Vein Doctors Sydney

Vein Specialists for the Northern Beaches and North Shore

Varicose vein treatment

Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy

Foam sclerotherapy closes varicose veins with a medicine mixed into a foam, injected through a very fine needle and guided by ultrasound. It is used for smaller varicose veins, veins that come back after earlier treatment, and veins near a leg ulcer.

Done in our roomsNo cuts and no anaesthetic neededWalk out straight after

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Manly St Leonards

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Not for urgent medical concerns. In an emergency, call 000.

How it works

How foam sclerotherapy works

The medicine (a sclerosant) is mixed with air into a fine foam, which pushes the blood aside and irritates the lining of the vein so it closes. Ultrasound shows exactly where the foam goes, including veins you cannot see on the skin.

Over the following weeks the closed vein is absorbed by the body and fades. Some veins need more than one session.

Dr Ryan McConnell preparing foam for sclerotherapy with two syringes
01
Mapping
Your veins are mapped with ultrasound to find the ones to treat.
02
Injections
The foam is injected through a very fine needle while Dr McConnell watches it on ultrasound.
03
Afterwards
A compression stocking goes on and you walk out. Most people get back to normal activities the same or next day.
When it is used

When foam sclerotherapy is the right choice

For the main faulty vein, closing it with radiofrequency ablation usually works better and lasts longer. Foam is the right tool for the veins below.

Smaller varicose veins
Tributary veins that do not need ablation can be treated with foam on its own.
Veins that come back
Recurrent varicose veins after earlier surgery or ablation are often best treated with foam.
Veins near a leg ulcer
Closing the veins feeding an ulcer helps it heal and lowers the chance of it coming back. About venous ulcers
Alongside ablation
After the main vein is closed with radiofrequency, laser or glue, foam treats the remaining surface veins.
Cost

What it costs

As the main treatment
$600
Per leg, per treatment. Medicare pays a rebate if the clinical criteria are met.
Alongside or after ablation
Bulk billed
When foam treats the surface veins as part of radiofrequency, laser or glue treatment, or as follow-up.

See all fees

Dr Ryan McConnell, interventional radiologist
Your doctor

Dr Ryan McConnell

BMBS, FRANZCR · Interventional radiologist

Dr McConnell is an interventional radiologist and vein specialist, and performs every treatment himself. Interventional radiologists treat conditions through a needle, guided by imaging, every day. About varicose vein treatment

More about Dr McConnell

Questions

Common questions

It depends on the size and number of veins. Some need one session, others need two or three. Dr McConnell will give you an idea at your consultation.

The needle is very fine and most people find it only mildly uncomfortable. Some bruising, lumpiness or brown marks along the treated veins are common and fade over weeks to months.

When foam is the main treatment, it is $600 per leg per treatment, and Medicare pays a rebate if the clinical criteria are met. When it is done alongside ablation, or as follow-up after it, it is bulk billed. See all fees

It is a similar idea, but spider vein sclerotherapy treats tiny veins in the skin with a liquid. Foam is used for larger varicose veins and is guided by ultrasound. About spider vein treatment

You can book before you have one, but please get a referral from your GP before your appointment. It means Dr McConnell can keep your GP updated, and you can claim the Medicare rebate on your consultation.

Find out which treatment suits you

Your consultation includes an ultrasound and a written plan and quote, in Manly or St Leonards.

Request an appointment
(02) 9023 9970

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Information on this website is general and isn't a substitute for advice about your own health. For other interventional radiology procedures, visit drryanmcconnell.com.au.

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