These are bulging veins that lie just beneath the skin (superficial veins). They occur when the walls of a vein are weak or damaged or if the valves in the vein that normally stop the blood from flowing backwards are impaired, resulting in pooling of the blood and stretched veins. Besides being unattractive, varicose veins can be painful and cause inflammation or ulceration. The following types of procedures are available if varicose veins or spider veins require treatment: Radiofrequency ablation – RFA is when a very fine probe is inserted into the vein under local anaesthetic with ultrasound guidance. The probe produces heat which is applied to the inside of the vein, and this seals the vein from the inside. You will be given light sedation for this procedure. Once the vein has been sealed, it is broken down by your body’s own natural inflammatory response, and with time the vein is reabsorbed back into the leg. You will need to wear compression stockings following this treatment. Sclerotherapy – for spider veins: a tiny needle is used to inject a chemical solution into the vein that causes the vein to collapse. This is performed under ultrasound guidance and is often recommended in combination with radiofrequency ablation to treat the smaller branches. You will need to wear compression stockings over the treated area for five days following the treatment. Aesthetic Laser treatment for spider veins: Specialist Vein Health offers non invasive and quick treatments (that do not require compression stockings) for leg and facial spider veins and other superficial vascular concerns. This is done with our Excel V laser from Cutera - by our trained registered nurses. Using the most advanced aesthetic technology - Excel V combines two lasers that target, reduce, improve and soften spider veins and much more.

Vascular ulcers are open wounds on the skin that do not heal or can take a long time to heal. They can recur even after they have healed. They occur either because there is not enough blood being supplied to the skin to heal injuries that may be caused by minor trauma or pressure, or due to blood that pools in the veins and causes they skin to be prone to breakdown. Arterial or ischemic ulcers are usually the result of atherosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries" (a build-up of fatty deposits on the inner wall of arteries). When the arteries become narrowed, the flow of blood to the tissues is reduced. These ulcers are usually found on the toes and edge of the foot and are often very painful. Treatment for arterial ulcers may involve an angiogram or dye study, with treatment of the narrowed segments with balloons or stent. If this is not possible, further surgery may be required. Venous or stasis ulcers occur when impaired blood flow in the veins causes pooling of blood in the legs. These ulcers are often associated with varicose veins. Venous ulcers are usually found on the lower leg between the knee and the ankle and the leg is often swollen and discoloured. Compression or pressure bandages are the main treatment for venous ulcers, with radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy being recommended to prevent recurrent ulcers.

Peripheral arterial disease refers to the narrowing of arteries outside the heart and brain, usually as the result of atherosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries" (a build-up of fatty deposits on the inner wall of arteries). When the arteries become narrowed, the flow of blood to the target organs or tissues is reduced. The arteries commonly affected are those carrying blood to the legs and kidneys. When it affects your legs, the most common symptom is a dull, cramping leg pain that occurs when exercising but stops when you stand still. This is known as "intermittent claudication". Treatment for peripheral arterial disease may involve medication and, an angiogram/plasty and stents or surgery

Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that may occur over the entire body or only in certain parts, most commonly the underarms, palms of the hands and soles of the feet. This condition is caused by overactivity of the nerves that carry messages to the affected sweat glands. These nerves are part of the 'sympathetic' nervous system, which means that they are 'involuntary' or not under our conscious control. Treatment may be with medication or, for underarm and palm sweating, may involve a surgical procedure known as Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS). This is a minimally invasive procedure (it does not require a large incision or cut to be made) and involves interrupting the nerves that supply the sweat glands.

You have two carotid arteries, one on either side of your neck, that supply blood to your brain. Carotid artery disease occurs if these arteries become narrowed due to atherosclerosis (a build-up of fat and cholesterol deposits on the inner walls of the vessels). If a clot forms in one of the carotid arteries and reduces or stops the flow of blood to part of your brain, it may cause a stroke. You have an increased risk of developing carotid artery disease if you: have a family history of atherosclerosis smoke have high blood pressure (hypertension) have diabetes have coronary artery disease. Treatment may involve lifestyle changes e.g. stopping smoking, exercising more, dietary changes and/or medication. If there is severe narrowing of the arteries, treatment may involve surgery.

An Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm - AAA is the dilatation or ballooning of a section of the aorta which is the main artery coming out of the heart. An aneurysm usually occurs because of an underlying weakness in the wall of the aorta at that point. Very often you will not have any symptoms from the aneurysm and it may only be discovered through a chest x-ray, abdominal ultrasound or CT scan. If the aneurysm begins to enlarge you may experience chest or back pain. Once an aneurysm has been diagnosed with a scan, we recommend surveillance with regular ultrasound scans to monitor growth. Once an aneurysm reaches a certain size, there may be an increased risk of the aneurysm bursting or tearing. If you require aneurysm repair, your surgeon will discuss the best method with you.

With our Excel V Laser from Cutera, our registered nurses and laser therapist can treat both men's and women’s unsightly leg, facial veins and many other vascular concerns. The Cutera Laser is a safe, non-invasive and quick treatment to target, reduce and soften many conditions. This treatment is done at 325 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington.