Varicose veins, clearly explained — and properly treated.
Dr Desmond Ooi is a vascular surgeon in Singapore who focuses on the medical diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins and venous disease. This is a place to understand what's happening in your legs — before you decide anything.
Find your situation
Varicose veins affect different people in very different ways. Choose what fits you best:
Pregnancy & Postpartum
"I'm pregnant, or I've recently given birth."
Veins that appeared or worsened in pregnancy — understanding what's normal and what resolves on its own.
Standing Professions
"I'm on my feet all day at work."
Aching, heavy legs by the end of a shift — what standing all day does to your veins, and what genuinely helps.
Progressed Disease
"My legs are swelling, or the skin is changing."
Swelling, discolouration, or a slow-healing area — understanding the stages of chronic venous disease.
General Understanding
"I thought my veins were just how my legs look."
When visible veins are actually a medical issue — and when they're not.
A considered, medical approach
Not every varicose vein needs treatment. But every patient deserves a clear explanation of what's happening and what their options are.
Focused on venous disease
The medical side of varicose veins, not cosmetic treatment.
Time taken to explain
So you understand your condition and your options fully.
Guided by your ultrasound
Recommendations based on a duplex scan, not a template.
Honest about when to wait
Not everyone needs a procedure, and you'll be told so.
Start by understanding
Good decisions start with understanding what's actually happening. Straightforward answers to the questions patients ask most:
What are varicose veins, really?
The mechanism behind enlarged veins — and why they're more than cosmetic.
Read moreWhich symptoms are worth paying attention to?
From aching legs to skin changes — what's significant.
Read moreWhat are the possible complications?
Skin changes, bleeding, blood clots — what can happen if veins are left untreated.
Read moreWhen should I see a specialist?
Signs that it's time for a vascular assessment.
Read moreModern, minimally invasive care
Most varicose veins today are treated as day procedures, with a quick return to normal activities. Dr Ooi offers the full range and recommends what suits your veins — not a one-size-fits-all procedure.
- Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
- Mechanochemical Ablation (MOCA)
- VenaSeal™ medical adhesive closure
- Open surgery, where it remains the better option
Every treatment recommendation begins with a duplex ultrasound — mapping your vein anatomy and identifying exactly where the valves have failed.
About Dr Desmond Ooi
Dr Desmond Ooi is a vascular surgeon in Singapore with a particular focus on varicose veins and chronic venous disease. He believes that good treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis and a patient who genuinely understands their condition — which is why he takes the time to explain the "why" behind every recommendation.
Considering an assessment?
A consultation and duplex ultrasound scan can tell you whether your symptoms are due to venous reflux, and whether treatment is likely to help. Not everyone needs a procedure — but everyone deserves a clear answer.
Mount Alvernia Hospital, Singapore. Details on getting there, parking, and what to expect at your first visit are on the Contact page.
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