Varicose Veins

What are NICE Guidelines for Varicose Veins?

September 22, 2021 by Rebecca.Giffen1 Leave a Comment

When searching for a private varicose vein treatment clinic in the UK you may have heard of the term ‘NICE Recommended’ or ‘NICE Gold Standard’. These statements sound very positive and important but what actually is NICE and what are the NICE Guidelines for Varicose Vein treatment?

What is NICE?

NICE stands for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. NICE is a national body in the UK, and they have a board of medical experts who provide national evidence-based guidance and pathways with the aim of improving health and social care. NICE publishes guidance, advice, quality standards and pathways for a wide range of conditions and diseases including varicose veins.

What are the NICE Guidelines for Varicose Vein Treatment?

The NICE clinical guidelines for varicose veins (CG168) were originally published in 2013 and are based on published evidence which means they do not cover newer cutting-edge varicose vein treatments that we offer like VenaSeal.

The key priorities for implementation to manage varicose vein symptoms are:

Referral to a vascular service
Assessment using duplex ultrasound and treatment
Non-interventional treatment including Endovenous laser treatment (EVLA)

Referral to a vascular service

The NICE guidelines have a specific criteria for when patients need to have their veins treated.

The NICE Referral guidelines are:

Patients who have Varicose Veins with symptoms including pain, swelling, discomfort, itching and heaviness or recurring varicose veins.
Skin changes, such as pigmentation or eczema, thought to be caused by varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.
Superficial vein thrombosis, superficial thrombophlebitis or phlebitis which is the appearance of hard, painful veins.
A venous leg ulcer.
A healed venous leg ulcer.

NICE describes a vascular service as a team of healthcare professionals who have training and experience in diagnosing and treating varicose veins.’ At The Private Clinic we have an expert team of consultant vascular surgeons and knowledgeable specialist nurses supported by experienced clinic managers and patient co-ordinators to provide our patients with the best possible care across all of our clinic locations.

Assessment using duplex ultrasound and treatment

Patients with suspected varicose veins should be assessed using a duplex ultrasound scan to diagnose varicose veins. The scan enables the consultant Vascular Surgeon to locate any damaged valves that might be causing the varicose veins. Once diagnosed the vascular service team should discuss the treatment options available and the possible side effects.

Non-interventional treatment

NICE guidelines state that non-surgical treatments should be offered before any type of invasive surgery such as vein stripping which is not recommended.

Endothermal ablation, also know as EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) is the gold standard varicose vein treatment as recommended by NICE. The treatment applies heat to the inside of the vein which causes it to close.

If the patient is not suitable for EVLA treatment, then the NICE guidelines recommends offering Foam Sclerotherapy treatment which involves injecting the vein with a sclerosant solution mixed with air to produce a foam. When the foam is injected into the vein it damages the vein causing it to close.

The next stage according to NICE guidelines would be surgical removal, however at The Private Clinic we still have two additional non-invasive treatments that we believe deliver great results.

VenaSeal uses a medical-grade glue to close off faulty vein valves and was approved for widespread medical use in September 2011 which is why it is not mentioned in the NICE guidelines for varicose vein treatment as it was still relatively new at the time.

Phlebectomy is our minimally invasive micro surgery varicose vein treatment that is ideal for large varicose veins close to the surface of the skin. The treatment involves making tiny micro incisions before a phlebectomy hook is inserted to pull it out.

In the majority of cases, one or a combination of the treatments mentioned above will be suitable for all patients and will provide them with significant relief from pain and symptoms associated with varicose veins. We do not agree that anyone would a more invasive vein stripping procedure which is why we do not offer this treatment at any of our vein clinics.

Compression stockings

Another point that the NICE varicose vein guidelines discuss is the use of compression stockings. The guidelines are very clear in stating that compression stockings should not be used as a treatment for varicose veins unless the patient is unsuitable or has refused treatment.

At The Private Clinic, we have never prescribed compression stockings as a way of treating varicose veins but have instead used them to help aid patients’ recovery post-surgery.

If you would like to read about the NICE guidelines for varicose vein treatments, you can find them here.

Varicose Vein Removal at The Private Clinic

At The Private Clinic, we have been offering the most advanced, minimally invasive vein treatments for over 35 years, and work with highly experienced vascular surgeons.

