Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the first consultation?
One of our specialists will assess your medical history and perform a clinical examination of your areas of concern. Clinical photographs of these areas of concern will also need to be obtained for your medical file.
However, clinical examination alone is insufficient, to accurately ‘map out the problem veins’ so patients will also require a duplex ultrasound scan on the legs.
Does the procedure hurt?
The amount of discomfort felt will vary with the individual. The needles used are extremely fine (similar to acupuncture needles) and many are hardly felt at all. The injected solution can sting slightly for short periods of time. If EVLA is used, then minimal discomfort is experienced as it is performed under local anesthetic.
How many treatments will I require?
Your treatment protocol, which includes the number of treatments required, will be determined at your first consultation.
Will vein treatment interfere with my work or home duties?
This is a walk-in, walk-out procedure. Most treatments take about 30 minutes to perform. Following treatment, your daily routine should not be disrupted, normal duties can be resumed.
Does vein treatment require a stay in hospital?
No hospital admission is necessary for our leg vein treatments. Sclerotherapy, ultrasound guided sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation, VenaSeal vein glue, etc – all these procedures are performed in clinic.
What are the costs of treatment?
The expected cost for treatment varies between individuals and will be provided in writing following your assessment. All payments are to be made on the day of review/treatment, either by medical aid (medical aid rates – and covered by most medical aids or by cash, eft/pos, credit card or cheque.
What is a Phlebologist?
A Phlebologist is a medical specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of venous origin.
What is the definition of phlebology?
It is a branch of medicine concerning with the veins.
Why do my legs swell?
The swelling can occur for many reasons. The venous system can cause the swelling if there is increased pressure in the veins, from the heart or lungs, or because the veins are not working, because of worn out valves that cause reflux of blood. The other causes of swelling may include liver disease, kidney disease, problems with water balance, or mechanical loss in the calf muscles.
What if the swelling is only in one leg?
If only one leg is affected, it may more likely be a problem with outflow or obstruction of the vein. You need to seek medical attention to exclude deep vein thrombosis or other important causes.
What causes the veins to not work well?
Veins may wear out because of an inherited (related to the family) or genetic (your own gene make up) problem. If you have a family history of varicose veins, it is not avoidable most of the time.
What can I do about my swelling?
Once your doctors determine the cause, they can provide therapy to help with this problem. If there is a problem with your heart, or other organs, your doctor will address those problems. In many cases, elevating the foot off the bed, to provide drainage of the leg at night, and using compression stocks, may help.
What is a varicose vein?
It is simply one branch with dilatations at the valves. There may be one branch or multiple branches. These veins have an exit and a re-entry point where the re-entry point is a main vena, perforator (connecting deep vein with superficial vein). Most of the problems occur at the valve. The underlying cause of all varicose veins is simply related to vein diameter. Any factor that increases the diameter of a vein (volume, pressure) will lead to valve dysfunction, and the resulting cascade of events leads to varicose vein disease.
Do hormones play a part?
No.
Is pregnancy a risk factor to develop varicose veins?
Pregnancy is a risk factor due to increased blood volume and secondary to venous distention.
What is statis dermatitis?
This refers to the pigmentation that occurs in the skin after long standing venous hypertension.
Do I need to bring anything to my first appointment with Vein Solutions?
In general, if you have laboratory studies, prior tests or x-rays, these may be helpful to the doctor, so do bring them. We suggest that you download and complete the Vein Screening Form on this website, and bring this to your appointment too. It is necessary to have a good history of both symptoms and any prior treatment. Any records which you can send in advance of the appointment, or bring along with you, may be helpful.
Do I need to fast or not eat before my appointment?
Fasting is not required for most venous imaging.
Will I need a surgery for my veins?
Most venous disease is not a major problem for the patient and does not require a surgery or procedure. Cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of the legs may be performed in asymptomatic patients, but these are not required procedures. Patients with bothersome or recurrent ulcers may benefit from a procedure or surgery.
What is radio frequency targeted endovenous therapy?
This procedure is a minimally invasive treatment option that uses radio frequency (RF) energy to effectively treat patients suffering from varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The doctor will insert the catheter into the diseased vein to provide consistent and uniform heat to contract the collagen in the vein walls, causing them to shrink and seal closed. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood will re-reroute itself to other healthy veins and in the current direction back to the heart.
How is the radio frequency procedure different from vein stripping?
