Do I need a referral?

To claim a Medicare rebate a referral is necessary for a specialist vascular duplex assessment and for UGS treatment. A referral is not needed for a standard venous assessment by one of our medical practitioners or for treatment by either surface sclerotherapy or laser treatment.

Are there any requirements before treatment?

All treatments are performed on an outpatient basis in the clinic. No anaesthetic is necessary and there is no preparation required before treatment. We recommend wearing loose fitting clothing and not applying any leg moisturiser on the day of attendance. You may wish to bring shorts to wear during the procedure.

What about treatment during pregnancy?

Leg veins are best managed conservatively during pregnancy by compression stockings. Definitive treatment is usually undertaken after breastfeeding is completed.

Who does the treatments?

All treatments are performed by experienced medical practitioners who have been fully trained in the latest leg vein treatment methods. Doctors at our clinic have been successfully treating leg vein problems for over fifteen years.

Are treatments painful?

Ultrasound scans involve gel on the surface of the skin so there is no discomfort at all. Sclerotherapy and UGS are not painful because the needle used is very, very fine. As the laser produces a concentrated light beam it can be felt on the skins surface however most patients find this quite tolerable.

Do I need to wear compression stockings?

Generally the larger the veins treated the more important the need for compression stockings. For large or deep veins treated by UGS, compression stockings are usually necessary for 2 weeks. For surface veins treated by sclerotherapy compression with a bandage or stocking may be needed for a few days up to 2 weeks. For small veins treated by laser, stockings are usually not necessary.

Are there any restrictions after treatment?

Walking after treatment and daily is important. Avoid intense leg exercise (aerobics, long runs, leg weights) for one week. Avoid long hot baths/spa/sauna for two weeks. After sclerotherapy or UGS avoid any air travel for two weeks and overseas travel (greater than 5 hours) for four weeks. Specific medical information will be provided concerning air travel.

How many treatments are necessary?

This will vary between individuals and depend on the type and extent of the problem and the level of improvement required. A treatment plan will be devised at your first consultation. As a guide the average number is 2-3 treatments for UGS and 4-5 treatments for sclerotherapy and laser.

Will the veins come back after treatment?

If you have a tendency to develop leg veins you will almost certainly develop more in the future. Treating veins can get rid of the veins that are currently present but will not prevent new veins developing in the future.