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Varicose Veins While Pregnant

Did you know that pregnancy can make women more susceptible to varicose veins? There are a number of factors that can trigger the development of varicose veins while pregnant. These include:

#1 increased blood volume

During pregnancy, the blood volume in your body increases as the pressure from the growing uterus increases. This can place an added strain on the body’s big vein, the inferior vena cava, which puts pressure on the veins in the legs. Returning blood to the heart from the legs is already difficult because of gravity, but as the womb begins to grow and expand it puts pressure on veins in your pelvic area, which can sometimes cause them to become varicose.

#2 hormones cause the vein wall to relax

During pregnancy, your body’s hormone levels will change. This increased hormone level also causes the muscular walls of the blood vessels to relax, which can increase your risk of developing varicose veins. The increase in progesterone can dilate the veins and cause the blood to pool, and this can cause dilated, sore, swollen, uncomfortable veins.

#3 pressure on the large abdominal veins

Supporting a baby puts a strain on your entire body. Not only can it stress your muscles, but it can also stress your veins. As the weight of the baby increases and the uterus enlarges this puts pressure on the abdominal veins which can often prevent the blood from properly flowing. This places pressure on all of the veins in the body.

When can I receive treatment?

For many women, the valve function in your veins will return to normal and the varicose veins should fade away after the birth of your child. However, for some, the varicose veins remain. Typically the veins that are still present six months after you have your baby will not go away.  Whilst your veins can’t be treated when you are pregnant or breastfeeding, we can successfully treat your veins in between pregnancies and can consult with you about treatment options beforehand.

What can I do to prevent varicose veins while pregnant?

Here at The Varicose Vein Clinic, we recommend wearing knee-high compression stockings whilst pregnant. This can provide symptomatic relief by providing stability for the veins and alleviating some discomfort.

Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

For those suffering from varicose veins during pregnancy, we recommend visiting our Brisbane or Gold Coast clinic for a consultation. We pride ourselves on providing a comfortable and trusting environment to ensure our pregnant patients are at ease when visiting.

Vein Myths Uncovered

Debunking common vein myths!

At the Varicose Vein Clinic in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast, we understand that many patients may be confused when it comes to the causes, symptoms and treatments associated with varicose veins. As such, we wish to clarify some of those myths and bring light to the truths about varicose veins.

Varicose veins are a cosmetic issue and don’t need to be treated: False

Venous reflux disease and other vein diseases are progressive conditions which when left untreated can become increasingly painful and lead to other more serious health risks. Varicose veins are caused by venous insufficiency, which means the blood does not flow back properly from the legs to the heart, causing blood to pool in your legs.

Though often thought of as a cosmetic issue, varicose veins can sometimes progress to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which can lead to  leg pain, swelling, restlessness, skin damage and ulcers. Varicose veins should be diagnosed and treated by a vein specialist to avoid progression to CVI.

Varicose Veins are hereditary: True

Varicose veins caused by venous reflux disease are linked to genetics. If your parents suffered from varicose veins, you are statistically more likely to have varicose veins yourself.

However, there are other causes of varicose veins such as:

• Age: Often the older you are the more common the condition, over time the valves in your veins may weaken and not work as well.

• Weight: Varicose veins can progress more quickly with obesity.

• Lack of movement: Sitting or standing for a long time may force your veins to work harder to pump blood to your heart.

• Hormones: During puberty, pregnancy, and menopause women often develop varicose veins. During pregnancy, there is a huge increase in the amount of blood in the body. This can cause veins to enlarge, and the growing uterus will put pressure on the veins. Varicose veins usually improve within 3 months after delivery. More varicose veins and spider veins often appear with each additional pregnancy.

• Sun exposure: This can cause spider veins on the cheeks or nose of a fair-skinned person.

Spider veins are the same thing as varicose veins: False

Spider veins are generally regarded as a cosmetic issue. Spider veins, like varicose veins, are caused by dysfunctional vein valves. However, spider veins appear as a nest of blue or red veins just under the surface of the skin and typically do not bulge above the skin’s surface like varicose veins.

