If you are one of the 30 percent of Australians who suffer from varicose veins, you may not be aware that Canberra has its very own clinic specialising in non-invasive varicose vein treatments – The Vein Institute.

Located at the Midnight Hotel in Braddon, The Vein Institute was founded in 2014 by Dr Zil Yassine, an expert in non-invasive varicose vein treatments and a practicing doctor for more than 15 years. He also holds a diploma of Diagnostic Ultrasound in Phlebology.

“This type of treatment differs from traditional surgery in that the procedure is less invasive, there is no need for a general anaesthetic, the success rate is 98 per cent and there is no downtime or time away from work,” says Dr Yassine.

Varicose veins occur when the valves in the veins stop working properly, causing blood to pool and flow backward instead of traveling back up to the heart.

The main treatment options at The Vein Institute are Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA). Both procedures use special fibres that heat the vein to seal it shut. Once blood stops flowing through the vein the body gradually absorbs it and other veins take over its work. The incision in both procedures is just 1mm.

What does the process involve?

Typically, treatments begin with a phone conversation to discuss your vein concerns and to schedule an appointment with a vein doctor.

At your first visit, your doctor will take your medical history and perform an ultrasound to pinpoint the size and location of the varicose veins.

“The ultrasound is critical,” says Dr Yassine. “It shows us how the veins are functioning, whether reflux is occurring, the extent of the vein disease and whether any additional branches need to be treated. It also enables us to determine the most appropriate treatment for the client.”

At this first visit, you will be provided with a tailored treatment plan and a breakdown of costs.

The actual treatment takes about 60 minutes and is performed under local anaesthetic. During the procedure, you can use your phone, read a book or listen to music. Afterwards, you will need to wear compression stockings for five days and walk for 30 minutes per day for five days. You should avoid strenuous exercise for two weeks. Depending on your case, you may need more than one treatment.

Does it hurt?

Patients report the only pain experienced during the procedure occurs with the administration of the local anaesthetic and is similar to an injection or blood test.

Not sure if you have varicose veins?

The Vein Institute has a Vein Condition Self-Assessment Tool to help you identify vein concerns and will advise if a consultation with a doctor is recommended.

More information

For more information, visit theveininstitute.com.au, contact 13 VEINS (83467) or email [email protected]. Consultations are by appointment only.