The choice of which treatment is best for an individual will vary depending on a number of factors including size and position of the veins and whether there are any underlying blood flow or reflux problems.

The three main non surgical methods of treatment are:
    1. Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy (UGS)
    2. Sclerotherapy
    3. Laser

1. UGS

Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy (UGS) is a minimally invasive procedure which can target large varicose veins and underlying reflux problems without surgery. A high resolution ultrasound is used to identify veins beneath the skin surface, that is, where the problem is coming from. The ultrasound is then able to guide the treatment of veins below the skin surface by sclerotherapy without necessitating any surgical incisions. Even patients with very large varicose veins are suitable for UGS rather than surgery.

2. SCLEROTHERAPY

Surface sclerotherapy is an injection based procedure which very effectively targets surface veins and spider veins. It is not painful due to the use of very fine needles. For many types of leg veins, surface sclerotherapy may be the only effective method.

3. LASER

Lasers utilise very specific wavelengths of light to specifically target and remove surface veins. At the Melbourne Leg Vein Centre we use a range of vascular lasers for the removal of leg veins including the latest long pulse YAG laser. Vascular lasers are most effective on the smallest of leg veins (telangiectasia). Combined treatment of laser and sclerotherapy may be indicated for some patients.