Only women suffer from varicose veins: False

Men are at risk for experiencing varicose veins and CVI. In fact, 43 percent of men are expected to develop some form of venous disease by the time they reach their 60s.

Treatment of varicose veins is invasive and painful: False

Treatment of varicose veins has improved significantly even over the last decade. The Varicose Vein Clinic is a specialised centre for the assessment and treatment of varicose veins and can help you remove painful varicose veins through a variety of minimally invasive procedures that will have you back to your regular activities the same day.

Endovenous Laser Ablation (ELA) is just one of 3 innovative and minimally invasive treatments we offer here at the Varicose Vein clinic. ELA can achieve the maximum results with minimal discomfort, pain or bruising. Post-operative complications are rare and the success rate of treatment is almost 100%.

Varicose Vein Treatment Brisbane and Gold Coast

With minimally invasive treatment that takes under an hour, you don’t have to put treatment off any longer. Regain your health as well as your confidence and treat your varicose veins today.

Travelling and Vein Health

Did you know that while you are travelling you could be at a higher risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Many Australians believe Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is only a risk when travelling by plane – this is a myth! Developing DVT is just as much of a risk if you are travelling by car as well as by plane, and is most likely to occur by sitting for long periods of time (four or more hours). If you have already suffered from varicose veins, your risk of developing DVT is heightened significantly, as varicose veins are a symptom of a malfunctioning or weak venous system.

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Deep Vein Thrombosis is an occurrence of a blood clot within a deep vein, and is most common in the deeper veins of the lower leg. This condition can be severe, as they can spread to other veins and cause dysfunction or even life-threatening complications such as pulmonary embolism. Other complications can include post-thrombotic syndrome and limb ischaemia.

How do I know if I have Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Many DVT blood clots are so tiny they do not cause any damage or produce any symptoms, and your body is usually able to break down the clots without side-effects. However, larger blood clots can:

• Swell the affected leg or limb
• Cause pain and discomfort
• Change the colour of your skin
• Make your skin warm or hot to touch

If you are experiencing the above symptoms, it may be best you see a qualified GP to ensure your vein health.

How can I prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis?

There are several actions that can be done to proactively reduce the risk of developing DVT, which include:

• Wearing compression stockings for long travels: these allow even blood flow and heighten circulation for a decreased risk of vein malfunction. Compression stockings are available from The Varicose Vein Clinic.
• Taking regular ‘walk breaks’ whilst travelling, and when you do stop (recommended every four hours) get out of the car and have a walk around.
• If you have varicose veins, it is important to have an ultrasound examination prior to travel and if necessary, have them treated. Varicose veins heighten the risk of DVT.

We can help you combat your varicose veins!

At The Varicose Vein Clinic, we are dedicated to helping you achieve functioning veins and beautifully smooth legs. If you suffer from varicose veins, it is vitally important to get them checked or treated prior to travelling for extended periods of time.

We are able to utilise ultrasound technology in order to assess your varicose veins in much greater depth, and use an array of different treatments to help eliminate your varicose veins, depending on their severity or complexity:

• Endovenous Laser Ablation (ELA)
• Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS)
• Sclerotherapy

Ensure your health before you take that holiday by booking a consultation at our Brisbane or Gold Coast clinic for a full consultation and assessment – it is simple, but could save you from developing Deep Vein Thrombosis!

To discover more about Deep Vein Thrombosis, the compression stockings we sell or to book a consultation at our Brisbane or Gold Coast clinic, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Treat Recurring Varicose Veins after Surgery

Can varicose veins come back after surgery? Discover how to treat recurring varicose veins after surgery with the Varicose Vein Clinic located on the Gold Coast and in Greenslopes.

Did you know that vein surgery has a recurrence rate of around 40-60 percent? At the Varicose Vein Clinic in Robina and Brisbane we have found that vein surgery (also known as ligation or vein stripping) won’t always stop the occurrence of varicose veins permanently. Around half of the patients who undergo vein removal surgery will see more varicose veins later on in life. It is because of this that a large portion of the varicose vein patients that we treat have come to us after vein removal surgery.

