The post Using Modern Technology to Treat Varicose Veins first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
]]>Varicose veins are large, swollen veins that can bulge above the skin’s surface. They are most commonly found on legs and feet. Varicose veins are thought to be caused by faulty valves in veins which stop the blood from flowing efficiently. Varicose veins can sometimes cause swelling, aching and discomfort, however a number of invasive or non-invasive treatments are available.
These treatments are usually performed by a Phlebologist, who are medically qualified doctors that have specialised in the treatment of venous diseases.
For Medicare to cover the costs of treatments, the varicose veins must be larger than 2.5mm in diameter. Medicare will not pay for treatment of smaller “cosmetic” veins.
How to prevent Varicose Veins?
Although there is no way to completely prevent varicose veins from occurring, there are some simple ways to reduce the likelihood of them developing. In general, a number of lifestyle changes can be made to help prevent varicose veins in the future such as: – Regularly exercising – Avoid sitting for long periods of time – Avoid high heels – Maintain a healthy weight / diet
What is the modern technology used in treating Varicose Veins? If your varicose veins are causing you pain or you are concerned with the appearance of them a number of treatments are available. At Specialist Vein Care we use a range of treatments incorporating more traditional methods as well as treatments using the latest technology.
Conservative
In many less severe cases varicose veins can be treated with self help mechanisms such as elevation of limbs, avoidance of sitting or standing for long periods of time, exercise and weight loss. Compression stockings/socks may be used to treat and relieve the symptoms of vein disease and this may be all that is required.
When required we also use several more advanced and modern treatments:
Any prospective treatment is individually tailored to a particular patients situation/needs.
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
Endovenous Laser Ablation therapy or laser vein treatment involves a small skin puncture being made with a laser probe. The laser fiber gets passed up the vein under ultrasound guidance. The vein is next surrounded by a column of anaesthetic. The laser fiber is activated and slowly withdrawn, destroying the vein.
EVLA is very effective for treating larger veins and does not require admission to hospital or anaesthesia. This means no time needs to be taken off work and you can continue with your everyday activities.
EVLA is reasonably new treatment that has been in use since around 2001, often showing better results than traditional varicose vein surgery.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy (AP)
Ambulatory Phlebectomy, is a surgical procedure performed under local anaesthetic. A tiny skin incision is made and a section of the vein is removed.
This method of vein therapy has been around for hundreds of years and almost all sizes of veins can be treated with this method.
Medical Adhesives
Medical Adhesives are an exciting new addition to the current methods of non-surgical treatments of varicose veins already available. Medical adhesives are essentially medical grade ‘superglues’ used to treat varicose veins. The vein will immediately solidify and produce an inflammatory reaction which destroys the vein wall.
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS)
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy is a very successful treatment that has been in use for many years. In this treatment, a medicine is injected into the vein, usually using ultrasound guidance. The two medications utilised in this procedure are polidocanol or fibrovein
Anesthesia or admission to hospital are not required, meaning you can continue with your day to day activities. This is a very successful therapy, particularly when treating small to medium sized veins.
Microsclerotherapy
Microsclerotherapy is used to treat very small veins and has been around since the 1920’s, but was made popular during the 1960s. Microsclerotherapy involves injecting a “sclerosant” into each vein with very fine needles.
Improvements are usually seen in a couple of weeks but up to 12 weeks may be needed to show to maximum effort. Multiple session are generally required for complete removal.
What are the questions to ask the Phlebologist in my consultation?
Some individuals find that visiting a phlebologist can be overwhelming, especially if it is your first visit. To ensure that you leave satisfied and get all of your queries answered, it may be useful to come prepared with some questions.
These may include: -Do I need to treat my varicose veins? -What causes varicose veins? -What treatments are offered here? -What are the risks associated with these treatments? -Will I need to take time off work?
What now?
If you are suffering from varicose veins or other venous diseases such as spider veins or reticular veins you should seek treatment as soon as possible. Venous diseases are usually progressive and if left untreated symptoms will generally worsen or more serious complications can occur.
Visit a trusted Phlebologists, such as Dr Ivor Berman from Specialist Vein Care, for a more informed decision on where to go in the future in terms of treatment or surgery.
