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Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy

Australian Vein Clinics

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy is a non-invasive treatment used for varicose veins and veins unseen on the surface.

How Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy works

Treatment is largely similar to standard sclerotherapy however with varying injecting techniques and the use of the ultrasound machine to assist. Prior to the treatment the ultrasound examination is carried out to create a virtual map of the treatment area. This will show the phlebologist the location of all abnormal veins for future treatment.

Foam sclerotherapy is the main injecting technique used for ultrasound guided sclerotherapy. Foam sclerotherapy involves the same sclerosant solution however it is mixed with air creating a foam like substance. This is used on bigger varicose veins that have a large surface area and is a very successful way in treating those bigger varicose veins. The foam solution acts like a glue causing the vein walls to stick together which results in the vein collapsing on itself. The blood then re-routes to healthier veins whilst the injected/collapsed vein breaks down and gets absorbed into the surrounding tissue.

Treatment Process

Infographic on Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy

What to expect

All vein treatment journeys begin with an initial consultation with our Vein Specialists. In the consultation, our doctors observe the area/s you are concerned about and develop a treatment plan whilst also informing you of the full costs associated with the treatment. In order to give you the best and most accurate treatment advice we use our in-house ultrasound machine so that can assess and map the deeper veins that are unseen on the surface. The Ultrasound will give the vein specialist a clear picture which will guide the best type of treatment most suitable for you.

All of our treatments are performed within the clinic and are non-invasive, walk in-walk out procedures. No need for pesky full day hospital visits! Ultra sound guided sclerotherapy treatment will only take 30-60 minutes and is all performed within the clinic. You may feel a slight stinging feeling as the solution enters the vein, however this discomfort is short term and will subside quickly.

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy Faqs

No, when varicose veins are treated correctly and aftercare instructions are adhered to, the treated varicose veins will disappear forever. It is important to note however, that other untreated veins may still appear in different areas.
Varicose veins form due to increased blood pressure in the veins and on the vein walls. The valves in the veins weaken resulting in pooling of blood in the veins causing distention, bulging, pain and swelling. Pregnancy, obesity, family history, direct trauma and hormonal changes are thought to be the most common causes of varicose veins. Lifestyle factors that involves long periods of standing can also predispose you to developing unwanted varicose veins
No, a doctor’s referral is not required for appointments.

 Treatments are privately charged, however most carry a Medicare rebate. You can claim a rebate on up to 6 sclerotherapy treatments in a calendar year.

Yes, there are some minor and short term side effects that may occur during the healing process.

Bruises is the most common side effect to treatment and will disappear in time. The use of Arnica ointment and compression stockings will speed up healing and lead to a faster recovery.

Tenderness and redness can occur along the injection sites and are temporary.

Lumps can develop along sections of the injected veins. These should subside in a short time.

If the lumps persist, your vein specialist will treat these in your next visit.
Blisters/sores can appear over the skin. Rarely, blisters form due to leakage of the solution used and a small sore may form, however this will heal. Please call the clinic immediately if a sore appears.

Generalised rash or itching particularly in the palms of the hands or soles of the feet usually means an allergic reaction or you may have a blood clot. If there is pain and swelling and it gets worse with walking, or you have chest pain/tightness please go to the emergency department immediately. If you are unsure, please contact the clinic and we will guide you through the next steps

Although rare and very unlikely, any medical treatment does carry a risk of possible complications. These will all be discussed with you in your initial consultation.

The needles used are very small, however you may still feel some slight pinching at the injection site as the solution enters the vein. The treatment is generally well-tolerated with minimal discomfort. Our doctors are very empathetic and will slow the process if necessary to ensure you are comfortable throughout.
This is why we have our comprehensive initial consultation with our vein specialist. After careful analysis of your venous history and an ultrasound of the veins in question, your vein specialist will recommend the best treatment to effectively and safely remove your veins.

Your Vein Removal Journey

Initial Consult

Our comprehensive initial consultation is where you will first meet your vein specialist and begin your journey. This will begin with a discussion regarding your venous history followed by an Ultrasound of the area to discover underlying issues. A personalised treatment plan will be recommended to you with a customised quote.

Your First Treatment

It’s time for us to work our magic! All treatments are performed within the clinic and are walk-in walk-out. Treatments take 30-60 minutes, do not require any general anaesthetic and are non-surgical.

Aftercare

Your vein specialist will discuss all aftercare instructions thoroughly prior to your treatment and a comprehensive aftercare guide will be supplied. Aftercare instructions include mandatory walking and compression garment wear. Your vein specialist will also be directly contactable after hours.

Review

This is a vital part of your journey as it gives us the opportunity to check how the veins have reacted to the treatment. Sometimes, the treatment may result in small amounts of trapped blood which can cause mild discomfort. In your review, your vein specialist will release any trapped blood.

Continuing your Journey

Your personalised treatment plan was made for YOU! To get the ideal outcome it is important to follow the recommended amount of sessions discussed in your initial consultation and wear your compression stockings after any treatment.

Love Your Results

Now that your veins have been treated, go and flaunt your legs.

View some Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy before & after at Australian Vein Clinics

leg with bulging varicose vein before sclerotherapy treatments
Before
leg after ultrasound guided sclerotherapy treatment
After
legs with advanced varicose veins before treatment
Before
legs after severe varicose veins are treated
After
legs with large varicose vein
Before
after sclerotherapy treatment for spider veins
After

Venous Disease Progression

Progression of venous disease

Does this look familiar? Stop varicose vein development in its tracks!

