VenaSeal Vein Glue

What is VenaSeal Vein Glue ...

VenaSeal is a medical-grade vein adhesive used to close abnormal superficial leg veins that are causing venous reflux and varicose veins. The adhesive is delivered inside the vein through a thin catheter under ultrasound guidance. Once the vein is sealed, blood is redirected through healthier veins, and the treated vein gradually becomes less prominent as the body breaks it down over time.

VenaSeal is a minimally invasive, non-heat treatment option. It is designed to treat the underlying refluxing ‘feeder’ vein that drives visible varicose veins and symptoms.

How does it work ...

VenaSeal works by sealing the inside of a refluxing superficial leg vein with a medical adhesive delivered through a catheter. Ultrasound is used to guide catheter placement and confirm the correct vein is being treated. The adhesive is delivered in small amounts along the vein, and gentle compression is applied at specific points to help the vein walls seal closed. Over time, the sealed vein undergoes a scarring process and is gradually absorbed.

What does it treat ...

VenaSeal is not designed for spider veins on its own. If spider or surface veins remain after the refluxing trunk vein is treated, they are often managed with additional treatments as part of a staged plan. VenaSeal is most commonly used for superficial truncal veins in the legs that have reflux confirmed on duplex ultrasound, such as:

  • The great saphenous vein pathway
  • The small saphenous vein pathway
  • Accessory saphenous veins (where relevant)

It is used when these veins are contributing to:

  • Visible varicose veins
  • Symptoms linked to venous reflux, such as aching, heaviness, swelling, cramping, or restless legs
  • Chronic venous disease patterns where treating reflux is clinically appropriate (including in some patients with skin changes related to venous disease)

Am I a suitable candidate ...

Suitability is confirmed after an assessment and ultrasound mapping. You may be suitable if you:

  • Have symptomatic venous reflux in a superficial truncal vein confirmed on duplex ultrasound
  • Have varicose veins and/or symptoms that are clinically linked to that reflux
  • Are medically suitable for an in-clinic catheter procedure
  • Have realistic expectations and understand that additional treatment may be needed for branch veins or residual surface veins

Is there any downtime ...

Recovery varies between individuals, but many people resume normal daily activities quickly. Common guidance may include:

  • Walking daily in the first week
  • Avoiding strenuous exercise for a short period (your practitioner will guide you)
  • Avoiding high heat exposure (hot baths, spas, saunas) for a short period if advised
  • Wearing compression stockings is recommended

Your journey starts with a consultation and duplex ultrasound mapping. Ultrasound helps identify which veins are refluxing, where the feeder vein sits, and whether VenaSeal is the most appropriate option. You are typically encouraged to walk soon after the procedure. Some patients may require additional treatment for branch veins or surface veins, depending on their overall plan.

On the day of treatment, the process usually includes:

  • Marking and ultrasound confirmation of the target vein
  • Local anaesthetic at the catheter entry point
  • Catheter placement into the refluxing superficial truncal vein under ultrasound guidance
  • Delivery of the medical adhesive in stages along the vein with compression at key points
  • A small dressing is placed over the entry site

A GP referral is not required for this treatment.

Recovery varies between individuals, but many people resume normal daily activities quickly.

Common guidance may include:

  • Walking daily in the first week
  • Avoiding strenuous exercise for a short period (your practitioner will guide you)
  • Avoiding high heat exposure (hot baths, spas, saunas) for a short period if advised
  • Wearing compression stockings is recommended

Compression requirements vary. Some patients are advised to wear compression for a short period, while other protocols use minimal or no compression. Your practitioner will advise based on your vein pattern and treatment plan.

It’s possible to experience tenderness, a firm “cord-like” feeling, or a local inflammatory response along the treated vein while it settles.

As with any treatment, using VenaSeal Glue involves potential risks. During your consultation, your practitioner will discuss possible risks and complications as part of the informed consent process. Visit our Risks and Complications page for more information. Risks and complications may include, but are not limited to:

  • Bruising, tenderness, or discomfort at the access site
  • Local inflammation along the treated vein (sometimes described as a phlebitis-like reaction)
  • Skin irritation, redness, or sensitivity over the treated area
  • Pigmentation changes (less common)
  • Infection (uncommon)
  • Clot-related complications (uncommon but can be serious)
  • Rare adhesive-related reactions, including hypersensitivity
  • Rare cases of adhesive leakage outside the vein can occur and may require review

A personalised quote is provided after assessment and ultrasound mapping. Fees vary depending on:

  • Which vein(s) are treated, and how extensive the reflux is
  • Whether additional treatment is recommended for branch veins or residual surface veins
  • Ultrasound mapping requirements and follow-up plan

Medicare eligibility depends on whether treatment is considered medically necessary and whether you meet strict criteria under relevant item numbers. Cosmetic-only vein treatment is often not Medicare-reimbursable. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

FAQs ...

VenaSeal is most commonly used to close refluxing superficial truncal leg veins, such as the great saphenous or small saphenous vein pathways. These feeder veins often drive visible varicose veins and symptoms.

VenaSeal is generally used for larger refluxing feeder veins rather than fine spider veins. If spider veins remain after the feeder vein is treated, they may be addressed with a separate treatment plan.

Suitability is confirmed with a clinical assessment and duplex ultrasound mapping to identify which veins are refluxing and what treatment is most appropriate.

Most people describe mild discomfort. Local anaesthetic is used at the entry site, and you may feel pressure or brief sensations as the catheter is positioned and treatment is delivered.

Treatment time varies based on the vein being treated and whether additional treatments are performed, but many procedures are completed within about an hour.

Compression advice varies by clinic and vein pattern. Some patients are advised to wear compression for a short period, while other protocols use minimal or no compression.

Many people return to work quickly, often within 1–2 days, depending on their job. Exercise restrictions vary, but strenuous activity is commonly paused for a short period and then resumed as advised by your practitioner.

Some symptom improvement may be noticed early, but visible improvement continues over weeks to months as the treated vein settles and is absorbed. Timing depends on vein size and your individual healing.

The treated vein is intended to stay closed long-term. New varicose veins can still develop over time due to ongoing vein disease or risk factors, which is why follow-up and long-term management matter.

No. VenaSeal is used for superficial refluxing veins that contribute to varicose veins. If DVT is suspected or you have a history of clots, you need a medical assessment so the safest pathway can be confirmed.

If your symptoms are linked to venous reflux confirmed on ultrasound, treating the refluxing feeder vein may improve symptoms. Results vary depending on your overall vein health and other contributing factors.

Sometimes. VenaSeal often treats the main feeder vein, but branch veins or surface veins may still need additional treatment depending on your anatomy and goals.

why choose me clinic ...

With over 35 years of experience in plastic surgery, aesthetic cosmetic medicine, and skin rejuvenation, Me Clinic is built around a simple priority: patient-first care.

We take time to understand you as an individual and curate an approach that feels meaningful and appropriate for your needs. We listen, we care, and we support you through your journey — from consultation through to aftercare.

Our Phlebologist / Vein Doctor can advise on suitable options to address your concerns. In an ever-evolving field, we focus on evidence-informed care and contemporary treatment options, with suitability always assessed on an individual basis.

Practitioners who perform VenaSeal Vein Glue treatments at Me Clinic …

Book your VenaSeal Vein Glue consultation ...

If you are considering VenaSeal Vein Glue treatment, a consultation with our Phlebologist / Vein Doctor is your opportunity to discuss your symptoms or vein concerns, learn about suitable options, and understand what your personalised plan may involve.

Vein treatment commonly involves an initial assessment, and if treatment is suitable, your procedure(s) are typically booked for a later date. To begin your journey, call 1300 852 050 or enquire via our contact form.

We look forward to hearing from you soon and answering any further questions you may have.

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