Varicose veins can be treated without surgery.
Veins in your legs work against gravity to return blood to the heart, so it is helped along by tiny valves that stop the blood going backwards. These one-way valves can weaken, causing blood to pool, which leads to bulbous, protruding veins. The discomfort of varicose veins is often described as fatigue, heaviness, itching or even cramps.
Historically, treatment of varicose centred on surgical removal of varicose veins under general anaesthetic. However, endovenous catheter ablation has become so successful that surgery is seldom needed. Endovenous means "working inside the vein" and ablation means "to close off". Under local anaesthetic, a laser fibre is threaded into the varicose vein and used to close off the problem veins, prompting the blood to redirect itself. Compression stockings are worn for two weeks post-treatment and regular walking is recommended.
There is no need for time off work. If you have varicose veins that are affecting you call Vein & Laser for a consultation with our doctor, vein physician Elisabeth De Felice.
The Summer Kiwi Quiz is back by popular demand
Grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between 1 Jan - 28 Jan and participate in the Summer Kiwi Quiz! Test your knowledge, answer the daily New Zealand based questions, and find out how well you know our beautiful country!
Each correct answer will get you one entry into the draw to WIN 1 of 5 Ooni Karu 2 Portable Pizza Oven bundles, valued at $1024! Each bundle includes: an Ooni Karu 2 Multi-Fuel Portable Pizza Oven, Ooni Karu 2 Carry Cover, Ooni 12" Perforated Peel, Ooni Digital Infrared Thermometer and an Ooni Cookbook: Cooking with Ooni. The more answers you enter correctly, the higher your chance of winning. For more information and to submit your answers, click here
The Team at Stuff
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.4% Yes! New Year, New Me
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19.9% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.7% Nah - not for me
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
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