The unsightly appearance of varicose and spider veins can be overcome by a range of successful treatments.

Varicose veins - The cause of varicose veins is unknown but affects almost 50 percent of people over 50 years of age. These can be assessed by Dr Weaver with an ultrasound examination that will identify your problems. Our office-based, non-surgical treatment can treat the common symptoms of varicose veins such as aching, heaviness, itching and night cramps.

Spider veins (surface veins) - These are like varicose veins but smaller. They begin as tiny capillaries and appear as blue, red or purple squiggly veins most commonly seen on the legs on the surface of thighs, calves and ankles. Using microsclerotherapy most patients can expect a 75 percent or more improvement in the appearance of their legs.

Treatment options

Sclerotherapy - This procedure is used to treat abnormal veins and involves injecting a solution that irritate

s the lining of the vein so that it swells and sticks together. This form of treatment is a non-surgical procedure performed in Dr Weaver's office to completely remove spider and varicose veins.

VNUS Closure - This method treats the veins by heating them, causing them to contract and then close. This treatment is used for serious varicose vein conditions. It involves threading a very thin catheter up the varicose vein to the groin, which heats up due to radio waves and cauterises the vein from inside. The treatment is performed under local anaesthetic and is virtually painless. For more information visit www.vnus.com.

Laser and IPL - This form of vein therapy involves a lightbeam that is pulsed onto the veins in order to seal them off, causing them to dissolve. Successful light-based treatment requires adequate heating of the veins. Several treatments are usually needed for optimal results. Laser treatment is best used for treating abnormal blood vessels on the face.

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