Varicose/Spider Veins

The cause is not known, except that in many cases they seem to run in families. Identical twins in fact may be affected in the same area of the body and to the same extent. The condition can also occur as part of a large number of different diseases, both genetic and non-genetic.

There is no known method of prevention. Wearing support hosiery may prevent some unwanted blood vessels from developing in some people. Maintaining normal weight and regular exercise may also be helpful. Protection from the sun is important to reduce the number of unwanted vessels on the face.

In the majority of cases, a procedure called sclerotherapy is used in which a sclerosing solution is injected with a very fine needle directly into the blood vessel. This procedure has been used for spider veins since the 1930´s and long before that for larger veins.

The solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to swell and stick together and the blood to clot. Over a period of weeks, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view, eventually becoming barely or not at all visible.

Depending on its size, a single blood vessel may have to be injected more than once, some weeks apart, but in any one-treatment session a number of vessels can be injected. The solutions used vary somewhat with the size of the vessel to be injected. Your doctor will decide the solution that is best for your particular case.

After several treatments, most patients can expect a 50% to 80% improvement in treated vessels. However, the fading process is gradual and perfection is seldom achieved.

Spider veins may recur but in most of these cases it may seem that a previously injected vessel has recurred, when in fact a new spider vein has appeared in the same area.

Yes. All skin types and skin colours respond equally well.

Do not apply moisturizer to your legs on the day of appointment.
You may prefer to wear slacks to your appointment, as they will conceal the stocking and underlying compression pads. Some people like to bring a pair of shorts to wear during the treatment session.
Always bring your compression stocking for each appointment. You may not like the stocking but its use is vitally important to achieve good results.
Do not take minomycin or iron supplements.
Do not take Omega three’s for one week prior to treatment.

Maintain normal daytime activities but we would advise that you walk at least half an hour (4km) a day – the more the better, as this works the calf muscles and pumps blood through other vessels back to the heart. Walking reduces the pressure in the superficial veins. Standing for prolonged periods must be avoided for two weeks following injection sessions, unless you are wearing your compression stockings.

Avoid strenuous physical activity (aerobics and weight lifting) for the first 72 hours. However, walking in the first 2 days is important, as it will relieve most of the aching from the injections.
Do not remove the stocking until your physician has instructed. The compression following the injection is essential to obtaining a good result. Cover the stocking with a plastic bag when showering.

Between treatments, the use of support stockings and socks that are correctly fitted is recommended especially for people who must be on their feet a lot. If you feel you may benefit from these please ask the nurse to show you the range that the Clinic has in stock. Special requirements and sizes can be readily ordered.

In order to obtain the best possible results, it is essential that you attend all scheduled follow-up appointments.

As with all treatments there are potential side effects, these will be explained to you fully during your consult with Dr Julie Ostberg.

Insurance coverage varies. If the treatment is solely for cosmetic reasons, it may not be covered. Sometimes a second opinion, pathology studies or photographs are required by insurance companies before treatment is begun.

Not necessarily, but the procedure must be done with caution to minimise the risk of blood clots.

Doctor Julie Ostberg performs Sclerotherapy at Victoria´s Cosmedi Spa. Dr Ostberg has had training and many years of experience with sclerotherapy.

The average cost is $230.00 per session. In most cases part of this fee may be claimed from Medicare. Support Stockings could cost approximately $70.00 per pair depending on the gradient required. Some Private Health Insurances will cover part of this fee.