VARICOSE VEINS

Varicose veins are enlarged, superficial tortuous veins that appear on the legs. Varicose veins are quite common and affect up to 25-40% of all females.

CAUSES

Risk factors for varicose veins are age, family history and pregnancy whereas obesity, prolonged standing, trauma and infection have all been known to make varicose veins worse.

Veins should return blood from the legs to the heart and usually there are one-way valves that prevent the blood from flowing backwards. These one-way valves are located throughout the length of the inside of these veins.

When these valves become “faulty or damaged”, they are called incompetent valves and the blood now flows in both directions (reflux) thereby causing pooling. This condition is called venous insufficiency. This pooling of blood in the leg veins over a period of time causes the veins to bulge and protrude from the skin surface.

SYMPTOMS AND PREVENTION

Some patients have no symptoms whilst others may experience:

Bleeding
Calf aches
Calf heaviness
Discolouration of the skin
Ezcema
Hardening of the skin
Itching
Nocturnal calf cramps
Swelling of the legs
Thrombophebitis
Ulcer formation

PREVENTION

Whilst it is difficult to prevent the onset of varicose veins, certain actions can be taken to reduce the severity of these varicose veins.

Avoid prolonged standing
Avoid wearing high heels
Do not cross your legs
Elevate legs when possible
Regular exercise especially brisk walking, jogging
Support stockings
Weight management

DIAGNOSIS COST AND TREATMENT

1. SCREENING COSTS

How much will your first consultation cost and what is included

Surgery/Procedure	Surgical Code	MOH benchmark
Consultation	NA	$150
Duplex Ultrasound Scan	SD713V	$300 (Basic) - $900 (Comprehensive)

2. INITIAL CONSULTATION & MEDICAL HISTORY

Our specialist will start by understanding your condition in detail. What they will ask:

Symptoms (aching, heaviness, swelling, cramps, itching)
Family history of varicose veins
Lifestyle factors (job, activity level)
Past treatments or surgeries

This helps determine severity and possible underlying causes

3. PHYSICAL EXAMINANTION

You’ll usually be examined while standing, as veins are more visible.

Our doctor will check:

Location and pattern of varicose veins
Complications
- Bleeding
- Clots
- Skin changes
- Infection

4. DUPLEX ULTRASOUND SCAN (KEY DIAGNOSTIC STEP)

This is the most important test. What it does:

Uses sound waves to visualize blood flow
Identifies faulty valves (venous reflux)
Maps affected veins for treatment planning

It’s non-invasive, painless, and done on the spot in the clinic.

TREATMENT

5. DIAGNOSIS & SEVERITY ASSESSMENT

Our specialist will review your ultrasound results:

Extent of vein dysfunction
Suitability for surgery
Risk of progression or complications

Treatment Costs

Surgery/Procedure	Surgical Code	MOH benchmark
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT®) - Single	SD713V	$4900-$7300
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) - Single	SD713V	$4900-$7300
Micro-phlebectomy (Bilateral)	SD808V	$2600-$4300
Sclerotherapy (Bilateral)	SD717V	$1900-$4300
Ligation/Avulsion (Single)	SD806V	$2000-$4500

SPIDER VEINS

Spider veins are unsightly red/blue or purple sunburst or web patterns made by small veins. They can appear on the face, arms or legs and are located just below the skin surface. Up to 40% of all females are affected by spider veins and some of these spider veins may be associated with varicose veins.

Causes

The cause of spider veins is unclear, for some patients it is familial whilst for others, it develops due to certain risk factors like occupation with prolonged standing, hormonal changes and pregnancy.

SYMPTOMS

Spider veins can be connected to deeper veins called reticular veins. It is important to treat these reticular veins as well in order to achieve good aesthetic results. Spider veins usually have no symptoms but some may grow larger, bleed or even cause itching.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT