VenaSeal (Endovenous Medical Glue) in Melbourne
A medical adhesive is placed inside the faulty vein to seal it closed. No heat, no injections along the length of the leg, and usually no compression stockings afterwards.
What is endovenous medical glue?
Endovenous medical glue uses a medical grade adhesive to close a faulty vein from the inside. A thin catheter is placed into the vein under ultrasound guidance, and small amounts of the adhesive are delivered along its length. The vein walls are pressed together and seal immediately.
You may also see this treatment called glue vein treatment, cyanoacrylate closure, or by the brand name VenaSeal. It is the newest of the endovenous treatments and the only one that uses no heat, which is what removes the need for anaesthetic injections along the leg and, for most patients, the compression stockings afterwards.
How medical glue treatment works
The Procedure
Your doctor numbs a single entry point and places a fine catheter into the faulty vein under ultrasound guidance. Small measured amounts of adhesive are delivered as the catheter is withdrawn, and gentle pressure is applied over each segment to hold the vein walls together while they seal.
Because no heat is used, there is no need for the ring of anaesthetic injections along the leg that heat-based treatments require. The session usually takes 45 to 60 minutes and you walk out afterwards.
What to Expect
- Local anaesthetic at one small entry point only
- No heat, so no anaesthetic injections along the leg
- Vein closure confirmed on ultrasound before you leave
- Usually no compression stockings afterwards
Key Benefits
No Heat Used
Nothing is heated inside the leg, so there is no risk of heat injury to nearby nerves or skin.
One Small Injection
Only the entry point needs numbing, rather than a series of injections along the length of the vein.
Usually No Stockings
Most patients do not need compression stockings afterwards, which many find far more comfortable in summer.
Immediate Closure
The vein is sealed as the catheter is withdrawn and closure is confirmed before you leave.
Suits Difficult Veins
A useful option where heat-based treatment is less suitable, or where a patient cannot tolerate stockings.
Minimal Downtime
Most patients return to normal activities the next day. No incisions and no hospital admission.
Recovery & Aftercare
Post-Treatment Guidelines
Week 1:
- Walk for 20 minutes on the day of treatment
- Return to normal walking and daily activity
- Avoid strenuous exercise for a few days
- Mild tenderness over the vein is normal
Weeks 2-4:
- Resume all normal exercise
- Any firmness along the vein softens
- Follow-up ultrasound confirms closure
- Full results visible within 4-6 weeks
What to Expect After Treatment
The vein is sealed during the procedure and closure is confirmed before you leave. From there the vein is gradually absorbed and your legs settle over the following weeks.
final result
most veins
afterwards
Closure confirmed
Treatment is complete and closure is confirmed on ultrasound before you leave. Most patients walk out without a compression stocking and return to normal activity the next day.
Visible improvement
Any tenderness or firmness along the treated vein settles and the vein fades noticeably. A follow-up ultrasound confirms the closure has held.
Final result
The treated vein is absorbed by the body. Leg comfort and circulation have improved. Closure of a treated vein is lasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is medical glue the same as VenaSeal?
VenaSeal is the best known brand name for endovenous medical glue. The treatment is also described as cyanoacrylate closure or glue vein treatment. They all refer to the same approach: sealing the vein with a medical adhesive rather than heat.
Is the procedure painful?
Most patients find it more comfortable than heat-based treatments, because only the entry point needs numbing. You may feel mild pressure as the adhesive is delivered.
How long does treatment take?
Usually 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the length of vein being treated and how many veins are involved.
Can I return to work?
Yes. Most patients return to work the next day and to full exercise within a few days. There are no incisions to heal.
Will I need compression stockings?
Usually not. This is one of the main reasons patients choose medical glue over heat-based treatments. Your doctor will confirm at your consultation whether stockings are needed in your case.
Are there risks?
Serious complications are uncommon. Some patients develop temporary tenderness or a mild inflammatory reaction along the treated vein, which settles with simple measures. Your doctor will go through the risks with you.
Ready to ask about medical glue?
Medical glue is not right for every vein, and a consultation with ultrasound is the only way to know whether it suits yours. Book an assessment to find out.
Other Treatment Options
Not sure which treatment suits you? Just ask.
Tell us what you can see on your legs and what is bothering you. A member of our Melbourne team will reply within one business day, or point you to the right consultation. Your enquiry is confidential.
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