Sclerotherapy for varicose veins

Me Clinic has been providing varicose vein treatment in Melbourne for over 35 years.

Sclerotherapy is a treatment option for large veins, which can be performed alone or in conjunction with less invasive outpatient surgery. It is also used for smaller accessory veins, where treating early can help prevent them becoming larger bulging varicose veins.

How it works

A solution called a sclerosant is injected into the vein using tiny micro-needles. The sclerosant initiates a process in which the body closes and then contracts the vein. Blood is redirected through healthier veins and the treated vein fades over time.

Veins that are easily visible are injected without ultrasound guidance. Veins that are not visible at the surface require ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy instead.

Liquid and foam sclerosant

The established technique uses a liquid sclerosant. An updated approach uses the sclerosant as a foam, which has three practical advantages:

The foam is visible on the ultrasound screen, allowing its passage up the vein to be monitored during treatment.
The foam displaces the blood in the vein, allowing direct contact between the sclerosant and the vein walls.
Smaller amounts of sclerosing medicine are required to achieve the result.

Foam is generally preferred for larger varicose veins for these reasons, and typically causes less discomfort with more rapid healing.

What to expect afterwards

You are provided with an after-hours direct number in case you have questions or concerns.

Normal and expected

Bruising and tenderness along the injected veins. This is normal and is not a sign of infection. Walking helps reduce the soreness.
Lumps forming along sections of the injected veins. This is normal, and they can be treated at subsequent visits.
Darkening. Veins may temporarily look worse before they look better.

When to contact the clinic

Blisters over the skin. A dry dressing changed daily is usually all that is required.
Generalised rash or itching, particularly on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. This may indicate an allergic reaction - contact the clinic.
Any discomfort that is not settling, where you need further advice or relief.

Activity after treatment

Walk up to 30 minutes daily while undergoing treatment, and continue with your normal activities.
Avoid vigorous exercise in the first 24 hours, and while wearing compression-wrap bandages.
On a long car or plane trip, walk for at least five minutes every hour during the trip.

Compression stockings

After treatment your legs may need to be taped or bandaged. You should then wear your stockings whenever standing, as advised by your doctor. Stockings can be removed when lying in bed, or temporarily when showering.

They may need to be worn for a number of weeks after treatment. Your doctor will advise how long applies in your case. Wearing them as directed materially affects the result - not doing so is one of the more common reasons for a disappointing outcome.

Costs

As at September 2024 and including GST, a sclerotherapy treatment session starts from $470, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy from $740, and a vein consultation with a doctor - which may include ultrasound - is $230.

Cost varies with the number of veins treated, the number of sessions required and the complexity of the treatment. Sclerotherapy typically costs less than varicose vein surgery. See varicose vein treatment costs.

Medicare

You may be able to claim a Medicare rebate for vein treatment. Your physician will discuss any applicable rebates at your initial consultation, and you can contact Medicare directly for further detail. A valid GP referral supports a claim.

Risks

All procedures carry some risk. Sclerotherapy does not generally require anaesthetic. Risks are discussed with you in detail at consultation, and you are given written information to take home. Please read our information on the risks and complications of cosmetic surgery before proceeding.

Individual results may vary, and more than one session is often required. New veins can develop over time regardless of the treatment method used.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Who performs sclerotherapy

Dr Tim French (MED0001790529) is a phlebologist with AHPRA specialist and general registration and over a decade of clinical experience in venous medicine. He holds an MBBS, a Diploma of Surgical Anatomy (University of Melbourne), and further qualifications in phlebology and ultrasound in phlebology.

See sclerotherapy, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, varicose veins, or all vein treatments.