Varicose Veins – Sydney, Canberra & Australia-wide

Considering Varicose Veins? Talk to the team at Cosmos Clinic for a caring and understanding approach…

Clarivein has many advantages over existing techniques including;

• effective and safe technique with no pain
• minimal discomfort and bruising
• no risk of thermal (heat) damage as there would be from techniques such as laser or radio frequently ablation
• no risk of nerve or skin damage
• multiple injections not required (no tumescent aesthetic is required)
• no admission into hospital
• return to normal activities immediately

Varicose Veins treatment with Clarivein or endovenous laser ablation is a less invasive alternative to standard vein stripping for patients suffering from varicose veins to improve the appearance of legs, increase mobility and reduce pain and suffering. Some of the reasons for considering Varicose Veins cosmetic procedures may include:

• enhancing and improving the appearance of the skin particularly the lower body
• alleviating pain and suffering from varicose veins that are impacting negatively on your health
• improving your quality of life as varicose veins may interfere with daily activities
• boosting self esteem as a result of more body confidence and self confidence and increased mobility

What is Varicose Veins?

Varicose Veins treatment with endovenous laser ablation or Clarivein is growing in popularity as an alternative and less invasive procedure to vein stripping to treat varicose veins which can look unsightly and cause pain and discomfort. Some of the causes of varicose veins include age, heredity, pregnancy and weight gain.

Normally, veins in the leg return blood to the heart by the pumping action of the muscles when a person walks. One-way valves prevent reflux of blood back into the legs. Veins become less elastic and the valves can begin to malfunction. The veins can take on a ropy appearance and standing and walking may become uncomfortable.

Endovenous laser ablation treats the vein(s) from the inside using heat energy from a laser source to seal the afflicted vein(s). A local anaesthesia (tumescent anaesthesia) is required. It takes about 45 minutes to one hour in most cases and is a ‘walk in walk out’ procedure. The laser procedure results in less risk and an improved recovery time.

Clarivein is a newer procedure to treat varicose veins that does not require tumescence anaesthesia infusion saving significant time and decreasing patient discomfort. The procedure in total may take only 15 minutes resulting in an increased recovery time.  Pain, discomfort and bruising are minimal.

A compression stocking must be worn after the varicose veins cosmetic surgery to help reduce bruising, tenderness, and the slim possibility of forming blood clots. Normal activity can be resumed that day after both varicose veins procedures, with the exception of lifting heavy objects or prolonged sitting.

What happens during the endovenous laser ablation procedure?

Unlike older, more invasive procedures that strip veins from the leg through the use of small incisions, endovenous laser ablation uses a catheter, or small tube, which is inserted through a small nick in the skin. The leg being treated will be sterilised and covered with a surgical drape. A local anaesthetic will be administered to the site where the incision will be made, generally immediately above or below the knee.

The procedure starts by advancing the catheter inside the vein up to the top of the leg. An anaesthetic is injected along the vein(s) being treated. Energy is applied as the catheter is slowly withdrawn. This heats and seals the vein closed. By the time the heat energy is delivered, the vein will be numb and there should be no pain.

What happens during the Clarivein procedure?

Clarivein is an invasive procedure used to treat varicose veins. The Clarivein catheter has two components – a wire rotating at high speed that damages the intima (innermost layer of the vein) combined with an injection of liquid sclerotherapy to complete the venous occlusion. The combination is a very efficient and painless way to seal the vein as the cosmetic surgery does not require a tumescence anaesthesia as it does for endovenous laser ablation procedures and does not cause nerve damage.

The Clarivein catheter is inserted into the vein under ultrasound control, the tip is positioned at the top of the vein and the device is activated. The tip rotates as the device is slowly withdrawn destroying the inner lining of the vein.  At the same time, sclerosant solution is infused through the end of the catheter.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure takes about 45 minutes to one hour in most cases for endovenous laser ablation and 15 minutes for the Clarivein treatment.

What happens after the procedure?

A compression stocking must be worn after the procedure to help reduce bruising, tenderness, and the slim possibility of forming blood clots. Normal activity can be resumed, with the exception of lifting heavy objects or prolonged sitting (for instance a long plane or bus trip)

How long do the effects of the endovenous laser ablation treatment last?

In clinical trials, laser treatment has proved to be 97% effective. Therefore, you should experience no recurrence in the veins that have been treated. However, you may want to have follow-up procedures to obtain the best cosmetic results.

How long do the effects of the Clarivein treatment last?

Clinical trials suggest that the initial success rate is equal to that from radiofrequency or laser treatment of great saphenous vein disease. The main advantage of this varicose veins procedure compared to others is that it does not require tumescence anesthesia infusion. The other advantage is that it’s quicker… less pain after the procedure and no risk of nerve damage like with laser treatment.

In Summary…

Cosmetic treatment for varicose veins such as endovenous laser ablation and Clarivein is not just a purely cosmetic procedure, it can help people improve their quality of life and increase mobility by alleviating suffering and help them resume normal activities without being in constant pain. Current treatments for varicose veins shave very high success rates compared to traditional surgical treatments.

If varicose veins are not treated, they can become worse and lead to more serious complications such as sores and skin ulcers, bleeding, superficial thrombophlebitis and deep vein thrombosis. Speak to your cosmetic surgeon about whether you are a good candidate for the varicose veins treatment with endovenous laser ablation or Clarivein. Clarivein can also be used in conjunction with endovenous laser ablation.

For more informaiton or to book an appointment please call us on 1300 138 797 or e-mail info@cosmosclinic.com.au

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