Varicose veins are unsightly, bulging and protruding veins in the legs. They can also cause pain, throbbing and swelling. They are significantly caused by weakened valves in the vein walls that allow blood to flow incorrectly.
Traditional surgery includes ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein (stripping). Modern minimally invasive techniques like radiofrequency ablation avoid open surgery and are shorter office procedures. For more information about the varicose vein removal cost in Adelaide, click here.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical procedure that involves injecting the varicose veins with an injection solution (sclerosant) that causes the walls of the varicose vein to change and stick together. Over time, the varicose veins are reabsorbed into the body and disappear. This treatment can be used for large or small varicose veins and spider veins (small red or blue-coloured veins close to the skin’s surface).
Unlike the old surgical techniques that used to be performed, sclerotherapy is safe enough to act on an outpatient basis in our clinic. Usually, a doctor will see you first for a consultation and then arrange to do a mapping ultrasound scan of the area in question. It will allow us to determine the location, nature and extent of the varicose or spider veins. This information will be discussed with you at your consultation to allow a complete and comprehensive treatment plan to be put in place.
During the sclerotherapy procedure, you will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area where the injections will be made. Then, a fine needle is inserted into the affected varicose or spider veins. The solution (sclerosant) is injected into the unwanted varicose or spider vein. The procedure typically takes less than an hour to complete, depending on the number and size of veins being treated.
It is important to remember that sclerotherapy and EVLT are not covered by private health insurance but are approved Medicare procedures under item numbers relating to varicose vein treatment. It allows Medicare to cover some of the costs of these procedures for people who are eligible for this coverage. It includes people without private health cover and those whose varicose vein disease is not severe enough to qualify for hospital treatment under Medicare safety net criteria.
It is a very effective treatment for large and small varicose veins that are causing symptoms or are not responsive to other treatments. However, it is not suitable for all patients. People who have a history of blood clots or have an underlying condition such as diabetes are not good candidates for this type of treatment. It is also not recommended for pregnant women.
EVLT is another very effective procedure for varicose vein removal in Adelaide, similar to sclerotherapy. The difference is that it is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, meaning you do not need to be admitted to a hospital, and the results are often better than sclerotherapy. Typically, EVLT is more expensive than sclerotherapy but considerably cheaper than surgery. You will be required to wear compression stockings after the procedure, which must be worn for at least one week. For more information about the varicose vein removal cost in Adelaide, click here.
A patient who has undergone sclerotherapy can expect to experience some discomfort during the injections. However, this is not usually prolonged and can be managed with a local anaesthetic. Some patients may be required to wear compression stockings after their treatment, which can help to prevent the return of the problem veins.
When it comes to varicose vein removal, cost is a major consideration for patients. That is especially true when the procedure may not be covered by insurance. Many factors influence varicose vein treatment costs, and it is important to understand these factors before deciding whether or not this treatment is right for you.