Our Consultant vascular surgeons are pioneers in EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) and have treated thousands of patients.
We have carried out over 7,000 procedures in treating Veins.
No lengthy downtime or recovery required.
We offer the least invasive method for varicose veins and thread veins removal treatment for your legs, body, and face.
We focus on the underlying cause of your veins, and you will only see a Consultant Vascular surgeon for varicose veins.
The NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) Gold Standard for treatment of Varicose Veins findings show that the success rate after five years for EVLA is 95.4%.
A consultation with one of our Consultant Vascular Surgeons costs £150, including a free ultrasound scan of your legs (usually priced between £350 and £450 at most clinics and private hospitals).
We have treated thousands of patients who have regained their confidence whilst avoiding health issues.
We focus on the underlying cause of your veins, and you will only see a Consultant Vascular surgeon for varicose veins.
Treatment performed in under an hour; you can go home shortly after being treated.
We have been featured on Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies, TLC’s My Naked Secret and featured in Harper’s Bazaar’s Cosmetic Tweakment Trends for 2019.
View our varicose vein before and after results photo gallery.
Read our extensive varicose vein FAQs
Hear from previous patients in our varicose vein patient stories
Find out more information in our varicose vein blogs

Our Expert Vascular Surgeons

Mr Constantinos Kyriakides, MD, FRCS(Gen). GMC 3275436
Mr Dynesh Rittoo, MBChB, FRCS(Eng), FRCS (Gen Surg). GMC 3556456
Mr Charles Ranaboldo, BM, FRCS, MS. GMC Number: 2939195
Professor Rajiv Kumar Vohra, MBBS. GMC Number: 3158700
Mr Tahir Hussain, MBBS, MS, FRCS. GMC Number: 3242669
Mr Rajiv Pathak, MBBS, MS, FRCS, FRCS(Gen). GMC Number: 4585309
Mr Ferdinand Serracino-Inglott, MD, FRCSI, FRCS(Gen), DIC MSc. GMC Number: 5206200

Our specialist vein clinics

The Private Clinic has varicose vein clinics across the UK including:

To find out more or to book a veins consultation with our experts call 0333 920 2471 or visit our online varicose veins contact page on our website.

Varicose Veins in Feet and Ankles: the causes and best treatments

April 27, 2021 by Rebecca.Giffen1 Leave a Comment

Varicose veins in the feet and ankles can be very debilitating for sufferers of the condition. Around 1 in 3 adults experience varicose veins at some point in their lives, and the legs are one of the most commonly affected areas. Feet varicose veins make even the easiest activities like walking or standing difficult. Sufferers are not only likely to feel negative physical side effects like pain and swelling, they are also likely to experience the unsightly cosmetic issue of twisted and bulging veins.

Thankfully, a range of treatments exist to help patients get rid of varicose veins in the feet and ankles. Here, we discuss the causes of varicose veins in the feet, before delving into the best treatments.

What causes varicose veins in the ankles and feet?

A variety of different factors, from genetics and poor nutrition to stress, lead to varicose ankle and feet veins. However, two of the most impactful reasons are gravity and weight. Varicosities frequently occur in the legs as leg veins have to work harder against the force of gravity to push blood flow towards the heart. They also support your upper body weight, which puts added pressure on the leg vein channels to regulate blood flow.

Venous reflux

If too much pressure builds up in leg vein channels, the small valves which regulate the blood flow become weak or damaged. Blood can start to flow backwards through the vein (a process called venous reflux), leading to blood pooling and collecting inside the vein itself. Bloated and discoloured varicose veins then appear as a direct result of this process.

Being overweight or obese can therefore dramatically increase the likelihood of varicose veins forming in the feet and ankles. Weakened vein valves will struggle to cope with the demands that excess body weight places on veins as they fight against gravity to push blood towards the heart.

Additional risk factors

In addition to excess weight, other risk factors for varicose leg and ankle veins include:

High blood pressure: the condition of high blood pressure is common in obese people. It can further increase pressure on the circulatory system and veins by damaging the lining of arteries
Poor nutrition: eating processed fats, refined sugars and excess calories can lead to weight gain, while affecting digestion. Poor digestion also reduces mineral absorption, leading to further pressure on the circulatory system
Stress: adrenaline and histamine stress chemicals put inflammatory pressure on blood vessels. Blood also pumps more forcefully through the veins, putting further strain on vein valves and walls
Pregnancy: during pregnancy, the body produces extra amounts of blood to support a growing foetus. Hormones like oestrogen and progesterone are produced in greater quantities at this time. This relaxes the lining of the veins and increases the chance of blood leakage
Sedentary lifestyle: Inactivity and staying still in the same place for an extended period of time impairs circulation and leads to stagnant blood pooling and bulging in the damaged vein channels

With so many causal factors at play, it is no surprise that a vast number of people experience varicose veins in the feet and ankles at some point during their lives.

Symptoms of varicose veins in ankles and feet

Different people experience varicose leg and ankle vein symptoms in different ways. However, the common range of symptoms is common:

Veins that appear dark purple or blue in colour
Bulging and twisted veins that pop out in an inflamed way
Aching in the legs, ankle and feet
Throbbing, itching and burning sensations around the legs, ankle and feet
Restless legs and frequent cramping issues
Leg heaviness and fatigue
Swollen and red veins that are tender to the touch
Skin ulceration or rashes near the ankle – (this indicates severe venous disease)
Breaks in skin around the foot / ankle veins

Damaged veins in the feet and ankles can also present themselves as shallow spider veins. Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are smaller and appear in a spider-web-like pattern.

