First appointments at Vein Care typically run for 30 to 60 minutes. Here is what usually happens:
Step 1 – Clinical history The clinician will ask about your symptoms, how long you have had them, your medical history, any previous vein treatment, and your current medications.
Step 2 – Examination Visible veins are examined with you standing, which is the position that makes varicose veins most apparent.
Step 3 – Duplex ultrasound If clinically indicated and available, duplex ultrasound may be performed during the same appointment. The scan maps the vein anatomy and identifies whether reflux is present and where it originates.
Step 4 – Discussion The clinician explains the findings, outlines suitable treatment options and what each involves, and discusses risks, costs, Medicare eligibility and aftercare.
You are not required to proceed with any treatment at the first appointment. Patients may receive a summary of findings and a proposed treatment plan to consider after assessment.

Risks and temporary effects vary depending on the procedure, the veins being treated, the patient’s medical history and the number of treatment areas involved.

Possible temporary effects may include:

• Bruising
• Tenderness or swelling
• Tightness along a treated vein
• Skin discolouration or pigmentation changes
• Small firm areas along the treated vein
• Temporary altered sensation or numbness
• Local irritation or inflammation
• Discomfort at injection or catheter sites

Some risks are specific to the treatment being considered. These may include inflammation of a treated vein, allergic reaction, skin injury, infection, pigmentation changes or other uncommon complications.

Before treatment, the clinician will explain:

• The expected benefits
• The limitations of the proposed treatment
• Possible temporary effects
• Relevant procedure-specific risks
• Alternative treatment options
• Aftercare requirements
• When to seek medical advice

No procedure is completely risk-free. Suitability should be assessed individually, and treatment should only proceed after the patient has had an opportunity to discuss the expected benefits, risks, alternatives and aftercare.

There is no single best treatment for every patient. The best treatment for varicose veins depends on ultrasound findings, vein size, vein location, whether venous reflux is present, symptoms, previous treatment, medical history and treatment goals.

At Vein Care, the most appropriate treatment is recommended only after assessment and, where clinically indicated, duplex ultrasound mapping. This helps avoid treating only the visible vein while missing the deeper vein pattern that may be driving the problem.

• The size and location of the abnormal veins
• Whether venous reflux is present and where it originates
• Symptoms and any skin changes
• Previous vein treatment
• Medical history and current medications
• Work and activity requirements
• Pregnancy status
• Patient preferences and aftercare capacity

A visible vein can be fed by a deeper abnormal vein. Treating only what can be seen may not resolve the underlying vein pattern, which is why ultrasound mapping is central to how Vein Care approaches treatment planning.

Established varicose veins usually do not disappear with creams, supplements or lifestyle changes alone. However, many varicose veins can be treated without traditional vein stripping.

Depending on assessment findings, treatment may involve closing or removing selected abnormal veins using sclerotherapy, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, endovenous laser treatment, cyanoacrylate vein glue or ambulatory phlebectomy.

Lifestyle changes, walking and compression stockings may help manage symptoms or reduce pressure in the legs, but they do not usually remove established varicose veins. If the vein is being driven by underlying reflux, assessment and duplex ultrasound mapping are important before deciding which treatment is appropriate.

Learn more about preventing varicose veins.

Lifestyle measures may help manage symptoms or reduce pressure in the legs, but they usually do not remove established varicose veins.

Depending on your situation, your clinician may discuss walking, calf-muscle activity, avoiding long periods of standing still, leg elevation, weight management and compression stockings. These measures are usually considered supportive care rather than a replacement for treating abnormal refluxing veins.

If symptoms are progressing, veins are becoming more visible, or skin changes are developing, a clinical assessment is recommended rather than relying only on self-care.

Recovery depends on the procedure, the number of veins treated and the patient’s usual work and activity level. Walking is encouraged after most outpatient vein procedures, but how much and how soon depends on the clinician’s instructions.

Compression stockings or bandaging may be required after some procedures.

Temporary effects can include:

• Bruising
• Tenderness or swelling
• Tightness along the treated vein
• Skin discolouration
• Temporary numbness
• Firm areas where the vein has been treated

Recovery varies between patients. Follow the written instructions provided at your appointment.

The total cost depends on:

• The consultation
• Whether ultrasound assessment is needed
• Treatment type and the number of veins treated
• Number of sessions required
• Medicare eligibility
• Private health cover, where applicable

Some treatments attract a Medicare benefit when clinical criteria are met. Cosmetic treatment is not covered. The clinic provides a personalised cost estimate after your assessment, so you know what to expect before committing to treatment.

Most people come in wanting a specific vein gone. What I’m actually looking at is whether that vein is isolated, or whether it’s being fed by something larger underneath that injection alone won’t fix. Sclerotherapy works very well for the right vein pattern, the assessment is what tells us if this is that pattern, or if we need a different approach first.

 Dr Gurjit Dhillon, Phlebologist, M.B.B.S., F.A.C.P.