Are you ready to say goodbye to varicose veins? At The Vein Insitute, Dr Zil Yassine and his expert and dedicated team treat varicose veins without surgery – which means no invasive procedures and no hospital stay! The colder months are the ideal time to explore treatment options for varicose veins so you can step into spring with the legs of your dreams.
Dr Yassine says varicose veins affect around 30% of the Australian population.
While some view varicose veins as ‘just a cosmetic concern’, Dr Yassine says this is not the case for everyone.
“Varicose veins can potentially lead to more severe complications if left untreated,” he says,
Varicose veins can occur when your vein valves are not functioning properly. Faulty or weak one-way valves will allow blood to flow backwards and collect in your vein, which will eventually lead to the swollen, twisted looking veins.
Dr Yassine says veins are an integral part of the circulation system, taking de-oxygenated blood back to the heart, which is why vein conditions should always be taken seriously.
“Issues with your veins are likely linked to poor blood circulation and could therefore lead to health concerns related to your heart and lungs.”
He says the signs and symptoms of varicose veins can include: pain, itching or heaviness in the legs; burning, throbbing or muscle cramping; pain that intensifies after long periods sitting or standing; and chronic swelling in the lower legs or ankles.
“It’s important to treat varicose veins in a timely manner to minimise the risk of developing other health issues,” Dr Yassine says.
“Each individual is different; however, there are some cases where, over time, circulation may become worse and cause changes in the colour and texture of the legs.
“For some patients, if varicose veins are left untreated for too long, they can cause swelling in the legs and pigmentation of the skin. In rare cases, they can even cause ulcers.”
So what are the treatment options?
Now, for the good news! While the most commonly known treatment for varicose veins involves the surgical ‘stripping’ of the affected veins, which often requires a hospital stay and a lengthy recovery period, The Vein Institute can do it all with a minimally invasive procedure – no hospital required, and you’ll be in and out in under 45 minutes!
The Vein Institute’s doctors use the latest technology from the USA and Europe to treat the veins using techniques such as sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation and medical superglue.
- Sclerotherapy works to close damaged veins by injecting them with sclerosing agent, guided into place using ultrasound imagery. Once the damaged veins are closed, the body re-routes blood flow to other functioning veins and the treated veins disappear within a few weeks.
- Medical superglue is another minimally invasive procedure that treats varicose veins by gluing them shut using medical adhesives. Similar to sclerotherapy, it seals the vein shut and the blood is re-routed to other healthy veins.
- The Vein Institute also uses state-of-the-art laser technology to treat varicose veins through what’s known as endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The affected vein is located using ultrasound technology, a catheter is inserted through a tiny incision and laser energy is used to heat the vein and seal it shut. Again, the closed vein will eventually disappear, and the blood will make its way back to the heart through other healthy veins. Dr Yassine says the sensation of the laser treatments can be likened to that of a blood test or an injection, with many patients opting to read a book or magazine during the procedure – you can even request to hear your favourite songs!
To decide which treatment is right for you, your doctor at The Vein Insitute will see you for an initial consultation where they will perform an ultrasound and create a personalised treatment plan.
Most treatment plans will include a combination of treatments carried out over a few appointments. All patients are provided with a post-care pack, which includes compression stockings that only need to be worn for a few days, compared with weeks or months post-surgery.
Once you’ve completed your sessions, your doctor will perform a final ultrasound to ensure the treatments have been effective.
All treatments at The Vein Insitute are performed in a private medical clinic, with COVID-19 protocols in place to ensure patient comfort and safety. Medicare rebates apply and Medipay payment plans are available.
Contact the team today to book your initial consultation with one of the The Vein Institute’s vein specialists and get ready to say goodbye to varicose veins!
THE VEIN INSITUTE
Barton Specialist Clinic
Level 2, 9/3 Sydney Avenue, Barton
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