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy Melbourne

Australian Vein Clinics

Vein Treatments

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy is a non-invasive treatment used for varicose veins and veins unseen on the surface.

What is Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to treat varicose veins and spider veins. It involves injecting a solution into the vein which causes it to collapse and disappear. Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is a new variation of this procedure which uses ultrasound imaging to guide the needle into the vein.
This technique is said to be more accurate and easier to perform than traditional sclerotherapy. In addition, ultrasound may also help to improve the results of the procedure by allowing us to see the vein and inject the solution into the precise location. Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is the advanced method for the treatment of varicose veins and venous leg ulcers.

What Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy Treats

Vein Treatment Melbourne

How Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy Works

Treatment is largely similar to standard sclerotherapy, however, with varying injecting techniques and the use of the ultrasound machine to assist. Prior to the treatment, the ultrasound examination is carried out to create a virtual map of the treatment area. This will show the phlebologist the location of all abnormal veins for future treatment.

Foam sclerotherapy is the main injecting technique used for ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. Foam sclerotherapy involves the same sclerosant solution; however, it is mixed with air creating a foam-like substance. This is used on bigger varicose veins that have a large surface area and is a very successful way of treating those bigger varicose veins. The foam solution acts like a glue causing the vein walls to stick together, which results in the vein collapsing on itself. The blood flow then re-routes to healthier veins whilst the injected/collapsed vein breaks down and gets absorbed into the surrounding tissue.

Prepping the area

The first step involves applying a local anesthetic to the area being treated. Anesthetic helps to ensure that the patient does not feel any discomfort during the injection process.

Injecting the sclerosant

A small needle is used to inject the sclerosant solution into the vein. The needle is guided by Ultrasound imaging, which allows the physician to ensure that the injection is placed correctly.

Compression aftercare

Once the injection is complete, a compression bandage is applied to help keep the sclerosant in contact with the vein. Within a few weeks, the treated vein will begin to fade and disappear.

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy Cost

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is usually performed as an outpatient procedure and does not require anesthesia. The average cost of ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is $650-$800 per session.

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy Cost Factors

  • The size of the area being treated
  • The number of veins being treated
  • The number of treatments required

Starting From: $650

What To Expect

When you come in for your initial consultation, our doctors will observe the area/s that are concerning and develop a treatment plan. We also want to inform you about any of the total costs associated with this process. Our vein specialists then use an in-house ultrasound machine to map out the deeper veins that are unseen on the surface. This process allows us to provide personalised treatment advice based on your needs and goals. All of our treatments are performed within the clinic and are non-invasive, walk-in-walk-out procedures. No need for full-day hospital visits! Ultra sound-guided sclerotherapy treatment will only take 30-60 minutes and is all performed within the clinic. You may feel a slight stinging feeling as the solution enters the vein; however, this discomfort is short-term and will subside quickly.

Recovery

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy Recovery is typically quick and easy, with most patients feeling well enough to return to normal activities within a day or two. There may be some bruising and swelling at the injection site, but this should resolve within a week.

Aftercare Tips

  • Apply a cold compress to the area for 10 minutes, three times a day to reduce swelling.
  • Wear compression stockings for 3-7 days after the injections.
  • Light walking at least 30 minutes per day.
    Avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher if in the sun.
  • Do not take hot baths or use a sauna. Steam rooms and hot tubs are also off-limits.
  • Avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours including anything that will make you sweat.
  • Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours as this can thin your blood and increase your risk of bleeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is a very effective treatment for superficial and deep veins, with a high success rate. In most cases, Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy successfully improves the appearance of the treated varicose and reticular veins. However, there is a risk that the veins may return after treatment if not fully treated properly. Veins returning is more likely to happen if the underlying cause of the varicose veins, such as venous insufficiency, is not treated For this reason, it is important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and to see a reputable provider for follow-up treatments or reviews.
Varicose veins can develop anywhere in the body, but they are most commonly found in the legs and feet. Several factors can contribute to the development of varicose veins, including age, pregnancy, obesity, and prolonged standing.
No, a doctor’s referral is not required for appointments.
Treatments are privately charged; however, most carry a Medicare rebate. In a calendar year, you can claim a rebate on up to 6 Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy treatments.
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat blood vessels or blood vessel malformations. The procedure’s objective is to close off the affected blood vessel by injecting a solution directly into it. This solution damages the vessel vein wall, causing it to collapse and seal shut. UGS is an effective treatment for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. In a study of patients with DVT, those who underwent UGS had a significantly lower risk of recurrent DVT than those who did not have the procedure. UGS appears to be a safe and effective DVT treatment with minimal side effects.
Sclerotherapy is generally safe and effective, but there are a few potential side effects. These can include temporary bruising, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site. More serious side effects, such as ulcers or skin necrosis, may occur in rare cases. If you experience any unusual side effects after sclerotherapy, be sure to contact your doctor right away.
While traditional sclerotherapy can be somewhat painful, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is generally much less so. The ultrasound helps guide the needle directly into the vein, minimising tissue damage and discomfort. In addition, ultrasound allows for a smaller needle to be used, further reducing pain and discomfort. As a result, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is an effective and relatively painless treatment for spider veins and varicose veins.

View some before & after shots from our clients at Australian Vein Clinics

leg with bulging varicose vein before sclerotherapy treatments
Before
leg after ultrasound guided sclerotherapy treatment
After
legs with advanced varicose veins before treatment
Before
legs after severe varicose veins are treated
After
legs with large varicose vein
Before
after sclerotherapy treatment for spider veins
After
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