Varicose Veins
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted superficial veins caused by malfunctioning valves that lead to backflow and increased pressure. While often considered a cosmetic issue, untreated varicose veins can cause serious health problems, including skin breakdown, stasis dermatitis, deep vein thrombosis, venous edema, venous eczema, and even venous ulceration.
Venous disease can manifest in varying degrees of severity. Mild cases often appear as spider veins, while advanced cases can lead to swelling, skin discoloration, and even venous ulceration—where skin breakdown occurs due to increased vein pressure.
If you have varicose veins, it’s important to seek medical advice for treatment to prevent these more severe outcomes.
What are the treatment options for varicose veins?
Treatment options for varicose veins depend on the severity and range from lifestyle changes to minimally invasive procedures. Treatment plans will be customised to meet each individual’s needs.
In order to adequately assess what options are appropriate and to define your individual venous disease, a good quality venous incompetence ultrasound study will be necessary. This can be ordered by your GP prior to seeing Dr O’Donnell as this will save you time.
See this video animation example of radiofrequency ablation technique
Sclerotherapy: this involves injecting a solution to close the affected veins
Phlebectomy: removing superficial bulging veins through multiple tiny skin incisions
Venaseal: closing off vein with medical ‘glue’ delivered via specific catheter/device
Radiofrequency ablation/ClosureFast: minimally invasive, no groin incision. This method uses heat therapy to close off the incompetent main veins.
Open surgical varicose veins repair: reserved for patients not anatomically suitable for minimally invasive techniques.
Access quality minimally invasive endovascular & open vascular surgical care on the Sunshine Coast.
What to expect when visiting Dr Jill O’Donnell for varicose veins
Consultation
Visit one of our Sunshine Coast clinics to discuss your concerns and understand what your history includes. We will discuss your options with you before beginning your course of treatment.
Treatment
If a surgical treatment option is agreed upon, you will be admitted to hospital for your procedure. Typically, these procedures only take a few hours, allowing you to return home the same day.
Recovery
Depending on each case, a tailored recovery plan will be provided to you to ensure that you are back on your feet in no time!
Why choose Dr Jill O’Donnell for varicose vein Or Spider Vein treatment
She provides vascular surgical care tailored to your specific condition
Dr O’Donnell has over 10 years of experience, specialising in minimally invasive endovascular & open vascular surgical care.
Communication is important, so you are involved every step of the way
You can choose from a variety of clinics across the Sunshine Coast