Varicose Veins

Large Leg Veins

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are surface veins that have stretched to become large and tortuous. They are found under the skin in fatty layers on top of the muscles, and are only visible where they bulge out against the skin. Often there are long segments of veins that are not visible from the surface. Varicose veins are most common in the legs, but they can occur elsewhere in the body or deeper within the muscles of the legs.

Normal veins transport blood towards the heart and have many valves along their length to prevent backflow due to gravity. However, if the valves fail, the blood will flow back down the vein stretching it and exerting pressure on the surrounding tissues. Slowly, over years, usually the appearance and symptoms get worse. The symptoms experienced are NOT dependant on the size of a varicose vein.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Typical varicose vein symptoms include aches, pain, heaviness, cramps, itchiness and skin changes. Many of the symptoms from varicose veins will disappear when treatment is started. At Vein & Laser we can diagnose the problem for you so come and see us if you are unsure.

Varicose Vein Treatment

Varicose veins cannot be cured yet, only treated and managed. Even though veins may seem large and therefore important, the efficiency of other veins in the network will improve if faulty veins are removed or closed down.

An initial assessment taking 30 minutes with Dr Elisabeth De Felice is your first step. Before proceeding to treatment, your varicose veins will need an ultrasound mapping scan, which takes 30 mins per leg. This information will determine the most appropriate treatment for you.

Varicose Veins Treatment Cost

Vein Surgery Health Insurance
Please contact us for non surgical procedure costs. Our surgeon will provide you with a written Estimate of Costs for surgery at your consultation with him. Health insurers usually over costs of treatment where there is medical need.

For more information, visit our insurance page or contact us.

For more information, see our vein care frequently asked questions page.

Make an appointment by filling in our online form, or contact us on 09 410 0990 or email .