If varicose veins have ever left your legs feeling heavy, sore or made you think twice about wearing something you love, you’re not alone.
Varicose veins are a common circulation condition caused by weakened vein valves that cause blood to pool, usually in the legs. While many people notice them for cosmetic reasons, varicose vein clinical features often include symptoms such as aching, heaviness, swelling or changes in skin appearance.
The good news is that modern varicose veins treatment options are highly effective and minimally invasive.
Let’s explore how treatments work, how to choose the right specialist for varicose veins and what options are available in Australia.
Treatment Options Explained: Sclerotherapy, Endovenous Ablation, Surgery & Conservative Care
Today’s evidence-based treatments range from minimally invasive procedures that can be performed in-clinic, to surgical options for more complex cases. The right treatment option typically depends on factors such as vein size, symptoms, ultrasound (venous mapping) findings and personal preferences.
Here are some of the most common treatment options. A qualified varicose vein specialist can guide you through these choices and help you determine what’s most appropriate for your veins, lifestyle and goals.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a common treatment method that involves injecting a specialised solution (called a sclerosant) into affected veins. This irritates the vein lining, causing it to collapse and gradually be reabsorbed by the body.
There are different types (e.g. liquid sclerotherapy, foam sclerotherapy), chosen based on vein size and location. It’s particularly effective for spider veins, reticular veins and mild to moderate varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy may be performed for medical symptoms, cosmetic concerns, or both. Most patients receive a series of sessions for optimal results. It requires minimal downtime, so you can resume usual activities quickly. In fact, going for a walk after having the therapy is encouraged.
Endovenous Ablation Treatments
Endovenous ablation treatments are another minimally invasive procedure that closes damaged veins from the inside. Options include:
- Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
- Mechanochemical Ablation (MOCA)
- Medical glue (cyanoacrylate) closure.
These treatments are performed under ultrasound guidance using local anaesthetic. A fine catheter is inserted into affected veins, delivering heat, mechanical action or adhesive to seal it shut. Blood is then naturally redirected to healthier veins.
Patients often achieve high success rates, and benefit from minimal scarring and downtime. Endovenous ablation is often recommended for great saphenous vein reflux or symptomatic varicose veins.
Surgical Treatment Options
Surgery is usually reserved for more complex cases, such as extensive vein reflux, tortuous anatomy or when minimally invasive treatments haven’t been suitable or successful.
Procedures may include vein stripping, ligation or ambulatory phlebectomy to remove problematic veins.
While surgery can offer comprehensive treatment, it typically involves a hospital setting, anaesthesia and a longer recovery period. Your varicose vein specialist will only recommend surgery if the benefits clearly outweigh less invasive options.
Conservative Care & Symptom Management
Conservative care generally focuses on relieving symptoms rather than correcting the underlying vein problem. Options include compression stockings, regular exercise, leg elevation and maintaining a healthy weight to support circulation.
Conservative care is often recommended before treatment, alongside procedures or as part of long-term vein health management.
How to Choose the Right Specialist for Varicose Veins Treatment
Choosing the right varicose vein specialist is an important step towards achieving safe, effective, lasting results.
Varicose veins are best assessed and treated by practitioners with specific training in venous disease and ultrasound diagnostics. Look for a practitioner who offers evidence-based treatment options, explains recommendations clearly and can tailor care to your symptoms, lifestyle and goals.
Most importantly, a practitioner should make you feel informed, comfortable, supported and confident in your proposed care plan.
Understanding Specialist Roles
There are several types of practitioners that may treat varicose veins, including:
- vascular surgeons
- phlebologists
- dermatologists
- cosmetic physicians with venous ultrasound training.
While their backgrounds differ, the most important factor is that your chosen specialist has expertise in venous disease and performing/interpreting duplex ultrasound accurately.
Ultrasound-guided diagnosis is essential for identifying reflux and choosing the most appropriate treatment approach.
Questions to Ask During a Consultation
The following questions can help you make more confident, informed decisions about your treatment. Consider asking:
- Do you perform duplex ultrasound onsite?
- Which treatments do you recommend for my veins, and why?
- What are possible complications or side effects with these procedures?
- What aftercare is required, and what follow-up support do you provide?
Comparison: Minimally Invasive vs Surgical Varicose Veins Treatment in Australia
Experienced varicose veins specialists can recommend the best treatment suggestions based on vein anatomy, symptom severity, duplex ultrasound findings and individual health factors.
Australian best practices typically favour minimally invasive treatments as first-line care, with surgery reserved for specific or more complex cases.
Minimally Invasive Treatments (EVLA, RFA, Sclerotherapy, MOCA)
Minimally invasive treatments such as Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), sclerotherapy and Mechanochemical Ablation (MOCA) are the most commonly recommended varicose veins treatment options.
These procedures are typically performed in-clinic under local anaesthetic, guided by ultrasound. Key advantages include:
- walk-in/walk-out appointments
- minimal downtime
- lower complication rates
- consistently high closure rates and durable results.
For most patients, these techniques offer effective, well-tolerated treatment without the need for hospital admission.
Surgical Treatments
Surgical options, such as stripping or phlebectomy are generally reserved for severe or complex cases, where minimally invasive methods are unsuccessful or unsuitable.
Surgery is usually performed in a hospital setting and may require general or spinal anaesthesia.
While it can provide comprehensive vein removal, recovery times are typically longer, with more post-procedural discomfort and time off required.
Costs, Medicare Benefits & Private Health Considerations
Medicare rebates for varicose vein treatments depend on medical necessity and confirmation of venous reflux via duplex ultrasound.
Minimally invasive procedures may be covered through Medicare benefits when clinical criteria are met. Surgical treatments may be partially covered under Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items or private hospital insurance, depending on your policy and indication.
Evidence-Based Outcomes: What Studies Show
Research indicates minimally invasive treatments show strong effectiveness, similar efficacy compared to surgical treatment options and lead to significant improvements in venous symptoms and quality of life, with durable results and low recurrence.
These insights support the shift toward less invasive, ultrasound-guided care as best practice for most patients.
FAQs & Trending Questions in Australia
What is the fastest varicose veins treatment in Australia?
Minimally invasive options like endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation are usually the quickest treatment options, requiring minimal downtime and with in-clinic treatment options available.
Is laser ablation better than sclerotherapy?
These options are typically used to treat different vein types. Laser ablation is better suited for larger refluxing veins, while sclerotherapy can be more suitable for smaller or surface veins.
How long does recovery take after endovenous ablation?
Patients have post procedure requirements for maximum effectiveness including additional requirements with compression stockings and prescriptive walking. Bruising and soreness resolves within approximately one to two weeks.
Can varicose veins return after treatment?
Treated veins are permanently closed, but new veins can develop over time.
Do I need a referral to see a varicose veins specialist?
A referral isn’t always required, but it may help with Medicare rebates if a specialist is seen.
Which treatment is best for bulging vs spider veins?
Bulging veins are often best treated through ablation, and spider veins typically respond well to sclerotherapy.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Review
Seek medical review promptly if you’re experiencing sudden leg pain, significant swelling, skin darkening, non-healing ulcers, or redness and tenderness along a vein. These symptoms may indicate complications such as superficial thrombophlebitis or deep vein thrombosis.
Start Looking After Your Vein Health
While varicose veins treatment can help you achieve more confidence in your appearance, it’s also worthwhile for supporting your long-term comfort and vein health.
Modern, minimally invasive options and the right specialist guidance can make the process simpler and more effective than you might expect. If your legs are affecting how you feel day to day, take the next step by arranging a consultation.