Why do varicose veins come back after surgery?

Compare the vein stripping surgical technique to the likeness of pruning a tree. Removing the main vein and several of the connected veins helps the appearance of the area in the short term after healing. But evidence has shown that patients have noticed a recurrence of varicose veins in that same treatment area. These new veins tend to come back in numbers and are often difficult to conduct further surgery on due to their odd shapes and sizes.

So what can I do about my new varicose veins if surgery isn’t an option?

Over time, science and technology has surfaced less invasive techniques for clearing away varicose veins. Where surgery requires general anaesthetic, hospital admission and often prolonged painful recovery periods, this new less invasive option can be carried out in less than 1 and a half hours plus compressions stockings.

Get rid of varicose veins without surgery

At the Varicose Vein Clinic you can treat your recurring varicose veins with ultrasound guided sclerotherapy (UGS).

Non-surgical treatment for varicose veins with ultrasound guided sclerotherapy (UGS)

Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy uses ultrasound to single out the varicose veins. The ultrasound technology will guide our technician to ensure your treatment is administered with precision and care.

Once the varicose veins have been distinguished, a sclerosing solution is injected into the veins. The sclerosing solution is effective because it causes the walls of the veins to stick together and seal. Once this has occurred the vein will become just a string of scar tissue and harmlessly dissolve into the body. This treatment is administered through injection so no surgery or general anaesthetic is necessary however pain relief options are available.

Varicose veins Brisbane & the Gold Coast

I you have found that varicose veins are still affecting you after surgery, contact our team at the Varicose Vein Clinic today. We have clinics on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane with locations in Robina and Greenslopes.

Decide today is the day. Decide to walk proud.

Treat Recurring Varicose Veins after Surgery

For more information regarding costs and treatment options, book a consultation with our team on 1300 LEG VEINS now – winter appointments are filling up fast.

The ideal time to treat varicose veins

The Varicose Veins Clinic in Brisbane is at the forefront of varicose vein removal.  Our dedicated professionals often find the cooler months are the most ideal time to remove varicose veins for a number of different reasons.

1.       In winter you are able to hide the signs of your treatment

Winter is an ideal time to have varicose veins removed as you can hide the signs of your treatment as you are rugged up in jeans, tights or maxis.

After varicose vein treatment you will be fitted with thigh high/open toed compression stockings. The class two compression stockings will need to be worn for between 5 to 14 days. There are a number of different reasons why it is important to wear compression stockings, including:

• Wearing compression stockings will further reduce the already low risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Compression following your vein treatment assists in the healing process
• Compression stockings will reduce the degree of bruising, inflammation, swelling and trapped blood

As compression stockings are such an important part of your treatment, it is crucial they are worn for the prescribed amount of time. Fortunately in winter compression stockings are easy to conceal and can even act as another layer to keep you warm this winter.

2.       You can heal faster without the heat

Hot weather can place an added strain on your veins. If your circulation is already weakened by varicose veins, or if your circulatory system is disposed to vein complications, then it will be important to minimise your exposure to heat. Fortunately the cold weather gives you an opportunity to have your varicose veins removed and then gives you time to heal without the added pressure of warm weather on your veins.

3.       Prepare yourself for summer

Here in Brisbane we have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world just a relatively short drive away. Many people enjoy visiting the beach during summer, or at least swapping your track pants for shorts or a skirt. If the appearance of varicose veins is holding you back from wearing summer clothes or hitting the beach, our medical professionals can help.

At The Varicose Vein Clinic in Brisbane we provide a number of different ways to treat and remove varicose veins to suit your specific condition. The results of your treatment and recovery in winter will be ready to show off in summer, which means by the time you’re ready to ditch the warm clothes your legs will be too.

Why should you have varicose veins removed?

