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Specialist Vein Care

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    Led by Consultant Vascular Surgeons with over 20 years of experience, our bespoke clinic offers varicose veins treatment to patients in Dunedin and the lower South Island. 

    We have the compassion, knowledge and expertise to provide you with the best treatment possible, in a relaxed caring and professional environment. This translates to less pain, less bruising and back to work sooner. 

    Our team comprises:

    • Mr Peter Laws, Vascular Surgeon 
    • Dr Ruth Benson, Vascular Surgeon
    • Sonographer
    • Registered Nurse
    • Lorain Ronald, Clinic Manager

    Find out more about the causes of varicose veins and their symptoms here

    Practitioners

    • Mr Peter Laws

      Mr Peter Laws

      Vascular Surgeon
    • Dr Ruth Benson

      Dr Ruth Benson

      Vascular Surgeon
    Procedures

    Varicose Veins

    These are bulging veins that lie just beneath the skin (superficial veins). They occur when the walls of a vein are weak or damaged or if the valves in the vein that normally stop the blood from flowing backwards are impaired, resulting in pooling of the blood and stretched veins. Besides being unattractive, varicose veins can be painful and cause inflammation or ulceration.

    The following different types of surgery are available if varicose veins require treatment:

    Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat varicose veins. It involves the use of heat generated by radiofrequency energy to close off faulty veins, primarily those in the legs. During the procedure, a thin catheter is inserted into the affected vein through a small incision. The catheter emits radiofrequency energy, which heats the vein walls, causing them to collapse and seal shut. This redirects blood flow to healthier veins, improving circulation. The treated vein is eventually absorbed by the body over time.

    Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) involves injecting a sclerosing agent, usually a liquid or foam, directly into the affected veins under ultrasound guidance. The sclerosing agent irritates the inner lining of the vein, causing it to collapse and eventually be reabsorbed by the body. Over time, the treated vein fades away, and blood is rerouted to healthier veins.

    Phlebectomy is particularly effective in removing bulging veins close to the skin’s surface. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, is well tolerated, and ensures the vein has been removed. It has a quick recovery time, with most patients able to return to normal activities within a few days.
    Studies have shown that when used in combination with other techniques it reduces the need for multiple follow-up injections, reducing staining, improving quality of life and reducing symptoms much quicker.

    VenaSeal is a modern, minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins that uses a medical adhesive to close off faulty veins. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into the affected vein through a small incision, and the adhesive is delivered precisely along the length of the vein using ultrasound guidance. The adhesive seals the vein shut, rerouting blood flow to healthier veins and improving overall circulation. Over time, the treated vein is absorbed by the body. Unlike other varicose vein treatments, VenaSeal does not require heat, sclerosants, or tumescent anaesthesia, reducing the risk of nerve injury and minimizing discomfort.

    Microsclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat small varicose veins and spider or thread veins, typically those close to the skin’s surface.
    During the procedure, a very fine needle is used to inject a sclerosing agent directly into the affected veins. This agent irritates the vein walls, causing them to collapse and eventually be absorbed by the body. As the treated veins disappear over time, blood flow is redirected to healthier veins, improving circulation and the appearance of the skin.

    Wearing compression stockings prevents reopening of the treated veins and ensures long-term success of the treatment. You will only be required to wear the stockings for 3-10 days as per the Specialist recommendation to get the best result.

    Charges

    Medical Insurance
    ‍We are a Southern Cross Affiliated Provider, NIB First Choice, and covered by all other insurance companies.  To ensure your journey with us is effortless we will submit a prior-approval request to your insurer on your behalf. If your procedure is approved by your insurer, we will invoice them directly. This means you don’t need to pay anything, unless your policy has an excess.  

    Self-Pay
    The cost of the treatment will be customised to the condition of your veins. We also offer a payment plan for the treatment.

    Accreditation

    We pride ourselves in excellence and are proud to be a certificated accredited clinic meeting the requirements of Standard NZS8165:2005 Day Surgery Procedures.

    How do I access this service?

    • Contact us

    Disability Assistance

    • Provision for wheelchair access