Perth's Leading Specialist in the Treatment of Varicose Veins
Dr Luke Matar | MBBS, FRANZCR, FACP
What Are Inflamed Veins?
Inflamed veins are always a symptom of an underlying vein problem. Inflammation in your veins and the surrounding skin is a consequence of venous reflux or venous insufficiency. At The Vein Clinic in Perth we commit to maintain the highest level of diagnostic accuracy possible. As a Radiologist, Dr Matar scans patients himself, to confirm sonographer findings and determine the best way to treat your veins. Other doctors relying on a sonographer’s diagram simply cannot offer this level of expertise and highly accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment.
Once the cause of your inflamed veins is determined, The Vein Clinic can help you choose the most suitable, minimally invasive treatment option from our wide range of vein treatments.
Causes of Inflamed Veins
Vein inflammation may be the indicator of an underlying problem called venous reflux. Venous reflux occurs when blood pools in your veins (in the legs) instead of flowing back upwards to the heart. The reflux happens when the valves in your veins are malfunctioning, not pushing all the blood upwards as they should. This condition is often the underlying cause of varicose or bulging veins.
If varicose veins and the underlying venous reflux are left untreated, other symptoms may occur. They can range from minor discomfort (heavy or itchy legs) to a more serious problem (inflamed veins) to venous thrombosis (blood clots).
If you notice abnormal swelling in your legs or arms, or twisted veins above the surface of your skin, you may also notice tiredness in the legs, or ulceration and skin discoloration or venous eczema.
Treatment of Inflamed Veins
With inflamed veins, the priority is to obtain a clear, accurate diagnosis. At The Vein Clinic, Dr Matar uses his extensive experience in radiology, and a thorough ultrasound assessment, to get a clear picture of your underlying vein problems. Only then can we make sure that you are given reliable and complete information about the deeper causes.
At The Vein Clinic we offer a wide range of vein treatments, and we have a particular expertise in ultrasound assessments and ultrasound-guided treatments.
Our Approach to Treatment
Stage 1
Treatment of large malfunctioning veins (trunk)
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLA) to great, small, and/or anterior accessory saphenous veins. 60 minutes
Stage 2
Treatment of large varicose veins (branches)
Phlebectomy removal of larger bulging varicose veins 90-120 minutescombined with
Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy (UGFS) on smaller veins. 30 minutes
Stage 2
Treatment of small varicose veins (branches) if required
Extra sessions of UGFS to close smaller veins if identified as required at post-treatment follow-up scan 30 minutes
You may not require this stage.
Stage 3
Optional treatment surface veins (leaves)
Usually done by Microsclerotherapy 30 minutes
Most patients require multiple treatment sessions to remove spider veins.
Stage 4
Follow up and maintenance to ensure best results
Our Minimally Invasive
Treatments
Meet Your Vein Specialist
Dr Luke Matar MBBS, FRANZCR, FACP
Dr Luke Matar is the only Australian doctor to have been personally trained by the inventor of laser perforator vein ablation, the world-renowned UK-based EVLA expert Professor Mark Whiteley. This advantage positions him as the clear choice for your laser treatment for varicose veins. Having suffered the discomfort experienced from venous insufficiency personally, Dr Matar is uniquely sympathetic to his patients. This has influenced his commitment to providing world-class non-surgical varicose vein treatments. For Dr Matar, it’s all about great results from minimal pain using leading technologies that minimise recovery time and post-treatment discomfort.
Meet Dr Luke MatarExperiencing Other Symptoms?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have varicose veins?
Most varicose vein issues are hereditary. If you have one parent with varicose veins your risk of having them is around 65%. If both parents are affected the risk rises to approximately 90%. Another main risk factor for women is pregnancy, with the risk increasing with each additional pregnancy. Standing occupations such as hairdressers, nurses, and chefs also have a high risk of varicose veins as gravity puts pressure on the veins and weakens them.
What is the downtime following treatment?
This depends on the type of procedure performed and the severity of the veins being treated. Modern treatment with laser can involve no time off work and approximately two weeks off heavy gym work and four weeks off international travel.
What are inflamed veins, and what causes them?
Inflamed veins, occur when a vein close to the skin’s surface becomes swollen and irritated. This condition can be triggered by a blood clot or irritation from an external source, like an intravenous (IV) catheter. Inflamed veins, particularly in the leg can also be a sign of a deeper issue known as venous reflux. This condition arises when the blood in the leg veins pools rather than returning efficiently to the heart.
How does venous reflux lead to inflamed veins in my legs?
In some cases, venous reflux can lead to inflamed veins, a condition known as phlebitis. The pooling of blood in your legs puts increased pressure on the walls of your veins. This can damage the veins and make them more susceptible to inflammation. In certain cases, venous reflux can also lead to blood clots in the veins, which can lead to further irritation.
Why is accurate diagnosis important for treating inflamed veins?
Accurate diagnosis is vital as it helps identify the specific cause of inflamed veins, whether it be venous reflux, blood clots, infection, or injury. Understanding the root cause allows for a customised treatment plan, such as lifestyle changes or medications, to effectively address the issue. Accurate diagnosis also helps prevent serious complications like pulmonary embolisms and improves overall quality of life by alleviating symptoms such as pain and swelling.
What symptoms might I experience in my legs if I have inflamed veins?
Common symptoms of inflamed veins include:
• Pain, tenderness, or swelling in the affected area
• Skin over the vein becoming warm and itchy.
• Changes in the colour and texture of the skin around the inflamed vein are possible, often appearing red, and it may become thick and hard.
What treatment options are available for inflamed veins at The Vein Clinic?
At The Vein Clinic, we provide an extensive range of vein treatment options, with specialised expertise in ultrasound evaluations and ultrasound-guided therapies. Reach out to Dr. Luke Matar at The Vein Clinic today to discover the best treatment approach for your needs.
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Please send us an email and we’ll be in contact very soon or alternatively, call us on (08) 9200 3450.
If you are unsure of what vein condition you may have, assess your legs with our online tool.
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