Visible surface leg veins are a common indication for referral of patients to this clinic. They cause cosmetic embarrassment when wearing short clothing or swimwear and can also cause pain and discomfort.
The main cause of them is a genetic predisposition but other factors such as pregnancy, standing occupations, etc can contribute.
Treatment of them is divided broadly into two categories:- those where the problem is confined just to the surface veins and those where there are problems with the larger veins a little deeper below the skin surface.
The only way to tell whether the visible surface veins are associated with veins beneath them is to do ultrasound mapping of the leg. This shows accurately which veins are causing the problems. We use two or three radiology facilities situated at various locations around Sydney for the carrying out of the ultrasound mapping and will refer you to one that is most convenient to you.
There are therefore two ways of proceeding:
One way is to treat the surface veins without having ultrasound mapping done however, there is a 65% chance that the veins will come back reasonably quickly.
The other way to proceed is to start straight off with the ultrasound mapping as described above and if you are in the 65% who do have deeper problems, these can be addressed by what is called Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT).
This procedure involves mild sedation following which a laser fibre is inserted into the vein with incompetent valves causing the problem and after injection of local anaesthetic, the laser is used to close off the offending vein (which is not needed by the body). Following this, during the same procedure, the small surface veins are then either injected with the sclerosing agent or removed with a small surgical procedure.
Healing time from this procedure is a week or ten days and once again, supportive
panty-hose or stockings are required.
Further sclerotherapy following the laser treatment may be required.
Dr Terence Poon is a fully qualified dermatologist who has trained in this procedure in the United States and he is assisted by Dr Helena Torpinski who also trained in the United States in injecting the superficial veins.
For an initial consultation, please contact the clinic on 02 9953 9522.
If you would like to find out more about these procedures, please phone the clinic on 02 9953 9522 to speak to one of our receptionists. They are very skilled in answering questions about the treatments we provide and will be able to assist you.
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