How to tell if you have feet and ankle varicose veins

In some instances, patients will be able to visibly detect the presence of vein abnormalities in their feet and ankles. Visibly large veins may bulge out across the top of the feet, or smaller thread-like spider veins may appear in a purple or blue colour. This may also be accompanied by physical swelling in the rest of the leg. Venous ulcers may also develop around the lower leg or ankle region.

In other instances, patients may show no obvious tangible signs of an abnormal vein problem. However, they may feel aching and throbbing sensations in their feet despite having no obvious physical signs.

Do ankle and foot varicose veins need to be treated?

If left untreated or undetected for too long, foot and ankle veins can cause serious problems. Issues range from venous eczema, skin discolouration and severe ulceration to a general hardening of the ankle and lower leg. Feet and ankle veins can also cause serious and potentially life-threatening blood clots. This is why it is vital for patients with suspected venous problems to seek professional medical help as soon as they begin to notice symptoms.

How to get rid of varicose veins in feet and ankles

The best way to treat ankle and foot varicose veins is to seek out a consultation with a vascular surgeon. Our medical specialists are expertly trained at identifying venous issues and presenting the best solutions to treat them.

A central part of this consultation process is undergoing an advanced Duplex Ultrasound Scan. This gives the vascular surgeon the ability to three-dimensionally analyse your feet and ankles to detect irregular blood flow issues or vein valve damage. The scan is noted as one of the leading ways to facilitate the best varicose vein treatments, as it gives vascular surgeons the information they need to accurately assess the state of the veins and the causal issues at play. This is why the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has endorsed the scan as a fundamental part of gold-standard varicose vein removal treatments.

Once this scan has taken place, your vascular surgeon can identify underlying venous issues in your feet and ankles before recommending the best treatments to minimise your symptoms.

Best ankle and foot vein treatments

The best treatments for feet and leg veins work to completely remove damaged varicose vein channels from the feet and ankles. Modern treatments that do this are minimally invasive and performed on an outpatient basis, with minimal side effects and exceptional rates of success. At The Private Clinic, we offer 3 leading treatments to treat leg and ankle vein issues:

EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation)

EVLA is a revolutionary varicose vein treatment for the feet and ankles with a proven success rate of 98%. As one of our most popular treatments, it is recognised as the modern-day gold standard for varicose veins removal according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). With a range of impressive benefits, like fast healing time and excellent long-term effectiveness, it uses laser heat energy to collapse feet and ankle veins. The ultrasound-guided laser device blasts short pulses of heat energy at the damaged varicose vein walls to break them down and close off the vein channel. Once this has occurred, blood then redirects itself through healthier surrounding channels. Visible results will show through between 4 to 6 weeks post-treatment, once the treated vein has naturally broken down.

Liquid and Foam Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a specialised treatment that removes smaller varicose veins in the feet and ankles. It’s an ideal treatment of recurrent vein issues and can be completed in less than 30 minutes using a local anaesthetic. Foam Sclerotherapy uses a special medical foam called a sclerosant which has been used for many years to break down the varicose vein walls. This sticky substance is injected into the affected vein using ultrasound guidance to coat the vein walls and push out blood from the affected channel. Over time, the vein walls will naturally dissolve and disappear as the body gradually absorbs them.

Most patients experience positive results after just 3-6 weeks post-treatment, but it can take slightly longer for larger feet and ankle veins to completely disappear. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends this as the gold-standard alternative treatment if patients are not suitable for EVLA.

Liquid sclerotherapy is a similar treatment that irritates the lining of vein walls to seal it off. This method is ideal for smaller veins like spider veins that cover a smaller surface area, while foam sclerotherapy is better for slightly larger vein channels. Your vascular surgeon will advise on which treatment is best for your own needs during your consultation.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is another minimally invasive treatment that treats varicose feet veins in just 30-90 minutes. Whilst foam sclerotherapy and EVLA are more popular, it is used as a vein removal treatment in special cases. It uses thermal heat-based energy to damage the walls of the affected varicose veins. This causes them to completely close up with scar tissue. As a result, blood will no longer be able to pool and bulge inside the treated varicose vein channel. After a few weeks, the vein channel itself will be completely broken down and absorbed by the body in a natural way. Patients are likely to see noticeable improvements in just a matter of weeks.

Treating Ankle and Feet Varicose Veins at The Private Clinic

At The Private Clinic, we have been carrying out vein removal procedures in the ankles and feet for over 35 years. As a multi-award-winning treatment practice, we have a reputation for excellent long-term patient results, as seen in our 5-Star Trustpilot rating. Every year, our trained vascular surgeons carry out over 7,000 procedures, so you will benefit from being treated by experienced professionals who have been instrumental in developing the best procedures.

To find out more about our ankle and feet vein treatments, complete our online varicose vein enquiry form to arrange a consultation. You can also call us directly on 0333 920 2471 where we will be happy to help. We have state-of-the-art treatment clinics in convenient nationwide locations including London Harley Street, Birmingham, Buckinghamshire, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton.

