By Dr. Mark Kohout, Cosmetic Surgery Specialist
www.drmarkkohout.com.au 

Varicose veins and spider veins have long been the curse of many women affecting their confidence and clothing choices. Sure, it isn’t so bad during the cooler months of the year when your legs are covered, but when spring hits and it’s time to get those pins out, the sight of them can really decrease your confidence. Thankfully though, there are treatments available to get your legs back to a smooth touch.

Both spider and varicose veins develop as a result of increased pressure in the veins, caused by many factors including damaged valves, prolonged periods of standing or sitting, or even from specific lifestyle choices.

The differences between spider and varicose veins are simple. Spider veins are enlarged veins, which are closer to the surface of the skin and present a web-like or starburst appearance. They are not painful; however cause a significant decrease in cosmetic confidence. They usually appear on the thighs and around the knees/ lower legs.  They can be pink or purple and up to about 1.5mm in diameter.  Varicose veins however, are larger and often appear bulging or twisted through the skin. Although many are painless, they can get inflamed and become painful and may lead to further health problems such as skin discolouration and ankle ulcers.

There are a number of different cosmetic treatments available for both spider and varicose veins. The following treatments are all effective, safe and cause little pain or discomfort.  

Sclerotherapy is typically used to treat larger spider veins of around 0.5-1.5mm.  The treatment involves ‘sclerosing’ solution being injected into the affected area. The solution destroys the inner lining of the offending vessel and patients start to see results over the coming weeks. Using this treatment, 50 – 90% of the veins will disappear.  Most patients require between two and three treatments before they start to see the permanent effects of the procedure. Expect to pay approximately $250-400 per session, depending on how extensive the injections are.

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy is a permanent treatment usually used to treat varicose veins, the procedure involves the use of ultrasound and micro injected foam which causes the vein to clot and shrivel. A number of treatments may be needed to see the desired results. Patients will pay between $200 and $400 per session for this treatment depending on the area. This procedure is painless and doesn’t result in patient down time, a good option for busy individuals!

Laser treatment is a highly effective method of removing fine spider veins.  Laser light is transmitted through the skin and absorbed by the blood vessels and veins begin to disappear quickly. The area may become hot, and a stinging sensation may be felt during this procedure, this is normal and in most patients not painful. On average patients will need three treatments to see the desired effects on veins, this treatment is permanent. Costs depend on how large the area being treated is; generally you will pay between $100 and $400 per session.

Endovascular Laser Treatment is a new treatment used to treat varicose veins, the procedure involves a small optic probe and laser light which heats the vein from the inside resulting in permanent shrinkage. Depending on the severity of veins, patients will need between one and ten sessions. As this method requires specialised and expensive laser equipment, it is more costly than others, with prices starting at $800.  This treatment has no down time and is effective immediately, great for patients who like to see results fast!

Some varicose veins are severe and extensive enough to require surgery, especially if both legs are involved.  This is usually a day procedure that takes 30-60 minutes to perform and requires compression stockings for around 4 weeks. Cost: between $1,000 and $3,000.

Treatments for spider and varicose veins vary in the different types of procedures that are offered. All of the treatments listed above are relatively painless and will not cause the patient to have significant down time. Costs vary between $100 and $1000, the best way to determine which treatment is right for you is to speak to your physician.

To discuss your suitability for surgical or non-surgical procedures with Dr. Kohout, please phone 1300 551 151 or email info@drmarkkohout.com.au

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