26 May 2026
Knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident when seeking care for varicose veins. Modern approaches are minimally invasive, comfortable and efficient, and are commonly completed as a “walk in, walk out” procedure under local anaesthetic.
Here’s what to expect from your vein assessment and treatment journey.
Your journey starts with a detailed consultation to understand your symptoms, medical history and how your veins are affecting your daily life. This is also a chance to ask questions, talk through any concerns and discuss the next steps.
Some people begin with a free vein assessment. This is a short initial assessment with a member of our veins team to help determine whether further investigation, such as ultrasound mapping, is needed.
Ultrasound mapping is an important part of assessing varicose veins. Symptoms are often caused by faulty valves beneath the surface of the skin, even when the veins are not always obvious from the outside.
During the ultrasound, the clinician can see how blood is flowing through the veins and identify where reflux (backward blood flow) may be occurring. This helps build a clearer picture of the underlying issue and supports a treatment plan based on your individual needs.
Your recommended treatment pathway will depend on the results of your assessment and ultrasound scan. Not everyone requires the same approach, which is why accurate diagnosis is such an important first step.
Your clinician will explain the findings, talk you through the available options and outline what is most appropriate for your situation.
Aftercare is an important part of achieving a good long term result. This typically includes follow up appointments, monitoring and personalised advice to support your recovery.
Compression stockings are usually recommended day and night for the first week, then during the day for an additional one to two weeks depending on your treatment. Many people are able to return to light activity quickly, often within a day or two, but your clinician will guide you on what is suitable for you and what to expect after treatment.
Varicose vein care starts with understanding the cause of the problem. With the help of ultrasound mapping and a tailored treatment plan, care can be based on what is happening beneath the surface, not just what can be seen on the skin.
If you’d like to speak with one of our veins experts, you can, book a vein assessment at any of our clinics throughout New Zealand:
Silverdale | Albany | NorthWest | Remuera | Wellington | Richmond | Queenstown | Dunedin