Varicose Leg Veins: The Best Treatments to Remove Them

April 27, 2021 by Rebecca.Giffen1 Leave a Comment

Having varicose veins on your legs is common for a vast range of different people. It is estimated that 20% of all adults will get varicose veins at some point in their lives, and they often occur in the legs. As well as being a cosmetic issue, varicose leg veins can also cause sufferers a lot of discomfort. If left untreated, they can lead to major complications like blood clots or open sores on your legs. This is why it is important to seek out treatments that get rid of leg veins safely.

In this article, we discuss some of the best leg vein removal treatments. We focus on cutting-edge treatments that are minimally invasive and those that can diminish your leg vein symptoms while preventing future complications from occurring.

What causes varicose veins in the legs?

Varicose leg veins develop when small valves in your veins start to weaken. These crucial valves regulate the blood flow through your leg veins and prevent blood from flowing backwards through them. When they become damaged, blood flows backwards and starts to pool inside the vein channel (a process called ‘venous reflux). This process directly leads to varicose veins as blood collects in the damaged vein, causing it to swell.

Swollen, enlarged and twisted leg veins then become visible. These varicose leg veins are often dark blue or purple in appearance. In many cases, they bulge out from underneath the skin, leaving patients with an uneven and bumpy skin tone. Patients may also suffer from smaller thread vegs in their legs, which occur just below the skin. These typically appear in a spider-like pattern, hence the name ‘spider veins.’

Symptoms of Varicose Leg Veins

Having varicose leg veins doesn’t just impinge on your self-confidence or your summer trips to the beach. While many patients suffer from the damaging visual effects of varicose leg veins, like feeling less comfortable wearing short clothing in the summer, varicose veins can have a range of more troublesome physical symptoms. Common leg vein symptoms include:

Visible veins on legs
Swelling in the legs
Aching legs and muscle cramps
Burning and throbbing sensation in the legs
Tired Legs
Leg Numbness
Dry or itchy skin across the legs

With these debilitating symptoms in mind, removing varicose leg veins can make a huge difference to your quality of life.

How to get rid of varicose veins in legs

Treatment options for varicose leg veins range from lifestyle changes to using minimally invasive treatments. Some people are at higher risk of developing varicose leg veins than others. For example, if a person in your family has suffered from leg veins, then you are more likely to be at risk. Varicose veins also become more common as people age and during pregnancy. People who sit for long periods without exercise can also inadvertently increase pressure on their leg veins.

When considering these risk factors, people can take a range of actions to potentially limit the likelihood of varicose leg veins occurring. Evidence shows that the following self-care treatments may help to prevent varicose veins on the legs, as well as minimise the impacts:

Self-care treatments to stop varicose veins on the legs

Weight loss —excess weight puts additional strain on leg veins, so losing weight with diet and exercise can minimise the severity of symptoms
Exercise– exercise improves blood circulation from your legs to your heart and can help to improve leg strength and flexibility
Stay active– move your feet and legs whenever you have been sitting still for long periods of time, like when you are sitting at your desk at work all day. Take breaks to get moving
Avoid high heels – wearing high heels can increase the pressure on your leg veins, raising the likelihood of blood accumulating and pooling in a damaged vein
Wear compression stockings – these figure-hugging stockings help to reduce and prevent leg swelling while decreasing the risk of blood clots
Elevate your leg – when you elevate your legs using a footstool, for example, it prevents blood flow from pooling in your lower legs and relieves pressure on your leg veins

However, even by following these preventative and alleviating measures, there is no guarantee that you can completely stop varicose leg veins from occurring, particularly if genetics or age factors are playing a primary role. If varicose leg veins form, patients should seek to remove varicose veins in the legs before any long-term damage or serious complications occur.

How to remove varicose veins in your legs

Many effective medical treatments now exist to directly remove damaged varicose veins in the legs. Treatment options have come a long way in the last 10 to 20 years, meaning that leg vein sufferers can now treat their legs without resorting to invasive traditional procedures like vein stripping, which were notorious for their pain and significant recovery times. New treatments like minimally invasive lasers and medical-grade glue treatments can dissolve and destroy damaged varicose leg veins quickly and effectively without the patient having to undergo overnight surgery. The best treatments involve minimal patient scarring and a short period of at-home recovery.

Types of treatment for leg varicose veins

With so many leg vein treatments on offer, patients should seek out a consultation with an experienced vascular surgeon first. These specialists can adequately and accurately assess the nature and severity of your leg vein problem. During this consultation, your vascular surgeon will undertake an advanced Duplex UltraSound Scan of your legs. This will give the vascular specialist an in-depth 3D analysis of the damage to your leg veins.

This helps to guide the surgeon in recommending a suitable treatment that will work for your specific needs. If you have superficial leg veins that are just below the skin’s surface, then a laser treatment may be the most suitable treatment to go for. But if you suffer from larger or deeper varicose leg veins, then treatments like foam sclerotherapy may be better. This is why having a Duplex Ultrasound Scan is so important when deciding which type of vein treatment to go for.

