Reticular Vein Treatment in Melbourne
Reticular vein treatment Melbourne targets blue-green veins that sit just under the skin and often form a network across the thighs, behind the knees or on the calves. They frequently feed nearby spider veins, which is why we usually treat them first.
What are reticular veins?
Reticular veins are flat or slightly raised blue-green veins about 1 to 3 mm wide, lying just beneath the skin. They sit between spider veins and varicose veins in size and are sometimes called feeder veins, because they often supply the blood that keeps clusters of spider veins filled.
What causes reticular veins?
Reticular vein treatment Melbourne addresses veins that develop when the small valves inside these surface veins weaken and blood pools instead of flowing back towards the heart. A family tendency is the biggest factor, and hormones, pregnancy, standing occupations and age all add to it.
Do reticular veins cause symptoms?
Many reticular veins are noticed for their appearance alone, but they are more likely than spider veins to cause mild symptoms, especially after a long day standing or in warm weather. Persistent aching can also be a sign of an underlying varicose vein that needs assessing.
Most patients seek treatment for:
Visible blue-green lines or webs on the thighs, knees or calves that show through the skin.
A dull ache, tired legs, burning or itching over the vein, often worse by evening.
Spider veins that keep coming back after treatment usually have an untreated reticular feeder behind them.
How we treat reticular veins
Sclerotherapy is the treatment of choice for reticular veins. Because these veins are blue and sit below the skin surface, laser is less effective on them than it is on fine red spider veins. Which form of sclerotherapy suits you depends on how deep the vein runs and what is feeding it.
Surface Sclerotherapy
A fine needle injects a sclerosant into the vein, which closes and is gradually absorbed. Our first-line treatment for reticular veins that are visible and accessible at the surface. No anaesthetic needed.
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy
When a reticular vein is fed by a deeper vein you cannot see, ultrasound lets the doctor treat the source accurately. Prevents the surface veins refilling.
Combined with spider vein treatment
Once the reticular feeder has been closed, any remaining spider veins are treated with microsclerotherapy, surface laser or VEINGOGH radiofrequency at a later session.
Compare all six treatments or see fees and Medicare rebates.
Important: Treat the feeder first
Reticular veins are treated before spider veins, and any underlying varicose veins are treated before both. Closing the larger vein removes the pressure that keeps the smaller ones filled, so results last longer and fewer sessions are needed overall. Your ultrasound assessment tells us what is feeding what.
What results can you expect?
Treated reticular veins gradually fade over 6 to 12 weeks as the body absorbs the closed vein. Treated veins do not reopen, though new veins can appear over time if you are genetically predisposed.
Timeline after treatment
Mild bruising and some firmness along the treated vein are normal. Wear the compression stockings as advised and keep walking daily. Avoid hot baths, saunas and sun exposure.
The vein darkens before it fades. Trapped blood can sometimes be released at a review appointment to speed the process and reduce staining.
Most of the treated vein has faded. Any spider veins it was feeding are reassessed and treated if still visible.
Common questions about reticular vein treatment
Clear answers to help you feel informed and confident about your treatment options.
Are reticular veins the same as varicose veins?
No. Varicose veins are larger and bulge above the skin. Reticular veins are smaller, flatter and blue-green. They can, however, be fed by a varicose vein, which is why we scan before treating.
Why not just treat the spider veins I can see?
If a reticular feeder is left in place, the spider veins it supplies tend to refill and return. Treating the feeder first gives a longer lasting result and usually means fewer sessions overall.
Is sclerotherapy painful?
Most patients describe a brief sting as the sclerosant goes in, followed by mild cramping for a few minutes. No anaesthetic is needed and you walk out of the clinic afterwards.
Will I need to wear compression stockings?
Usually for one to two weeks after treatment. Compression keeps the closed vein flat, reduces bruising and lowers the chance of brown staining while the vein is absorbed.
Can laser treat reticular veins?
Surface laser works best on fine red veins. Reticular veins are bluer and deeper, so laser is generally less effective on them and sclerotherapy remains the treatment of choice.
Do I need a GP referral?
Not for a consultation. A referral is only needed if a detailed mapping scan is recommended and you wish to claim a Medicare rebate on it. Full costs are set out on our fees page.
Ready to treat your reticular veins?
Treating the feeder veins first is the most reliable way to clear surface veins and keep them clear. A consultation and ultrasound assessment shows exactly what is feeding what.
No GP referral needed for a consultation. Your privacy is our priority.
Not ready to book yet? Ask us first.
Send us a question about your veins, the treatments, or what a consultation involves. Your enquiry is confidential, and a member of our Melbourne team will reply within one business day.
Suite 14/45 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000