What are Varicose Veins …
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that most often develop in the legs. Some people notice them mainly because of how they look, while others notice heaviness, aching, swelling, itchiness, or restless legs, especially after standing or at the end of the day. At Me Clinic, varicose vein care is focused on:
- Finding the source of the problem (often ‘leaky’ vein valves causing reflux) using a clinical assessment and, when appropriate, duplex ultrasound mapping.
- Offering non-surgical treatment options commonly used for varicose veins, such as sclerotherapy (including ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy for deeper/less visible veins) and Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) for larger refluxing veins when suitable.
Types of treatments for Varicose Veins …
Not everyone needs a procedure. Treatment depends on your symptoms, ultrasound findings, and the size/location of the veins. Some people start with conservative care, while others benefit from procedural treatment. These can help with symptoms and day-to-day comfort, and may be recommended alongside procedures: Conservative measures such as regular walking, leg elevation, and compression stockings may improve symptoms, but they don’t always remove visible varicose veins once present. All varicose vein treatment options are performed in-clinic.
Varicose Veins Treatment Options at Me Clinic:
- Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins
- Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy
- Endovenous Laser Ablation EVLA (for larger refluxing veins)
- VenaSeal Vein Glue
1) Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins …
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into a vein to irritate the vein lining, causing it to close. Blood is redirected through healthier veins, and the treated vein gradually fades over time.
Sclerotherapy may be considered for:
- Certain varicose veins and tributary veins
- Smaller veins that may worsen over time
- Treatment plans where multiple areas need staged treatment (often more than one session)
What is Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy?
Some varicose veins are not easily seen on the surface, or they connect to deeper feeder veins. Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy uses ultrasound imaging to help target the correct vein. Me Clinic often prioritises ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy for more thorough and consistent treatment of varicose veins.
2) Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) for Varicose Veins …
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) is used for larger refluxing veins. EVLA is a minimally invasive treatment that uses laser energy inside the vein to seal a problematic vein closed. Blood is then redirected to healthier veins.
EVLA is often discussed when:
- A larger ‘trunk’ vein (like a saphenous vein) is refluxing on ultrasound
- The varicose veins are extensive, bulging, or linked to a larger underlying reflux source
3) VenaSeal Vein Glue for Varicose Veins …
VenaSeal is a medical-grade vein glue used to close a problem vein from the inside. A small tube is placed into the vein using ultrasound guidance, and tiny drops of glue are delivered to seal the vein shut. Blood then reroutes through healthier veins.
Your clinician will confirm if VenaSeal is suitable for you after assessment and ultrasound mapping. VenaSeal may be discussed when:
- A larger “trunk” vein is refluxing (leaking) on ultrasound
- Varicose veins are linked to a deeper source vein
- A non-thermal option is preferred, based on your assessment and medical history
Benefits of treating Varicose Veins …
Not everyone will experience the same benefits, and results depend on factors such as vein size, location, underlying reflux, skin changes, and overall health. Depending on your individual diagnosis and treatment plan, varicose vein treatment may help to:
- Reduce leg aching, heaviness, throbbing, or fatigue
- Improve swelling around the ankles and lower legs
- Ease itchiness or irritation related to vein changes
- Improve the appearance of prominent veins
- Support long-term vein health in cases where varicose veins are contributing to progressive vein-related changes.
