Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged, bulging and distorted veins under the skin surface that are visible. Often unsightly or associated with poor circulation symptoms.
Benefits of Endovenous Laser
- Achieve the same results as vein ligation and stripping surgery
- Fast recovery – return to work or activities on the same day
- No general anaesthetic
- No hospital stay
- Walk in and walk out treatment
- Excellent symptomatic and cosmetic results
- Fewer complications and scars
Results that Matter
What are the causes of varicose veins?
Varicose veins are caused by increased venous pressure and weak vein walls in the legs. Small valves inside the vein walls control the direction of blood flow and when working properly, these valves ensure the blood flows up the legs back to heart. However, when the vein wall weaken or valves become faulty, some of the blood accumulate in the legs and overtime enlarge the veins. The condition is often referred to as “venous insufficiency or reflux”. A domino effect can occur when one valve is damaged, the next valve follows.
The problems can be minor and manifest as reticular veins or spider veins and in the more severe cases, turn into varicose veins. We have seen varicose veins in young and old people, mainly in those with a strong family history, post pregnancy and recent weight gain.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Symptoms vary in different people. The most common complaints we hear from our patients are:
- Blue or brown colour discolouration of the skin
- Leg or ankle swelling
- Aching legs, especially in hot weather or after standing/lifting
- Itchiness and dry skin
- Spider veins around the ankles and feet
- Ulceration or bleeding
If you have any of the above symptoms, contact us today to undergo a vein screening and consultation.
Endovenous Laser
EVLT is performed using ultrasound guidance. A thin laser fibre is guided inside the vein with ultrasound for accurate position. Local anaesthetic is given along the leg and EVLT technology uses heat to close the vein which is virtually painless.
Varicose veins shrink and becomes absorbed by the body. Symptoms associated with the veins also disappear.
Advance Technology
Endovenous laser provides reliable results when it comes to treating varicose veins compared to the traditional open operation. New development in laser technology in the last decade has meant the water absorption energy properties of laser can seal the large varicose veins from the inside, replacing the need surgical vein ligation and stripping.
There is no need for general anaesthetic and the recovery is less painful. Endovenous laser treatment is safe and effective, associated with less major complication and scars.
New design in radial laser fibres also provide a more even energy output in a ring shape to ensure a better closure of the varicose veins.
There are other new technologies such as radiofrequency ablation and superglue on the market. Dr Li has performed varicose vein treatment with all of these technologies and is happy to discuss the various options available for her patients..
Foam Sclerotherapy
Our clinic offers sclerotherapy and believe it is most effective in dealing with small varicose veins and small branches of the superficial veins remaining after endovenous laser treatment. A sclerosant medicine called Fibrovein displaces the blood in the vein and seals it.
Recognising the problematic vein on ultrasound and performing sclerotherapy injections safely takes practice and experience. We are experts in ultrasound guided sclerotherapy.
Compression Socks
Graduated compression stockings can give temporary relief to varicose veins symptoms and help with leg swelling. Unfortunately they cannot reverse the veins that have developed.
We will fit patients with high quality medical grade compression socks after laser treatment to help with healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you have varicose veins without symptoms?
The short answer is YES. You can walk around with large varicose veins for a a few years with little or no symptoms. Some patients are less aware or have a higher threshold for discomfort. Other times symptoms come on suddenly after several years of having the visible varicose veins in the legs in the form of skin changes such as pigmentation or darken spots.
We have also seen patients with severe symptoms of swelling and heaviness without visible varicose veins. If you experience symptoms, the best option is to get an opinion from your specialist.
What is the best method to treating varicose veins?
We offer the latest in varicose vein treatment which follow the NICE (UK’s National Institute of Health and Care Excellence) guidelines. Endovenous laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy injections are gold standard minimally invasive techniques performed under local anaesthetic on an outpatient basis. On comparison to traditional open surgery and vein stripping, these treatments give equally good result, with the benefit of less pain and faster recovery.
It is important to identify the underlying cause of the varicose veins before starting treatment.
What other vein issues can occur in the body?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of blood clots in the deep veins. This can occur in the arms, legs or inside the central veins of the body. Complication of DVT can be serious including migration of clots to the lung and heart causing shortness of breath, reduce exercise tolerance and chest pain. Venous obstruction or a genetic condition are a few of the causes for DVT. We consult on patients with deep vein thrombosis, and rarer conditions such as May-Thurner’s Syndrome and Nut-Cracker Syndrome. We can help patients who present with acute deep vein thrombosis by retrieving clots using minimally invasive technology.
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