Varicose veins surgery Perth
Open Vein Surgery
Varicose veins surgery Perth
What is open varicose vein surgery?
For most people with varicose veins, minimally invasive treatments like endovenous laser ablation or glue therapy are the best option; they’re quick, effective, and don’t involve hospital stays. But there are still situations where open surgery is either preferred or necessary.
“While newer techniques are fantastic for most patients, open varicose vein surgery still plays an important role in specific cases. I’m glad I can offer all treatment types as a vascular surgeon, so we can choose what’s best for you; not just what’s commonly done.”
Vascular surgeon Perth
When is open surgery recommended?
I usually consider open surgery in these situations:
- When veins are too large or twisted for a catheter (like a laser fibre) to pass through safely.
- If the vein is very close to the skin, which may increase the risk of skin burns with laser.
- When previous endovenous treatment hasn’t worked or the veins have come back.
- If you prefer a procedure that’s covered by private health insurance. Unlike laser or glue treatments, open surgery is covered when performed in hospital under most Silver-tier (or above) insurance plans.
- When you have other medical conditions that make hospital care the safer option.
Differences between open surgery and minimally invasive treatments
| Open surgery | Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Anaesthetic | General anaesthetic | Local anaesthetic |
| Location | Hospital theatre | In-clinic procedure |
| Recovery time | Around 2 weeks | Back to normal within a few days |
| Insurance cover | Covered by private health funds | Not covered (Medicare rebate applies) |
| Scarring | Small scars from incisions | No stitches usually required |
| Best for | Large, twisted or recurrent veins | Most first-time varicose vein cases |
Yes — and this is a big reason why some patients choose open surgery. If you have Silver (or above) tier or higher hospital cover, open varicose vein surgery is generally fully covered.
I’m a no-gap provider with all health funds, so in most cases, there will be no out-of-pocket cost for my surgical fee if you’re privately insured.
If you’re not privately insured, open varicose vein surgery is still available through the public system if your varicose veins are considered medically complicated. Please note there may be a waiting period of around 3-12 months for public hospital treatment.
Learn about less invasive treatments like VenaSeal and Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) to see how they compare.
For a full overview of all available treatments, visit our Varicose Vein Treatment page.
Recovery varicose veins surgery
What to expect during recovery?
After open surgery, you’ll usually go home the same day. Most people need about two weeks to fully recover. You’ll be wearing compression stockings and avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity during this time.
You may feel some bruising and tenderness, and it’s normal to notice some numbness along the inner leg; this typically improves over time.
Like all surgeries, open vein surgery has some risks. These include:
- Infection (especially in the groin area)
- Nerve irritation or numbness (usually temporary)
- Deep vein thrombosis (rare)
- General anaesthetic risks
I’ll talk you through all of these before your procedure so you know what to expect and can make an informed decision
Varicose veins surgery Perth
Varicose veins surgery FAQs
We will confirm your medications, allergies and health history; some people need to adjust blood thinners or diabetes medicines. Arrange a lift home, wear loose clothing and bring your compression stockings if supplied. Please let us know about any new rashes, cuts or infections on the leg before surgery.
Small incisions are used to remove problem veins; these usually heal to fine lines over time. We give simple wound-care advice to support neat healing and discuss when to start moisturising or scar care at review.
You can usually drive when you are comfortable, mobile and not taking strong pain medicines; many people wait a few days. Office-based work often resumes within a week; heavier physical jobs may need longer. We tailor advice to your role at the post-op check.
Please call if you have fever, increasing redness, pus from a wound, severe calf pain or swelling, sudden shortness of breath, or bleeding that does not stop with pressure and elevation. We prefer early calls so we can help promptly.
Varicose vein surgery targets the main faulty veins. Small surface veins and spider veins may remain. These can often be treated later with sclerotherapy once healing is complete; we will discuss timing and expectations.
Ask your GP for a referral so Medicare rebates can apply. Our team can see you in Nedlands, Carine, Midland or Northam, arrange any ultrasound needed, and provide a clear written estimate before you decide on next steps.
Varicose Veins Perth
Contact Dr Altaf
Most of my patients can be treated using minimally invasive techniques like laser or glue. But if those aren’t suitable; or if you prefer a hospital-based procedure that’s covered by insurance; open surgery remains a safe, effective option. Get in touch today.