the treated vein.

Sclerotherapy is more appropriate for smaller and very winding varicose veins. It is also a good treatment of larger spider veins (enlarged intracutaneous veins) which are usually asymptomatic, but can cause burning pain and can also be cosmetically unsightly.

Is there a fact sheet about sclerotherapy and what to expect?

Yes! Find our sclerotherapy fact sheet here.

Do you offer another option for varicose veins besides sclerotherapy?

Yes. Ablation methods, including laser, radiofrequency ablation and cyanoacrylate glue are available.

Varicose Vein Ablation

Varicose vein ablation is a minimally invasive interventional procedure that uses laser or radiofrequency to seal off varicose veins. Using ultrasound guidance a thin catheter is inserted through the skin into the diseased vein.

When properly positioned, radiofrequency or laser energy is applied, heating up the vein and closing it off. Once the varicose vein is closed, other healthy veins will take over the function of that vein and establish normal blood flow.

Do you have a FAQ page?

Yes! Your questions are answered here.

What referral form does my doctor need to fill in for me to have this procedure?

Find our printable referral form here.