Keeping you in circulation
A/Prof David McClure
Lower limb vein disease is a common health problem that manifests in a spectrum of issues ranging from visible “spider” or blue surface veins to prominent varicose veins. This is what is apparent to the naked eye and is regarded by some as simply a cosmetic issue. The presence of these veins, however, almost always reflects an underlying problem with vein function in the leg; a disease process that can be responsible for the symptoms of high vein pressure, and the risk of vein disease complications. These symptoms include dragging leg pain (especially at the end of the day), leg swelling, itchiness in the overlying skin, vein tenderness. If high venous pressures are left untreated, chronic changes in leg health can lead to the complications of persistent leg oedema, venous eczema or dermatitis, venous bleeding, vein thrombosis (or blood clots) and leg ulceration.
In other words, prominent leg skin veins are almost always a reflection of poor vein health and should be treated as such. They are rarely just a cosmetic issue. Indeed, they are one of the most common surgical problems, and should be addressed for you by someone trained in vein surgery. So, who should you choose to take care of your leg veins?
The problems many patients have faced with treatment by “cosmetic surgeons”, who do not have the training, specialist recognition, or rigorous quality control of Royal Australasian College of Surgeons endorsed Plastic Surgeons, is well documented. The same concern exists about general practitioner phlebologists (vein doctors). They are not surgeons, and do not have a hospital appointment where their procedural complications can be managed. They are not specialists, as there is presently no training body in Australia for general practitioners to have study in vein treatment accredited by the Australian Medical Council as fulfilling the requirements for specialist recognition.
So, in the interest of full transparency, when you are seeing someone who is offering you leg vein treatment:
- Are you seeing a Surgeon?
- Are they a Specialist in the field of vein treatment as defined by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APRHA)?
Unless the answer is yes to both questions, please think carefully.
At Geelong Vascular Service you can be assured that I perform all leg vein procedures myself. I have been a consultant surgeon for over 27 years, and am a specialist in leg vein treatment. I introduced ambulatory laser ablation of varicose veins to Geelong in 2009 after training with one of America’s pioneers of the procedure in Scottsdale, Arizona. To date, my team and I have successfully ablated over 6500 lower limb veins by laser therapy. With us you are in good hands.
Abnormal leg veins are a genuine pathological problem. Their precise assessment and effective treatment will improve your leg health. For safety and success – see a Surgeon!
Keep safe…
With kind regards,
David