Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS)

• Why should I choose Vein Care SA?

  For a professional, medical approach by a team that cares about results.

  Vein Care SA will always thoroughly investigate the cause and extent of your vascular disease before recommending any treatment. This involves a consultation, medical assessment and an ultrasound examination for every patient.  A personally tailored treatment plan will be devised specifically for you, considering your medical history, the type and extent of your vascular disease and your own personal expectations for the treatment. Follow up appointments are also built into the treatment plan to ensure the treatment has been effective and that you are happy with the results.

  This approach ensures the cause of the problem is treated, drastically reducing the need for subsequent treatments and avoiding the recurrence of veins in the short term.

• How much does treatment cost?

  Your initial consultation, assessment and ultrasound examination will incur no out-of-pocket expenses, provided you have a valid Medicare card at the time of these consultations.

  If you choose to proceed with treatment, full payment will be required on the day of treatment.  Treatment costs vary according to the type of treatment, the number of treatments, and whether you are entitled to a concession discount.  As a general guide, out-of-pocket expenses for treatment are in the range of $300 to $1300.  All costs will be discussed with you prior to commencing treatment. VCSA staff can provide an accurate quote following your initial consultation with the doctor. There is no obligation to proceed with any treatment after your initial consultation or assessment.

  You may be entitled to a rebate from Medicare, please discuss this with VCSA staff.  Private health funds will not refund any of the cost of sclerotherapy treatment, however they will usually refund the compression therapy pack which is purchased at the time of treatment.

• Are my veins too big for sclerotherapy treatment?

  No. No veins are too big or too small for sclerotherapy treatment. In many cases, sclerotherapy is the most effective form of treatment for larger, bulging varicose veins.

• I am not in pain, should I still have my veins treated?

  Pain is only one symptom of abnormal veins. Your doctor at Vein Care SA will do a full assessment of your veins and discuss any associated medical conditions with you. Once the level of disease has been assessed and all the risks and benefits have been considered, a treatment plan and/or management strategy will be recommended.

• Can I have my veins treated for cosmetic reasons only?

  Yes. Cosmetic treatment of unsightly veins improves confidence for many patients.

  Early treatment also stops the veins from worsening over time, which can eventually lead to the development of secondary medical conditions and complications.

• Will my vein treatment be covered by Medicare if cosmetic?

  Depending on your ultrasound assessment results, Medicare rebates will apply for some cosmetic treatments.

• Will the treatment be painful?

  Some patients experience mild discomfort during the procedure. This can include a feeling of heaviness, aching and/or a burning sensation in the legs. Panadol and/or Ibuprofen can be taken following the procedure if discomfort continues. This is generally only needed by a small amount of patients for the first day or two following treatment.

• How many treatments will I need?

  Approximately 95% of patients undergoing UGS treatment for Varicose Veins will require only a single treatment.  When additional treatment is required, it is generally only to a small segment of the original varicose vein and will not incur additional costs

• Is surgery more effective than sclerotherapy?

  No. Different types of veins respond better to different types of treatment. There are three main types of treatment for large varicose veins: Surgical stripping, Endovenous Laser Therapy and Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy treatment. Long term recurrence rates for all three options are comparable.

  Your doctor will discuss which treatment or combination of treatments is most suitable for you once an assessment has been made.

• Will my veins come back after treatment?

  There is no permanent cure for varicose veins.

  At Vein Care SA we work hard to achieve the best possible results for the longest possible time. This is achieved through comprehensive pre-treatment assessments, thorough ultrasound examinations of every patient, personalised treatment plans and strict follow up protocols to make sure the treatment has worked.

  Patients with large varicose veins will sometimes find they need follow up treatment in 5-10 years time.

• I have had vein surgery previously; can I now have sclerotherapy treatment?

  Yes. Often sclerotherapy treatment is the best option for patients that have had previous vein surgery.

• Are men treated for varicose veins?

  Yes. We treat many men with varying degrees of vascular disease.

• At what age should I treat my varicose veins?

  Varicose veins can occur in anyone from as young as teenagers. They do not discriminate based on age, neither do we. At Vein Care SA we believe everybody deserves healthy, pain free, varicose vein free legs.

• What type of ultrasound scan is done at VCSA and why is this important?

  Before treatment, we use ultrasound to assess all the veins in your legs.  From this assessment we can determine the size and pattern of your veins, as well as which veins work properly, and which ones don’t. This information is important to determine what type of treatment will be most beneficial.

  Ultrasound is also used during UGS treatments to make sure the correct veins are being treated and that they are responding as intended.

  We also use ultrasound to examine all patients after treatment. During this scan we make sure the veins that were not working properly have responded to treatment and we check for any adverse reactions. While adverse reactions are rare, it is important to check for these so they can be safely managed to avoid complications.

  All ultrasound examinations are performed by a qualified, ASAR registered sonographer and reported by a practicing Vascular Surgeon.

See all FAQs