During vein stripping, incisions are made in the groin and calf, and a tool is threaded through the diseased vein to pull it out of the leg. With the radio frequency procedure, only one small incision is made at the insertion site and the vein is then treated and left in place. This minimally invasive approach reduces the likelihood of pain and bruising.
How is the radio frequency procedure different from endovenous laser?
Although the radio frequency procedure and endovenous laser ablation are both minimally invasive procedures, a comparative, multi-centre study showed that the radio frequency procedure was associated with statistically significant lower rates of pain, bruising and complications. Patients undergoing the radio frequency procedure also reported improvements in quality of life measures up to four times faster than patients treated with endovenous laser ablation (the study was conducted with a 980nm laser).
How long does the radio frequency closure procedure take?
This procedure takes approximately 45-60 minutes, although patients may normally spend 2-3 hours at the medical facility due to normal pre- and post-treatment procedures.
Is the radio frequency procedure painful?
Most patients report feeling little, if any, pain during the procedure. Pain medication may be prescribed after the procedure.
Does the procedure require anaesthesia?
The procedure is usually performed under local or regional anaesthesia. It is generally performed in our offices or an outpatient surgical facility.
How quickly after treatment can I return to normal activities?
Patients treated with the procedure may resume normal activities more quickly that patients who undergo surgical vein stripping or endovenous laser ablation. With the Venefit™ procedure, the average patient typically resumes normal activities within a few days. For a few weeks following the treatment, we recommend a regular walking regime and suggest you refrain from very strenuous activities (eg heavy lifting) or prolonged periods of standing.
How soon after treatment will my symptoms improve?
Most patients report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms within 1-2 weeks following the procedure.
Is there any scarring, bruising or swelling after the procedure?
Patients report limited to no scarring, bruising or swelling following the procedure using the catheter.
What potential risks and complications are associated with the procedure?
As with all medical procedures, potential risks and complications exist, including vessel perforation (when the catheter punctures the vein wall), thrombosis, pulmonary embolism (when a blood clot travels to the lungs), phlebitis (inflammation of the vein), infection, nerve damage, arteriovenous fistula (an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein), hematoma (bruising), and skin burn. As with all medical procedures, consult with the doctor to understand the risks and benefits of the procedure.
Is the radio frequency procedure suitable for everyone?
On consultation, we will be able to tell you if the procedure is the right option for your vein problem. Experience has shown that many patients with varicose veins or CVI can be treated with this procedure.
Is age an important consideration for the procedure?
The most important step in determining whether or not the procedure is appropriate for you is a complete ultrasound examination in our rooms. Age alone is not a factor in determining whether or not the procedure is appropriate for you. The procedure has been used to treat both women and men across a wide range of ages.
Is the radio frequency procedure covered by my medical aid?
Almost all medical aids pay for the procedure in part or in full. Please discuss your coverage with your medical aid prior to seeking treatment.
How long will I need to take off from work for a thermal ablation?
1-2 days off is generally all that is needed. A majority of patients have minimal discomfort after the procedure and resume normal activities within a week.
I have had many spider vein treatments over the years and they keep coming back. Why does that happen?
There are many reason that this can occur. It may be that the source of the problem (reticular veins) was not treated.
This could also be due to your genetic makeup. Spider veins may also be due to hormonal changes. In our practice we see some patients that form veins very easily, no matter what treatment they have. Thankfully, most people just form a few new veins once in a while.
When can I travel after the procedure?
Between 3-7 days after the ablation procedure, the patient will be scanned, and should be free to fly on a journey no longer than 4 hours. For longer trips, we recommend at least a week. For a phlebectomy, you can fly the next day. For foam sclerotherapy, long trips should be avoided for a week, unless you can get up and move frequently. We recommend wearing compression stockings and do calf muscle pumps (moving your foot up and down) frequently.
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What our patients say
I had a blood clot and then a big vein developed – you could see it on my leg. Then this vein popped and it made a very big deep ulcer and it would not heal. I went from doctor to doctor, and they couldn’t help me. I would have lost my leg, but thanks to Dr van Wyk, my life has changed. Cornelia
After 36 years, then thirty procedures, I heard about Dr van Wyk from a supplier and had an appointment with him. I can say that my legs have all healed, and I can only rejoice and be thankful for the care I received from Dr van Wyk at #Vein Solutions! NO MORE PAIN! JOHAN
I am an 82 year old female patient with severe swelling of right leg, and venous ulcers. Duplex Dopplers show venous reflux. Radio frequency was done, as well as lymph drainage by a Sequential Circulator. The results from Dr. G Van Wyk was #Amazing! Linique