Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) for Varicose Veins – Auckland NZ

Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy (UGS) treats varicose veins using injections into sites which are revealed through an ultrasound examination.

Prior to treatment an ultrasound examination identifies and maps out the varicose veins. These are ‘incompetent’ veins that are not effectively moving blood back up the leg as they should. The abnormal vein is then treated with an injection of sclerosant (foam sclerotherapy) which is a medicine designed to close off the faulty vein.

The treatment starts off with the main branch saphenous vein and works its way to smaller more superficial veins over consecutive treatment sessions. Once the abnormal vein is closed, the body slowly absorbs the treated vein away over a number of months.

The venous blood flow is diverted through deeper veins resulting in a better venous system, an improvement in the appearance of varicose veins, and a reduction of varicose vein symptoms.

Palm Clinic in Auckland, NZ also offers Radio Frequency Ablation for larger varicose veins which is the very latest gold standard treatment. When used, it is generally combined with ultrasound guided sclerotherapy for maximal results.

The vein physicians (phlebologists) at Palm Clinic remain excited about the ultrasound guided sclerotherapy (UGS) technique because it is so simple and straightforward for patients who are appreciative of relieving themselves of the pain associated with their leg veins.

The added bonus of the ultrasound guided sclerotherapy treatment is that it provides cosmetic improvement without having to take time off work. Patients are often amazed at the fact they can have a varicose vein treated with ultrasound guided sclerotherapy and can be back at work an hour after their treatment session.

Advantages of the ultrasound guided sclerotherapy procedure include:

• No time off work – treatment takes around 10 minutes
• No general anaesthesia
• No surgery such as ambulatory phlebectomy or stripping
• No scars or stitches
• Patients can continue normal daily activities other than avoiding straining for two weeks
• Treats underlying larger veins and more superficial veins that feed spider veins
• Reduces chance of deep vein thrombosis associated with varicose veins
• Lower cost and lower risk than surgery
• Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy is covered by most medical insurers. There is full cover from Sovereign, One Path, Unimed and others. Palm Clinic is an affiliated provider to Southern Cross and a First Choice Provider to NIB medical insurance.

On the day your Palm Clinic Doctor will welcome you into your change room. There they will discuss what you can expect during and after the procedure and answer any questions that you may have. They will review the consent form with you to ensure your understanding. You are welcome to bring a support person.

You will remove your lower half of clothing, leaving your underwear on. You will be given a gown or towel to cover your lap. You will come through to the treatment room where the Doctor and Sonographer will greet you.

Your Palm Clinic sonographer will place ultrasound gel on your legs (as you had done at your ultrasound map) and then identify which abnormal veins require treatment. Your Palm Clinic Doctor will then inject the veins requiring treatment with foam sclerotherapy under ultrasound guidance.

We start with the larger saphenous vein and then move to the more superficial veins. The needle used is very small and in most cases patients are pleasantly surprised at the level of discomfort.

The medicine can cause a stinging sensation and for the treated vein to look red and inflamed. Treatment will usually be finished within ten minutes. The team will then fit your medical compression stocking to wear following treatment.

When treatment is complete and you have had your compression stocking placed you will be encouraged to go for a 30 minute walk. This eases any discomfort that you may be experiencing and helps make the treatment safer.

For two weeks after your initial treatment you will be in a compression stocking. We also ask you to walk for a total of one hour per day and to avoid heavy lifting or straining for two weeks.

You will have routine follow ups with your Palm Clinic team at seven days, ten days and again at six weeks and twelve months depending on your individual ultrasound map findings.

At the six week mark is where we can proceed to treat your spider veins with either microsclerotherapy or exotherme laser if you are wanting cosmetic improvement for spider veins.

You can expect to have a degree of redness, bruising, tenderness and inflammation around the treated vein for a few weeks after treatment. The treated vessel can feel like a firm cord in places and in other places like firm, tender lumps.

Most people find that their legs are feeling a lot better at around four to six weeks after treatment. This can vary however with some reporting a return to normal activities at two weeks and others taking longer.

The possible side effects of UGS treatment are explained in our vein treatment video and will be fully discussed by your doctor at your consultation.

The main ones to be aware of (although exceedingly rare) are deep vein thrombosis (around 1/1000 chance) and brown staining of the treated veins, which in most cases fades over time. There is also an exceedingly small chance (1/5000) of allergic reaction to the medicine used.

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy cost will be determined by the Doctor at your initial consultation.

Varicose vein treatments are covered by most medical insurers where medical necessity criteria apply. Palm Clinic is an affiliated provider to Southern Cross and First Choice Provider to NIB Medical Insurance. Read more

Or, take advantage of our Interest Free Payment plans to cover the cost of your treatment. To apply online go to: www.qmastercard.co.nz and click on ‘Apply Now’. Talk to our staff today to find out more about our flexible payment options. * Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply.

View our gallery of varicose veins pictures showing before and after treatment at Palm Clinic.