Varicose Veins
About Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are unusually swollen and twisted veins. Varicose veins appear visible under the skin quite close to the surface of the skin. Varicose veins can be quite small to very large. You may also experience muscle fatigue and a feeling of heaviness in the leg.
Varicose veins are caused by leaky valves in the veins, which allow blood to travel backwards towards the foot as opposed to only allowing the blood to flow upwards towards the heart.
This will eventually lead to a higher pressure in the veins and the veins become varicose and enlarged.
Risk factors for varicose veins include obesity, a family history, age, prolonged standing and pregnancy
What is Varicose Veins Treatment?
The most common varicose vein treatment is surgery, which is a very effective treatment and removal method for varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy can be used for varicose vein treatment, but it does not seem as effective as surgery in the removal of larger varicose veins.
EVLA is a good treatment for selected varicose vein patients
Who is Varicose Veins Treatment suitable for?
Varicose vein treatment using surgery is suitable for anyone for whom the appearance of varicose veins is unsightly, or for those with more serious symptoms or complication arising from varicose veins.
How does Varicose Veins Treatment work?
Sclerotherapy for varicose vein treatment involves injecting a solution into the varicose vein, using a fine needle.
EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) involves passing a catheter, under local aneasthetic, into the thigh vein and sealing this vein by lasering the inside vein wall.
Varicose vein surgery involves vein stripping, where the varicose vein is tied off and a flexible wire used to remove the vein through a small incision, with additional multiple small incisions made to remove the vein branches.
Before and after Varicose Veins surgery
You will need to consult with your vein surgeon before your varicose vein surgery to discuss your goals regarding your surgery. Your surgeon will mark the position of the varicose veins while you are standing as varicose veins are less visible when you are lying down.
After your varicose vein surgery bandages or support stockings are used to compress the leg to reduce swelling. The stockings may need to be worn for one to four weeks.
You should be able to return to work within one to three weeks of varicose vein surgery, although if your work involves long periods of standing you will need a longer recovery period.
Make an Appointment
Phone: 09 520 0389
10 St Marks Road, Remuera, Auckland 1050