Veins
What are the main causes of varicose veins?
Varicose veins are genetic and run in families. There is a change in the ratio of collagen to elastin in a vein wall which weakens the wall and it dilates. Veins carry blood out of the leg and back to the heart against gravity. They therefore have valves within in them to prevent backflow of blood. When a vein dilates, these valves become incompetent and blood refluxes or ‘backflows’ into the leg. Less commonly, deep vein thrombosis may damage valves rendering them incompetent. Rarely veins are from congenital problems; where a patient is born without valves in the veins, or born with a vein malformation.
To what extent does one’s lifestyle play a role in the occurrence of varicose veins?
Varicose veins and symptoms may be aggravated by being overweight, smoking, standing professions and being sedentary.
Will varicose veins come back?
Varicose veins are not preventable or curable, however, they are maintainable. Veins can recur in some patients, although the rate of this varies. We counsel patients extensively on venous disease. Thus, if a patient has a procedure and starts to get any new symptoms or new veins, they come in early and we can usually treat them by a simple method, rather than waiting for the process to get to an advanced stage needing repeat surgery. Additionally, prior to any surgery proper vein mapping must be undertaken and all problem veins treated initially – this will reduce recurrence. With the above methods, veins are manageable.
Lymphoedema and Lymph Drainage
Can lymphoedema be treated?
Yes, lymphoedema can be managed conservatively with lymph drainage and compression and debulking liposuction can also be done to reduce bulk.
Can lymphoedema be cured?
No, we cannot cure lymphoedema but can manage it. Debulking surgery will get the limb to the same size as the contralateral limb and compression will maintain this. Pre-operative preparation is vital and involves intense treatment of decongestive therapy, lymph drainage, compression garment planning and lifestyle optimisation.
How is manual lymph drainage different from a massage?
MLD is a light, skin-stretching technique that’s helps to promote the movement of lymph fluid in a swollen limb. It is different from a massage in that it is focuses on the lymphatic system.
Intravenous Vitamins
What is the aim of OptiVein IV Therapy?
The aim behind the OptiVein IV’s are to ‘reset; your cells to an optimal functioning level. Thereafter one needs to focus on improving the gut microbiome – reducing medications, nutritional changes, reducing/eliminating alcohol and an overall lifestyle change to ensure you are eating and absorbing the correct food. It is a stepping stone to a healthier life. The IV’s are an aid to get you there.
What is the biggest benefit over oral supplements?
IV therapy works by infusing essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids directly into the body. Bypassing the digestive tract allows for 100% absorption of all nutrients, which makes them immediately available for cellular use. With increased use of medications, reduced nutrients in foodstuffs, and changes in the gut microbiome (such as alcohol intake), nutrient absorption and adequate delivery to the cell is often suboptimal, and the intravenous route bypasses this.
How often can I use IV therapy?
There is no evidence on frequency of IV’s, and it depends what you are having in the drip, but best to reassess every second or third month. During that period, we recommend you listen to your own body. Please see the aim of OptiVein IV therapy -the idea is it should be needed intermittently if you can change your lifestyle.

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