Dr Berman is an experienced phlebologist and a Fellow of the Australasian College of Phlebology. He offers a range of vein removal procedures that are minimally invasive with minimal risk and low to no downtime. To make an appointment with Dr Berman call Specialist Vein Care on .
The post Using Modern Technology to Treat Varicose Veins first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
]]>The post What causes Varicose, Spider, and Reticular Veins? first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
]]>The main purpose of veins is to return blood from your body to your heart, so blood can be recirculated. Healthy veins have one-way valves that keep blood travelling in the direction towards the heart. For reasons that we don’t know the valves can fail. This usually occurs in the legs. This in turn allows for sluggish circulation in the involved veins. This leads to internal pressure and swelling, which causes the noticeably enlarged usually blue or red coloured veins at the skin surface.
While the direct cause of varicose veins is uncertain and anyone is at risk of developing them, there are certain factors that seem to increase this risk.
These risk factors include:
Prevention:
It is hard to completely prevent varicose veins. But in order to reduce the risk it is important to improve your circulation and muscle tone. The same methods that you take to treat the discomfort caused by varicose veins can be applied to help prevent them. This includes: – exercising – maintaining a healthy weight – eating a high-fiber, low salt diet – avoiding high heels and tight hosiery – elevating your legs, and alternating you sitting or standing position regularly.
Signs and symptoms to look out for:
In comparison to varicose veins, spider veins are smaller. They are found closer to the surface of the skin and are often red or blue in colour. They get their name Spider veins because they often look like a spider’s web.
The causes and forms of varicose veins varies from person to person, therefore, it is important to seek uation from a vein specialist.
At Specialist Vein Care, Dr Ivor Berman (link) is a Phlebologist (Vein specialist) and Radiologist, who provides state of the art techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of vein disease, including Varicose, Reticular and Spider veins.
It is worth considering booking an appointment with Specialised Vein Care when self-care techniques such as exercise, lifting your legs while sitting and/or wearing compression stockings have not worked or even for aesthetic improvement.
We offer different treatments depending on your diagnosis, such as Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), Ambulatory Phlebectomy (AP), Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS),Glue(Cyanoacrylate), Microsclerotherapy and Conservative treatment. (links)
To make an appointment today to have your venous disease assessed by Dr Berman, please phone (03) 9561 5155.
The post What causes Varicose, Spider, and Reticular Veins? first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
]]>The post Does Microsclerotherapy Remove Leg Veins Permanently? first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
]]>The most common question and understandably the most troubling for people is whether Sclerotherapy “will permanently remove my varicose and spider veins”.
The gold standard treatment remains injection sclerotherapy which is highly as has been a proven effective therapy since the mid-1900s.
This procedure is usually undertaken for cosmetic purposes, but can in some cases improve related lower leg issues such as aching, itching and burning sensations.
Prior to any treatment we routinely conduct an initial consultation to assess suitability and safety for the treatment and perform a duplex ultrasound. The ultrasound is performed to exclude/demonstrate underlying feeder veins and sometimes varicose veins which may not be visually evident. This is important as the presence of these underlying veins can alter outcomes and the best form of therapy.
The procedure involves injecting the problem veins with a medical solution through a very small/fine needle. Depending on the number and extent of the veins, the number of injections will vary, but usually 15 minutes is enough time to treat all the veins of concern.
Ultimately, the scarred vein will collapse due to insufficient blood flow, and will eventually be reabsorbed into surrounding tissue and fade away.
“Don’t I need these veins?”
The answer is no. These veins are of cosmetic importance only.
“How many treatments will I need?”
The answer is variable. Some people get a great result with one treatment and others may take several treatment sessions. It is not possible to predict with certainty how many treatment sessions any individual will require.
“Will they come back?”
The answer to this question is that the treated veins do not return. What happens is that over time most people will create some new spider veins. We are unsure of the reason and one cannot prevent this from happening.
Depending on the individual, the effects of therapy can be seen shortly after treatment but it can take up to 12 weeks to see the full effect..
Your medical specialist at Specialist Vein Care, will provide you all the information required if you’re deemed a successful candidate for the procedure.
Further detailed information on Microsclerotherapy can be found here, or give the team at SVC a call and book in for an initial consultation.
The post Does Microsclerotherapy Remove Leg Veins Permanently? first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
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