Top Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) in Melbourne
If you’re looking for effective, non-surgical solutions to varicose vein concerns, Vein Care is here to help with innovative ultrasound vein treatment. We proudly specialise in ultrasound guided sclerotherapy (UGS) treatments for varicose veins, and our trusted specialists will guide you through every step of the process. Check out our detailed guide for information on the benefits, procedure details and post-treatment care.
Introduction to Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) Treatments
Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy (UGS) is a specialised form of treatment for varicose veins. It’s essentially an advanced version of sclerotherapy treatment that uses an ultrasound tool to guide the injection of a special solution into the affected veins. This vein therapy procedure is incredibly effective, causing the vein wall to collapse. The veins then dissolve and disappear over time as the body absorbs them. With its advanced nature and effectiveness compared to traditional methods, this ultrasound vein treatment plays a key role in enhancing patient outcomes and reducing discomfort.
Primarily used to target symptomatic deep varicose veins, UGS treats veins that are not easily visible or accessible at the skin’s surface. Ultrasound imaging is used to map the veins and ensure we reach the precise treatment spot to target and collapse problem veins the first time.
Overview of Varicose Veins and Need for Treatment
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted and swollen blood vessels that bulge beneath the skin. They appear blue or purple on the legs, ankles and feet. When veins quit working optimally or suffer damage, blood pools inside instead of flowing back to the heart, causing vein walls to stretch and bulge. This leads to varicose veins, which may come with the following symptoms:
- Noticeable blue or dark purple bulging veins
- Prominent twisted, swollen or knotty veins
- Chronic achy or heavy legs with undetermined soreness
- Muscle cramping and increased pain following long periods of standing or sitting
- Swelling, throbbing or burning sensations
- Discolouration, redness and/or itching near prominent veins
- Skin hardening or ulcers, which may indicate more severe vascular disease
3 out of 10 Australians will experience varicose veins at some stage in their lives, and treatment is important for both health and aesthetic reasons. It’s a common misconception that only older adults are prone to varicose veins, when in reality young adults, teens and sometimes even children will develop these noticeable veins. That being said, the most at-risk demographic is women aged 40-49. No matter your age, gender or lifestyle, Vein Care is a trusted source of non-surgical vein treatment in Melbourne.
Detailed Explanation of Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS)
What is UGS? The ultrasound guided sclerotherapy procedure is a specialised form of sclerotherapy guided by modern ultrasound technology. This high-tech imaging allows vein specialists to precisely target varicose veins with foam sclerotherapy, which causes them to collapse and eventually absorb on their own. Like traditional sclerotherapy, ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy procedures are brief and effective, requiring no anaesthetic.
UGS is readily accessible for patients who are suitable candidates due to the condition of their varicose veins. While vein therapy treatments are charged privately, most come with a Medicare rebate for up to six sclerotherapy treatments annually. Generally, this non-invasive treatment is well-tolerated due to the small needles. There’s minimal discomfort, only some slight pinching as the solution is injected into the vein. Expert vein doctors will ensure patient comfort and slow down the UGS procedure if required to effectively manage discomfort.
How Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy Works
To help you prepare for an ultrasound guided sclerotherapy procedure, here are the steps we follow, from ultrasound mapping to the injection of sclerosant solution.
An ultrasound (and a sonogram in some cases) is performed to accurately map the intended treatment area.
- A detergent solution is then injected into the varicose vein with precision, enabling the vein wall to collapse. Two to four injections may be required depending on the situation.
- Ultrasound pulses are used to precisely detect the presence of detergent sclerosant abnormal veins.
- Following the injection, the collapsed veins are naturally absorbed into the body. The entire treatment takes less than an hour.
Post-Treatment Care and Expectations
Mild discolouration and tenderness may occur at the treatment site. However, this usually subsides within a few days. Throughout the recovery, we will instruct you to wear compression garments and walk for 10-20 minutes several times a day, which will help minimise discomfort and ensure long-lasting results. You can also check out this sclerotherapy aftercare blog for more info.
Rest assured our vein specialists will be here to help, checking in on your progress and reviewing your treatment plan to see if you need multiple sessions. Sometimes, depending on the severity of varicose veins, several treatments will be required to deliver the most noticeable results.
