What is Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS)?
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) combines the precision of ultrasound with the proven effectiveness of sclerotherapy.
By watching the needle and vein on the ultrasound screen, our doctors can accurately treat deeper or larger veins that cannot be seen from the surface.
The sclerosant causes the vein to collapse and close, with blood naturally rerouting through healthy veins. The veins dissolve and disappear over three to six months as the body absorbs them.
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) Further information
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) is particularly effective for recurrent varicose veins. We have achieved good results with closure rates close to 90% at one year.
- It is a technique for chemically destroying varicose veins
- A “walk in, walk out” procedure and you can return to work the same day if you wish
- No anaesthesia required
- Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy is used at Skin Institute for the treatment of recurrent and smaller veins, we do not recommend this treatment for larger veins suitable for EVA.
- Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy has been used in the treatment of varicose veins for over 150 years, there are even reports of sclerotherapy in old Roman manuscripts
- Foam sclerotherapy is a technique that involves injecting foamed sclerosant drugs
- Foamed sclerosant is more effective than liquid sclerosant for larger veins
- The sclerosant drugs (Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate or Polidocanol) are mixed with air in a syringe then injected in the vein.
With the help of duplex ultrasound scanning (which looks at the blood flow within the veins), we can accurately identify the affected veins that need to be treated. Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) is a trusted, non-surgical solution for varicose veins, eliminating the appearance and discomfort of affected veins and returning healthy blood flow to your legs.
Benefits & Results
- Accurate treatment of deeper veins.
- Symptom relief and cosmetic improvement.
- No general anaesthetic or hospital stay required.
What to expect
During:
With the absolute precision afforded by ultrasound guidance, the identified vein is accurately injected, while carefully observing the entire process on the ultrasound monitor. Once injected, the treated blood vessel will be damaged, collapse and be gradually and naturally absorbed back into the body.
- A number of injections with a very fine needle along the length of the vein, guided by ultrasound, will achieve complete closure and provide you with the results you’re looking for.
- The procedure normally takes about 30-60 minutes and does not require any anaesthetic
After:
- You will need to wear compression stockings day and night for the first week, and then during the day for another one to two weeks, depending on how extensive your varicose veins were.
- We recommend a 30 to 60 minute walk every day for the first four weeks, and you should avoid strenuous exercise for two to three weeks after treatment.
- Though you might be wanting to show off your legs right away, avoid direct sun or sun bed exposure on areas showing bruising or pigmentation. We can help you identify these areas if they come up.
- We recommend you don’t engage in air travel for two to four weeks afterwards, to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
- Follow up treatments are usually scheduled for three months, six months and 12 months as required.
Cost
Step 1: Consultation
From $260*
Step 2: Ultrasound Mapping
One leg $595
Both legs $1,175
Step 3: Treatment**
One leg $2,085
Both legs $4,650
Step 4: Follow up appointments***
$630 each
Pricing effective from 1 Nov 2022 and subject to change at any time.
*Consultation fee varies by provider – GP Phlebologist or Veins Specialist
**Compression stocking fees are additional
***Minimum two follow-up appointments required
