Varicose Veins: Where to go for Treatment

There is a recent tendency to combine vein sclerotherapy/EVLT in a “specialist clinic” offering cosmetic treatments (Botox. IPL laser, liposuction). The clinic can then target a desirable demographic (professional, financially secure women) by selective advertising and “up-sell” procedures. This type of structure is not desirable as it leads to an excessive emphasis on proceeding to intervention with the procedures available at that clinic.

A reputable vein clinic should provide an expert opinion first (in writing) coupled with an ultrasound exam done by an experienced vascular ultrasonographer. The doctor should then clearly offer treatment suggestions indicating why i.e. “your veins do not require surgery because they are too small”/…because our clinic does not offer surgical consultations” etc… Information on procedures of value in a particular case may include referral to another clinic with more expertise in a particular treatment option, as it would in the normal course of a standard specialist medical consultation for any other condition. Information should be provided in writing and not include before-and-after pictures or patient testimonials. Financial consent is mandatory.

The only Australian Commonwealth Government recognised Specialist Qualification relevant to varicose vein treatment in Australia is “Vascular Surgeon”. “Phlebologist” if recognised as a Fellow of the Australian College of Phlebology ( emerging as an extension and improvement on the now obsolete Sclerotherapy Society of Australasia) is an emerging relevant and reliable non-surgical vein management qualification that is the only other appropriate qualification. The titles of cosmetic surgeon, cosmetic physician, cosmetic specialist (i.e. possibly a non medical person), vein specialist etc. have no fixed meanings or qualifications. Caveat emptor.