Treatment options
There are four main non-surgical options available for the treatment of varicose and spider veins:
-Compression stockings
-Micro-sclerotherapy
-Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy (UGS)
-Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
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Sclerotherapy is a safe, effective, non-surgical treatment used to treat non-functioning leg veins. Treatment involves injecting a liquid or foam solution into the vein. This solution irritates the vein wall and triggers a natural cycle of inflammation and healing within that vein. The treated vein is converted to scar tissue and reabsorbed by the body over a number of months.
Micro-sclerotherapy is used to treat small, superficial 'spider veins' and blue reticular veins.
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) is often necessary when treating larger, bulging varicose veins and hidden veins. The incompetent veins are carefully selected and visualised throughout the procedure using a Duplex ultrasound machine. These real-time images guide the needle into the vein to be treated.
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Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) also treats larger varicose veins. This treatment requires hosptitalisation and general anaesthetic.