What is the best treatment for leg vein removal?

The following leg vein removal treatments have the best results. However, your vascular surgeon will advise on the best treatment to take after reviewing your individual case. The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has also officially endorsed some of the treatments, including EVLA and Foam Sclerotherapy:

1. EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation)

EVLA, or Endovenous Laser Ablation, is one of the leading minimally invasive methods to remove dysfunctional varicose leg veins. It takes approximately 45 minutes to perform, making it one of the easiest treatments for patients to undergo. It uses a specialised laser to target the damaged leg vein with pulses of heat. A tiny incision is made first after a local anaesthetic before the laser is inserted into the leg to seal off the targeted vein.

Thanks to the minimal incision, the chances of scarring are very small. The heat then works to rapidly seal up and close the damaged vein channel. Within just a few weeks, the vein breaks down naturally before being removed from the body through natural processes. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has rated the treatment as the optimal Gold-Standard for treating varicose veins in the legs, with a clinically proven 98% success rate, and visible results after just 4-6 weeks.

2. VenaSeal™

VenaSeal is another top choice for leg vein removal. This rapid day-case treatment typically only takes 30 to 60 minutes to perform. It destroys damaged varicose leg veins by injecting a specialised medical-grade glue into the affected vein under local anaesthetic. This strategic vein-shrivelling superglue is known as ‘Sapheon.’ It is delivered into a damaged vein using a small catheter device before the glue itself is injected by a vascular surgeon into the vein channel. Upon application, the glue disperses throughout the vein channel and glues the vein walls shut, so that blood will no longer pool and collect in the leg vein. Once the vein is sealed off, it will harden before being naturally absorbed by the body. Blood flow is naturally rerouted through healthier surrounding veins, and the problematic venous reflux issue is fixed.

3. Foam and liquid Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy treatments inject a liquid or foam solution called a ‘sclerosant’ into leg veins to shrink them. NICE recommends foam sclerotherapy as a leading minimally invasive method to remove varicose veins painlessly and effectively. The treatment only takes 30 minutes to perform under a local anaesthetic, and it is ideal for patients who need to remove smaller varicose leg veins that are closer to the skin’s surface, such as thread veins.

The foamy substance coats the vein walls to push blood out of the affected channel. The vein walls then stick together and close, before shrinking and being naturally dispelled from the body. The liquid version of the treatment uses a similar sclerotic agent, but in a liquid form. This version suits small leg veins like thread veins, while the foam version works better on leg veins that are deeper below the skin.

4. Phlebectomy

A phlebectomy is one of the oldest minimally invasive varicose vein removal treatments and involves using a small scalpel and hook device to physically remove superficial surface veins just below the skin’s surface. If a patient is suffering from extremely large bulging varicose veins that are close to the skin’s surface, then this treatment is often the most effective. A local anaesthetic is applied to the treatment area first to minimise any pain and discomfort. The vascular surgeon then cuts a tiny opening into the skin using a scalpel, before a tiny hook-shaped device is inserted to remove the damaged varicose vein.

When compared to gold-standard leg vein treatments like EVLA, it is certainly more invasive. However, studies have verified its impressive success rate, with 95% of phlebectomy patients experiencing significant relief from pain and symptoms after having the treatment completed. It also has a fast recovery time and leaves no obvious scarring for the vast majority of patients.

Leg Vein Treatments at The Private Clinic

At The Private Clinic, we are UK experts at delivering these leading leg vein removal treatments. As a multi-award-winning clinical practice, with locations across the country, we make it easy and convenient for patients to treat their leg veins with proven clinical success and minimal downtime.

Our highly trained surgeons are at the forefront of leg vein treatments, with many of them having worked directly in developing and bringing the treatments to the UK market, like EVLA, the current gold standard. We perform over 7,000 vein treatments each year, and have a 5-Star Trustpilot score, which reflects our dedication to high standards and exceptional patient results. See a sample of our leg varicose vein before and after images below and on our varicose veins removal page.

If you would like to find out more about our minimally invasive leg vein treatments, and which one would be best for you, complete our online varicose vein consultation form and we will get in touch to support you. Alternatively, you can contact us on 0333 920 2471 where we will be happy to help. As a UK-wide treatment provider, we have accessible clinic locations throughout the country in London Harley Street, Birmingham, Buckinghamshire, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton.

Foam Sclerotherapy Treatment

January 18, 2021 by aarti.sharma Leave a Comment

Foam Sclerotherapy is an ideal procedure to treat mild varicose veins and those that are a recurrent problem. Remove unsightly blue veins quickly and easily with this minimally-invasive procedure that takes less than 30 minutes to complete under a local anaesthetic. By using an injection of specialised medical foam, it quickly seals off and dispels your affected varicose veins with minimal pain and recovery time. Here, we explore everything you need to know about the procedure, from the consultation to aftercare and results.

What is Foam Sclerotherapy?