Comparative Analysis: Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy Procedures
As with many non-invasive vein treatments, back-to-back sessions may be necessary to achieve the best patient outcomes. UGS may be used in conjunction with endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) and ambulatory phlebectomy to treat larger and more persistent varicose veins.
When compared to traditional foam sclerotherapy, UGS delivers advantages in terms of precision, effectiveness and patient comfort. With ultrasound, we are able to see and treat deeper veins that aren’t visible on the skin’s surface. When treated correctly with proper aftercare, varicose veins will disappear for good. While untreated veins may still be visible in other areas, follow-up treatments will help minimise the overall appearance of varicose veins. Please note, our vein specialists will be happy to walk through all your options during the initial consultation to develop the best personalised treatment plan for your needs.
Benefits of Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy
Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy enhances the effectiveness of traditional sclerotherapy and provides the best outcomes for serious and persistent cases of varicose veins. UGS may appear complex, but the treatment is relatively simple and offers a range of benefits such as:
- Non-surgical treatment with minimal discomfort
- Helps to pinpoint root cause of large varicose and spider veins
- Improves appearance and feel of varicose veins
- No adverse effects on blood circulation
- Performed on an outpatient basis
- Greater precision
- Quick treatment process
- Reduced need for follow-up appointments
- No need to miss time from work or regular activities
The doctors and healthcare professionals at Vein Care are leaders in the field – our blend of experience and skills is unmatched, and we have already helped thousands of people enjoy healthier, happier lives free from discomfort and pain. If you’re eager to minimise the look and feel of stubborn varicose veins, we would be happy to assist.
Patient Testimonials and Success Stories
With 20+ years of experience in Melbourne vein treatments, Vein Care has helped countless patients through ultrasound guided sclerotherapy. Our comprehensive care has resulted in positive experiences and outcomes for Victorians who are tired of their noticeable varicose veins that cause discomfort during daily life. With cutting-edge treatments proven to heal diseased veins, we can deliver a meaningful difference to how you look and feel. Check out our varicose vein case studies for inspiring success stories and before and after comparisons.
Final Thoughts: Why Choose Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy
At Vein Care in Melbourne, we proudly specialise in ultrasound guided sclerotherapy as a leading treatment option for varicose veins. Whether caused by genetics, pregnancy or lifestyle, varicose veins can be unsightly and uncomfortable, which is where our vein specialists come in. We will create a personalised treatment plan to address your vein concerns and deliver the long-lasting results you deserve. From initial consultation to treatment day and aftercare, our passionate team will set you up for success with non-invasive vein treatments.
Let’s recap the top reasons to look forward to ultrasound guided sclerotherapy as a safer alternative to vein stripping.
Non-Surgical Approach
There are many benefits of UGS being a non-surgical procedure, such as the minimal discomfort and quick recovery. If you want to avoid the pain and downtime of traditional vein removal surgery, then the precision and proven results of ultrasound guided sclerotherapy are tough to beat.
Outpatient Basis
With non-surgical vein removal methods such as UGS, you get to enjoy the convenience of outpatient treatment. Our varicose vein solutions allow patients to resume daily activities immediately, with careful post-procedure support and guidance to ensure a smooth recovery.
Precision and Effectiveness
UGS offers greater precision in targeting varicose veins, leading to better treatment outcomes. While sclerotherapy is used on its own in many cases of enlarged veins, the addition of ultrasound guidance ensures we guide the injection of sclerosant liquid or foam directly into the offending vein, prompting their collapse and eventual disappearance from beneath the skin’s surface.
Freedom From Varicose Veins
Many Australians feel self-conscious about the appearance of varicose veins in their legs and arms, and that’s understandable. However, cutting-edge vein treatments like ultrasound guided sclerotherapy offer a proven solution to varicose veins without surgery. Our trusted team is here to help you feel more confident and comfortable along your varicose vein removal journey.
Schedule a Consultation for Non-Surgical Vein Treatment in Melbourne
To book vein treatment for any of the listed conditions, make an appointment with the Melbourne specialists at Vein Care. Call us on 1300 568 676 or contact us online to get started with safe and effective vein therapy.