Varicose veins can potentially lead to a number of more serious health concerns, let alone progressing to a more significant aesthetic concern. While you may be concerned by the appearance of varicose veins, they can cause a number of health concerns.

There are deeper issues that can stem from the inflammation of varicose veins, including:

• Venous leg ulcers
• Deep Vein Thrombosis
• Spider veins
• Poor circulation

These concerns, and a number of others that can be caused by varicose veins, can be painful and extremely difficult to heal.

Another very concerning effect of untreated varicose veins is how vulnerable the skin protecting the vein can become. This vulnerability can ultimately result in the vein rupturing due to pressure from an exterior force which can result in significant blood loss. While this can be virtually pain free, it can wreak havoc on your health.

Comprehensive care with The Varicose Vein Clinic in Brisbane

At The Varicose Vein Clinic in Brisbane we offer a range of innovative, effective and safe treatments for the removal of varicose veins. We use advanced technology such as Endovenous Laser Ablation (ELA) and Sclerotherapy. These effective and time efficient treatments can produce optimal results, with little to minimal bruising and discomfort, and all before summer!

To learn more about how we can help you remove varicose veins, or to make an appointment at our Brisbane treatment centre, call us today on 1300 534 834 or 1300 LEG VEINS.

3 reasons why you can be more susceptible to varicose veins when you’re pregnant

Pregnant ladies, did you know that pregnancy can make women more susceptible to varicose veins…

During pregnancy your body changes, this is inevitable. Because of these changes your body can become more susceptible to varicose veins due to the increase pressure on your veins. Here at The Varicose Vein Clinic in Brisbane we are happy to consult with pregnant women who are concerned about varicose veins. While varicose veins commonly form in the legs, they can show up in a number of different areas during pregnancy. If you are newly pregnant and haven’t yet developed any varicose veins but are concerned about their occurrence we recommend visiting our Brisbane practice for a consultation.

There are a number of factors that can trigger the development of varicose veins in pregnant women, these include:

#1 increased blood volume     

During pregnancy the blood volume in your body increases as the pressure from the growing uterus increases. This can place an added strain on the body’s big vein, the inferior vena cava, which puts pressure on the veins in the legs. Returning blood to the heart from the legs is already difficult because of gravity, but as the womb (uterus) begins to grow and expand it puts pressure on veins in your pelvic area, which can sometimes cause them to become varicose.

#2 hormones cause the vein wall to relax

During pregnancy your body’s hormone levels will change, this increased hormone levels during pregnancy also cause the muscular walls of the blood vessels to relax, which an increase your risk of developing varicose veins. The increase in progesterone can dilate the veins and cause the blood to pool, and this can cause dilated, sore, swollen, uncomfortable veins.

#3 pressure on the large abdominal veins

Supporting a baby puts strain on your entire body, not only can it stress your muscles out, but it can also stress your veins out. As the weight of the baby increases and the uterus enlarges this puts pressure on the abdominal veins which can often prevent the blood from properly flowing. This places pressure on all of the veins in the body.

When can I receive treatment?

For many women, the valve function in your veins will return to normal and the varicose veins should fade away after the birth of your child. However, for some, the valve function does not return to normal and the varicose veins remain. Typically the veins that are still present six months after you have your baby will not go away.  Whilst your veins can’t be treated when you are pregnant or breastfeeding- we can successfully treat your veins in between pregnancies and can consult with you about treatment options beforehand.

What can I do to prevent varicose veins while I’m pregnant?

Here at The Varicose Vein Clinic we recommend wearing knee high compression stockings whilst pregnant which can provide symptomatic relief. These can provide stability for the veins and alleviate some of the discomfort.

For those women suffering from varicose veins during pregnancy we recommend visiting our Brisbane clinic for a consultation so that we can discuss potential treatment options for you. We pride ourselves on providing a comfortable and trusting environment to ensure our pregnant patients are at ease when visiting.

Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

To learn more about how we can help you remove varicose veins and help you prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis, or to make an appointment at our Brisbane treatment centre, call us today on 1300 534 834 or 1300 LEG VEINS.