Foam Sclerotherapy is a leading treatment to remove smaller varicose veins, particularly in the legs, where varicose veins frequently occur. The UK’s National Institute of Healthcare and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended this foam treatment for varicose veins as a gold-standard option if patients are unable to remove their veins with popular procedures like EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation).

Thanks to its injectable format, there is little recovery time, and you can resume your normal activities straight after having it.

What veins can Foam Sclerotherapy treat?

Vein foam sclerotherapy is a perfect treatment for patients who want to target thread veins and smaller varicose veins. Thread veins (or spider veins) are thin, shallow veins that tend to sit just below the skin’s surface. They can easily be treated with foam injection sclerotherapy using a series of microinjections that are usually pain-free.

As with all varicose veins, they form when small valves inside them stop working properly. This causes irregular blood flows, and blood starts to build in the veins, causing them to bulge and swell. But by injecting foam into these veins, we can cause them to quickly collapse and dissolve. After just a few sessions, spaced a few weeks apart, the body should naturally dispel the veins for good.

This procedure is also commonly used as a secondary treatment for recurring veins or as a follow-up to target residual veins left over after an EVLA procedure.

Benefits of Foam Sclerotherapy

As foam sclerotherapy is a quick and minimally-invasive procedure, it has several key benefits when compared to other vein treatments:

Walk-in, walk-out procedure
Carried out as a day-case operation in outpatients
Uses local rather than a general anaesthetic
Less injections required than laser and radiofrequency procedures
Less inflammation and discomfort
Fast healing and treatment
Patients can return to normal activities the very same day
Effective results after 4-6 weeks of recovery

The Consultation

The first step to a foam sclerotherapy treatment is a consultation with one of our consultant vascular surgeons. During this appointment, we will assess the state of your varicose veins using our advanced duplex ultrasound scan. This gives our surgeons a live visual analysis of the inner structure of your veins. They can detect how blood is flowing and where the foam needs to be injected in order to collapse your faulty veins. If you have larger veins that need treatment, then our surgeons will sometimes use the ultrasound scanner to direct their injections.

This is called “ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy” and enables the affected vein to be visualised clearly so that the foam is accurately injected. When treating small veins close to the skin’s surface, ultrasound guidance is often not needed. Either way, the duplex ultrasound scan will guide your surgeon to treat your veins in the most appropriate way. A detailed explanation of your treatment option will also be given at this stage. This enables you to fully understand the procedure and its expected results.

The Foam Sclerotherapy Procedure

Once your veins have been analysed at consultation, your vascular surgeon will be fully equipped with the knowledge they need to treat you. A local anaesthetic will be carefully applied to the affected area to ensure that your treatment is as pain-free and comfortable as possible.

After this happens, your surgeon will mix a special chemical with air to produce the medical foam needed to carry out the procedure. These foams are known as sclerosants and have been used for many years to break down the cells that line a damaged vein’s walls. They immediately coat vein walls with a sticky substance, which pushes out blood from the channel while inflaming the vein walls. Over time, this causes the vein channel to close up completely before the vein itself shrivels away and dies.

Once this has happened, your blood flow will naturally reroute itself through healthier veins to improve your overall circulation. Your body will then remove the dead vein naturally as soon as it has shrunk and dissolved.

As a fast procedure, it typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete. After the procedure has taken place, we will schedule a review appointment with you to check progress and see if any further treatments are necessary. On occasion, we may need to treat the vein more than once with foam sclerotherapy to achieve optimum results.

How long does Foam Sclerotherapy take to work?

The foam starts to break veins down immediately. But it takes a while before the vein completely shrinks. Most patients experience definitive results from 3-6 weeks after treatment. But larger veins may take up to 3-4 months to fully disappear.

What to expect after Foam Sclerotherapy?

When it comes to foam sclerotherapy results, independent studies have revealed that the procedure has a success rate of between 60 to 80%. Results vary from patient to patient, but in cases where the first treatment does not completely eradicate the affected vein, we can apply follow-ups to maximise final results. As a multi-award-winning clinic with a 5-star Trustpilot rating, the vast majority of our patients leave with exceptional results. See a sample of our work in the foam sclerotherapy before and after photo below:

Foam Sclerotherapy Aftercare

In-Clinic Aftercare

After the procedure, we will apply a pressure bandage to compress the vein walls and minimise blood leakage. After the injections take place, this must be worn for 12-24 hours. You should avoid showering and bathing at this time.

At-Home Aftercare

You must wear compression stockings for 3-4 weeks to encourage optimal healing and recovery. You may feel a bit sore around the treatment area for a few days after. However, this pain usually fades after just a few days.

Patients should try to remain mobile in the recovery phase by undergoing gentle activities like walks. This helps to promote good circulation. However, please avoid anything strenuous like gym exercise, prolonged standing, kneeling and bending for 4-6 weeks. You should also elevate your leg when sitting for any length of time. By following these simple steps, your varicose veins will break down and dissolve without any side effects, leaving you free to enjoy a newly improved you.

