What exactly is a Varicose Vein?  They are prominent, enlarged veins. They are often discoloured and very visible to the naked eye.   A spider vein is often a small thin blood vessel, that is red, blue, black or purple and may have the appearance of a spiderweb.  Often spider veins accompany varicose veins. 

What are Veins?  They are blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart. They are one-way valves in the veins that stop blood falling back to your feet when you stand up. 

What causes varicose veins?  Varicose veins are caused when the valves in your legs fail.  If this happens the blood pools in your legs, which gives symptoms of discomfort, aching, swelling, skin changes or more serious skin damage (ulcers).  Any vein can become varicose, but the most commonly affected are veins in your legs and feet. 

Can they improve if left untreated?  No.  Varicose veins left untreated will not improve but rather slowly worsen over time.

Top 10 signs and symptoms

  1. spider veins
  2. blue, purple or black in colour
  3. aching
  4. swelling
  5. heavy tired legs
  6. itchiness
  7. cramping
  8. skin discolouration
  9. skin ulcers
  10. clots

Why would I see an SVH specialist for my spider and varicose veins?  Both Dr Lupe Taumeopeau and Mr. JK Wicks are very approachable with a ‘no problem is to small’ attitude.   Between them they have 20 years of experience in medicine and vascular conditions.  Both offer modern techniques to treat vein abnormalities, like varicose veins. Our two surgeons will develop a treatment plan that bests suits your condition and lifestyle. 

For all varicose and spider vein treatments – our prices are very competitive.  

Is getting treatment difficult?  No.  You can either go to your GP and ask them to refer you to SVH or refer yourself directly by emailing or calling  0800 834 643.

We have a simple three step process we refer to as our Patient Pathway. We like to make things nice and easy for you, just like our treatment plans.

  1. Consultation
  2. Diagnosis
  3. Treatment

What is the treatment for varicose veins?

We offer a number of treatment alternatives to traditional invasive surgical vein stripping.

With the ablative vein procedure, there is no need for bed rest, inactivity, hospital admission or general anaesthetic. Small incisions are made meaning there are no or minimal scars. It is also considered to have a lower recurrence rate compared with surgical stripping.  One of our SVH surgeon’s will develop a treatment plan following your initial consultation and diagnosis. 

Ablative treatments options:

  1. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
  2. VenaSeal

Non-ablative treatment options:

  1. UGS (ultrasound guided sclerotherapy)
  2. Specialist Aesthetic Laser – Excel V (for spider veins only)

RFA uses an electrical current and heat to close the vein.  VenaSeal is a newer technique which uses a medical adhesive to close the varicosity. 

Ultrasound Guided foam Sclerotherapy (UGS) is used to treat smaller varicose veins by injecting sclerosant foam, guided by ultrasound, directly into the veins. 

Specialist Aesthetic Laser treatment – we offer a  ‘no needle or compression stockings’ treatment for  spider veins. This is done by one of our registered nurses.  You can book to see a registered nurse for a Free consultation today. 

After RFA, VenaSeal or UGS procedures we recommend you wear knee or thigh length compression socks (or stockings).

Where do you do the vein treatments?  Our surgeons offer varicose vein treatments in Wellington, Palmerston North and Nelson. Specialist Aesthetic Laser spider vein treatments, with our Excel V laser is done at our Willis Street clinic only. 

If you are wondering about your veins, make that appointment with Specialist Vein Health today and put your mind at rest. We use the most advanced treatments available which means a day procedure, minimal time off work post procedure, little or no scarring and minimal pain.  Contact us today.