Varicose veins can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Fortunately, there are ways to manage them. For example, you can wear compression stockings or elevate your legs to help blood return to the heart.
Varicose veins are enlarged superficial (close to the surface) veins in your legs. They can resemble bluish-purple bulges. For more information about the varicose vein removal Adelaide medical coverage, click here.
Endovenous Ablation
Varicose veins are not a medically serious condition, but the presence of varicose veins can be unsightly and uncomfortable. Treatment for this condition is available from private clinics in Adelaide and across Australia. These treatments are generally quite expensive. However, some of these treatments may be eligible for Medicare rebates. These rebates typically cover 75-85% of the cost of the procedure.
Endovenous ablation is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure using laser energy or radiofrequency to destroy and close the diseased varicose veins. The varicose vein is destroyed without harming the surrounding tissue, and blood is rerouted to other healthy veins in the leg. The treated varicose vein eventually shrinks, seals and eventually disappears as the body naturally resorbs it.
The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting. It is usually done by a phlebologist, interventional radiologist or vascular surgeon. During the procedure, a small needle is inserted into the varicose vein with the assistance of ultrasound for guidance. A guidewire is then inserted through the needle, and the tip of a laser fibre is placed in the vein and activated. The laser fibre is withdrawn, and its heat energy cauterizes (burns) the inside of the varicose vein, sealing it closed. For more information about the varicose vein removal Adelaide medical coverage, click here.
After the procedure, patients should wear compression stockings for 2-4 weeks. They should also take analgesics as directed by their physician. Some patients experience mild discomfort in the first few days, but most can return to work within a few days after their procedure.
Most private health insurance providers in Australia have some form of coverage for this treatment, including various hospital treatments. The coverage levels are typically broken down into tiers, with bronze or higher usually covering the costs of most hospital treatments. You must check with your health fund about what specific varicose vein removal treatment they cover and how much you must pay out of pocket.
Sclerotherapy
Varicose veins are caused by weakened valves in the vein walls that allow blood to flow in one direction only. It can result from ageing, pregnancy or long periods of standing or sitting. When these valves weaken, they can allow blood to leak backwards through the weakened vein walls, leading to an enlarged and unsightly varicose or spider vein.
Several minimally invasive treatments can be used to remove varicose or spider veins, including sclerotherapy. A specialist injects a liquid or foam substance into the dysfunctional veins during this procedure. The injections are usually performed using a small needle, and the results are quick, effective and permanent. Unlike surgery, sclerotherapy is a safe procedure that does not require a general anaesthetic or hospital stay and can be used on more prominent varicose and smaller spider or reticular veins. For more information about the varicose vein removal Adelaide medical coverage, click here.
You may experience some pain or discomfort during the procedure, but this is minimal and can vary from person to person. After the process, you will need to wear compression stockings, and your specialist will advise how long you need to wear them. You must also avoid exposing the treated area to sunlight or long flights and avoid excessive heavy exercise.
Sclerotherapy is an effective treatment option for varicose or spider veins and can be covered by private health insurance or Medicare rebates. The amount of rebate you receive will depend on the type and extent of the varicose veins being treated.