To find out more about our Foam Sclerotherapy treatment, or any of our varicose vein procedures, fill out our varicose vein online contact form. Alternatively, call us directly on 0333 920 2471. We have clinic locations in London Harley Street, Birmingham, Buckinghamshire, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton.

Ultrasound for Varicose Veins

October 20, 2020 by Lee Dales Leave a Comment

One in three adults in the UK will suffer from varicose veins in their lifetime. But thanks to a range of modern medical advances, there’s a multitude of minimally invasive methods to remove them.

The first step in deciding a suitable treatment is for patients to undergo an ultrasound process. Ultrasound gives clinicians the revolutionary ability to diagnose vein abnormalities in detail.

Duplex Ultrasound for Varicose Veins

The ultrasound procedure for varicose veins is different from those used to diagnose gallstones or analyse pregnancies for example. Varicose veins require a special ultrasound treatment called Duplex, which gives vascular surgeons a comprehensive overview of how blood is flowing throughout the affected varicose veins.

How the Duplex Ultrasound Scan works

The venous duplex scan for varicose veins produces on-screen images that show how blood is flowing within your veins and arteries. It does this using a portable deep vein scanning system that looks like a laptop. This ground-breaking machine supplies everything a surgeon needs to thoroughly assess your veins through a 3-stage process:

Greyscale Ultrasound

The scan firstly builds up a 2-D greyscale picture that showcases the real-time structure of our veins. This looks like the typical scan you would see when undergoing a pregnancy ultrasound for example. The venous duplex device then superimposes colours and sound waves over this image to reveal exactly how blood is flowing through the veins.

Doppler Ultrasound

The device’s ‘Doppler wave’ technology helps the surgeon to identify blood flow problems through sound waves. ‘Doppler ultrasound’ waves emit a sweeping sound that alerts the clinician to exactly where blood is flowing abnormally.

Colour-flow Duplex scanning

The device’s processor then overlays a series of colours to visually display exactly where blood flow issues are occurring. When areas flash up as blue on the screen, blood is flowing as expected. But when areas show up in red, it demonstrates the presence of blood flow abnormalities.

Together, these combined signals provide a super detailed picture of blood flow blockages, faulty valves and incorrect blood flow – also known as “reflux.” By being able to identify the exact nature of these issues, the surgeon can recommend ideal treatments to treat the symptoms and causes of bulging varicose veins.

The Venous Duplex Scan Procedure

At The Private Clinic, your consultant vascular surgeon will perform the scan, so they get a first-hand view of the issues. It’s a pain-free and non-invasive process that usually lasts between 30 to 45 minutes. During this time, the consultant will apply a water-based gel on the affected area before scanning it with a probe.

The consultant will then assess blood flow by gently squeeze your muscles at various intervals to make blood flow into the veins. At this stage, the consultant will be able to see where the blood is failing to flow normally.

Upon release, the consultant can also see whether any blood falls back down the leg due to valves not closing properly. This venous “reflux” process accounts for the vast majority of varicose vein cases.

What happens after the scan?

Once the scan is complete, the varicose vein surgeon will have an accurate picture of abnormal valves and blood flow blockages. This allows the surgeon to accurately plan the varicose vein treatment using the detailed information obtained from the scan.

Your consultant will then advise on the optimal varicose vein treatment method to use in light of the scan’s results.

The benefits of Venous Duplex Ultrasound Scanning

Duplex ultrasound scanning is widely regarded as a “gold-standard” procedure as it gives surgeons the best available insight into the problems at hand. The duplex venous ultrasound scan can also be used across many parts of the body; from the lower limbs and lower extremities like the pelvis as well as the upper body and arms.

Venous Duplex Scan Cost

At The Private Clinic, a consultation with one of our Consultant Vascular Surgeons costs £150, with a free duplex ultrasound scan included. This scan is usually priced at £350 to £450 in other practices, meaning that you benefit from a competitive price by choosing our services.

You will also benefit from our unrivalled reputation as one of the UK’s leading varicose vein clinics. With over 35 years’ experience conducting over 7,000 vein treatments, you will be in the very best hands.

To find out more about our venous duplex scan, or to arrange a varicose vein consultation with us, please call 0333 920 2471 or use our Varicose Vein online contact form. Our treatments are available nationwide across our clinic locations in London Harley Street, Birmingham, Buckinghamshire, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton.

The Menopause & Varicose Veins: What you need to know

September 23, 2020 by Fifteen Leave a Comment

For many women, varicose veins can prove to be a particularly troublesome issue during the menopause. This is because changes to a woman’s hormone levels during the menopause can increase the likelihood of varicose veins occurring. It is important to understand the delicate interplay between key hormones during this phase of a woman’s life to better understand the issue.

Oestrogen and progesterone are the two main hormones influence vein health.

How do oestrogen and progesterone affect vein health?

