ANZSVS does not endorse these products

The Australasian and New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery (ANZSVS) wishes to make clear that it has not endorsed, approved, or recommended any over-the-counter spray, cream, patch, or similar topical product for the treatment of varicose veins or any other venous condition.

ANZSVS has become aware that certain online promotions, including posts and videos circulating on Facebook and other social media platforms, make false claims of ANZSVS endorsement. These claims are entirely untrue.

Any social media post, advertisement, or product listing claiming ANZSVS endorsement or approval of a varicose vein product should be treated as misleading.

What we have observed

Since late 2025, ANZSVS has been monitoring a pattern of misleading online promotions targeting Australian consumers. These promotions advertise products claiming to treat varicose veins, spider veins, and related venous conditions.

The conduct we have observed includes:

  • Fake social media profiles presenting as doctors, including profiles using the title “Dr” alongside stolen photographs of real health professionals or AI-generated images
  • False claims that products are clinically proven, TGA-approved, FDA-approved, or endorsed by professional medical bodies including ANZSVS
  • AI-generated videos and fabricated testimonials presenting misleading “before and after” results
  • Redirection of consumers from social media to external websites, often based offshore
  • Products appearing on mainstream Australian online marketplaces, extending reach beyond social media
  • A pattern of rapidly replacing accounts and websites once they are reported or removed

ANZSVS has identified at least one case in which the photograph of a real and prominent Australian clinician was used without consent in a fake social media profile promoting these products. Legal action by the affected clinician resulted in the removal of that profile in February 2026. However, numerous similar profiles remain active.

About these products

The products being promoted include spray-on formulations, creams, and so-called “microneedle” or “nano patch” products, marketed as treatments for varicose veins, spider veins, and related conditions.

ANZSVS is not aware of credible clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of any such product for the treatment of varicose veins. Varicose veins are a medical condition requiring proper clinical assessment. Effective evidence-based treatments exist and are available through qualified vascular specialists.

Consumers who delay seeking appropriate medical assessment in favour of unverified online products risk missing an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

What ANZSVS is doing

ANZSVS has compiled a structured evidence archive of the conduct described above and is making formal submissions to Australian regulatory authorities, including:

  • The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
  • The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
  • The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

ANZSVS is also engaging with social media and online marketplace platforms to request removal of misleading profiles and listings.

ANZSVS members have been separately notified and encouraged to report instances they encounter.

What you can do

If you encounter a social media advertisement, post, or video promoting a product for varicose veins and claiming professional or regulatory endorsement:

  • Do not purchase the product based on these claims
  • Do not assume that the “doctor” promoting the product is a real or registered Australian practitioner
  • Seek advice from a qualified vascular specialist or your GP

You can report misleading conduct to:

  • Scamwatch (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission): www.scamwatch.gov.au
  • The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA): www.tga.gov.au/report-problem
  • AHPRA, if an account misrepresents itself as a registered medical practitioner: www.ahpra.gov.au
  • Directly on Facebook, YouTube, Amazon or eBay using the platform’s built-in reporting tools (impersonation, scam, or false health information)

If you have information about these products or profiles that may assist regulatory investigation, you are welcome to contact the ANZSVS office.

About ANZSVS

ANZSVS is the peak professional body representing vascular surgeons across Australia and New Zealand. Our members are specialist surgeons with advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease. ANZSVS sets standards for specialist training and practice, promotes evidence-based care, and advocates for the safety of patients with vascular disease.

Enquiries: [email protected]