About Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are abnormally dilated, tortuous, bulging veins in your legs. They are often caused by failing valves (incompetent) in your veins, leading to back pressure, which results in the dilated veins you can see on your legs. Apart from looking ugly, Varicose veins can cause aches and discomfort when standing, or venous pain in women prior to their menstrual periods. Other symptoms include itching and eczema, ankle swelling, fluid retention, hot sensations, leg fatigue after work and standing long periods. More sinister symptoms include; severe bleeding from minor trauma, superficial ‘blood clots’ (superficial thrombophlebitis), venous ulcers and a brown indurated woody painful skin condition called Lipodermatosclerosis. Medical treatment includes leg elevation and wearing compression stockings which is often difficult in hot climates.

Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation

Previously, surgical treatments were known as “cutting and stripping veins” which often frightened patients into avoiding surgical treatment.

Dr Gett is vastly experienced in minimally invasive key hole surgery known as Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation of Varicose Veins. The procedure involves using advanced radio frequency waves to seal abnormal veins and valves which cause your varicose veins. It uses no synthetic glues or foreign elements to seal the vein, it is just your own natural vein wall’s response to radio frequency waves. This technique requires no stitches and you will experience minimal discomfort often only requiring an occasional Panadol or no medication at all. Returning to work or driving a car can occur the day after your discharged from hospital depending on your circumstances.

Dr Gett recommends that you ensure that you are seeing a registered specialist Vascular Surgeon for your treatment of varicose veins and spider veins. Beware as many ‘Vein Clinics’ are only GP practitioners, they are not registered vascular specialists with the Medical Board of Australia and thus you cannot access your private medical insurance for reimbursement. If you do not require a referral to see the practitioner then it is unlikely to be a specialist surgeon.

Dr Gett is a specialist Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon registered with the Medical Board of Australia and thus requires a referral from your GP to see him. Dr Gett sees both privately insured and uninsured varicose vein patients.

Injection Sclerotherapy

Not all varicose veins and spider veins require surgery. Injection Sclerotherapy is a technique where Dr Gett will inject your varicose veins or spider veins with medication, making the vein wall shrivel and shrink preventing visible blood flow through the vein. Initially the vein and surrounding area will look bruised and discoloured before eventually returning to normal, this usually occurs after a number of months. In a small number of patients the discolouration may not resolve and this is something Dr Gett will discuss with you more in your consultation. This procedure may allow the vein to fade from view over time.

Injection sclerotherapy is performed by Dr Gett and not by an assistant or nurse. The procedure is performed in the rooms, requires no anaesthetic and you can drive home or return to work immediately after the procedure.