These hormones have a beneficial impact on the vein wall support and the function of the cardiovascular system. Blood vessel walls contain receptor sites for these hormones, which allow the hormones to efficiently force blood flow around the body via veins, arteries and capillaries. However, when the levels of these hormones drop due to the menopause, blood vessel walls can lose their strength and flexibility, resulting in blood pooling or collecting in the areas of weakness and causing varicose veins.

How to minimise the risk of varicose veins in the Menopause?

Once a varicose vein has formed, it is unlikely to disappear on its own, unless you opt to have the veins treated. There are several steps that women can take to minimise the risk of developing varicose veins during the menopause. Choosing a healthy, balanced diet, and adopting several lifestyle changes can help to reduce the risk of the problem occurring.

The top 5 areas that can help reduce varicose veins during Menopause

Vitamin C Intake: Vitamin C, like oestrogen, acts as a vital aid in giving strength and flexibility to blood vessel walls. The vitamin works to maintain and replenish collagen levels, a key structural protein found in skin and artery walls. Eating plenty of green leafy vegetables along with citrus fruits and berries is a great way to boost these levels naturally.
Healthy Fats: Choosing to consume healthier fat sources is also vital when it comes to maintaining optimal cardiovascular health. Saturated fats and triglycerides increase the risk of artery walls clogging, so swap red meats, dairy products and processed food options for the healthier omega-3 fats found in oily fish, nuts, avocados and seeds.
Weight management: Being overweight puts the cardiovascular system under extra pressure, so by adopting a sustainable weight loss plan, you can reduce your risk of developing varicose veins during the menopause, while also benefitting your overall general health. Achieving a healthy BMI should be your number one goal in this respect.
Frequent exercise: If you sit or stand for long periods, the blood pooling effect can intensify, so make sure to take exercise breaks as often as you can to get your body moving.
Improving leg strength: The legs are where most varicose veins occur, so keep these parts of your body as fit as you can to avoid developing problems in these vulnerable areas. Cycling, walking, running or even a dance class is a great way to keep this part of the body toned and active. Or seek out physiotherapy if you have mobility problems. Experts can then advise you on a low-impact exercise program that works for your specific needs.

Treating Menopause-related varicose veins

When taken together, these holistic methods can boost your chances of avoiding varicose veins when the menopause hits. But if you do develop them, or if you currently experience the condition, then a variety of varicose vein treatments are available to remove them. The Private Clinic offers several effective clinical treatments that generate impressive long-lasting results.

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

The Private Clinic’s Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) treatment is one of the most popular varicose vein removal treatments.

How does EVLA work?

The treatment involves inserting a small laser optical fibre into the problematic vein. Laser light is then emitted which works to heat up and collapse the unhealthy vein. Dr Costas Kyriakides, a consultant vascular surgeon at The Private Clinic explains why this treatment is particularly popular:

“The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) recommended endothermal ablation as a first-line treatment for varicose veins, and it’s now considered the gold standard treatment. It’s around 98 percent effective, and minimally invasive, while the risk of bleeding and infection is rare. The 1-2mm incision does not need stitching and leaves only a tiny scar, meaning that patients can be back at work the next day.” – Dr Costas Kyriakides

VenaSeal

Another popular treatment is VenaSeal. This is highly recommended for patients who suffer from a needle phobia as it only requires one injection per vein.

How does Venaseal work?

The treatment involves inserting a small catheter into the vein before the VenaSeal tool dispenses small amounts of medical-grade Sapheon Glue that works to close the vein. In this respect, the treatment acts as a sort of superglue to patch up the problem of blood vessels that have weakened. Mr Tahir Hussain, a consultant vascular surgeon at The Private Clinic carries out both EVLA and VenaSeal treatments and has had the VenaSeal treatment himself. He explains:

“This treatment has been around for some time now and is akin to putting superglue into the varicose veins to seal them off. The dead vein and hardened glue are then broken down and absorbed into the body. Published clinical studies have shown it to have an initial success rate of between 94 to 98 percent six months after treatment.”

“I’ve carried out this procedure in hundreds of patients, and I even had it done myself in my lunch break, after developing varicose vein symptoms at the age of 52. I had some clearly visible veins on my body, but after the quick treatment, they just shrank away and after a few months, the residual pain had completely gone.” – Mr Tahir Hussain

For patients whose veins are not suitable for EVLA or VenaSeal, other options include sclerotherapy and phlebectomy and these treatments are often treated in combination with those mentioned above. Talking to one of The Private Clinic’s experienced vascular surgeons is the best option to find a suitable treatment for menopause-related varicose veins. They will be able to go through the procedures in detail and create a personalised treatment plan that suits your own needs.

Menopause Varicose Vein Treatments at The Private Clinic

We possess over 35 years of experience providing the best and latest vein removal treatments and have treated over 7,000 patients concerned about their veins. We work with highly qualified consultant vascular surgeons who have extensive experience in treating varicose veins for women going through the menopause. View our varicose vein before and after photo results, or download our varicose vein treatment brochure. You can contact us to book a free varicose vein phone or video consultation today by calling us on 0333 920 2471 or using our varicose vein online contact form.

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