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Veins

What is the vascular society?

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When you choose to go privately to treat your varicose veins, you will have the task of deciding which surgeon you would like to perform your procedure. There are a number of things that you should be looking at out for but the most important are:

  • Experience
  • Results
  • Expertise

When you have treatment with the NHS, you will have been allocated a surgeon and you will have most likely not really thought about researching their credibility as you trust the NHS as a service.

When you choose to go private, you are a lot more in control of your treatment options and taking the time to research a surgeon and clinic is a lot more common.

One of the first things you should research is the experience of a surgeon. Many vascular surgeons also hold positions within the NHS which gives an indication what type of experience they may have.

  • When meeting with a vascular surgeon you are entitled to ask them how many varicose vein procedures they have performed or how many they perform on average a year.
  • Many expert vascular surgeons are highly sought after and are often very busy so although going private often means a quicker treatment time, don’t be put off by a busy waiting list as choosing a busy surgeon is usually confirmation that you are getting a professional that performs varicose vein removal procedures on a regular basis.

One of the benefits of choosing to self-pay varicose vein treatment is that you will get a chance to see the results of your selected surgeons work before committing to treatment.

  • When meeting with your vascular surgeon, ask to see before and after photos of the different types of treatments that they are offering.
  • You can also check through review websites such as Trustpilot to see what other patients have to say about the surgeons and clinics you are researching.

You will need to feel reassured that the surgeon has the expertise required to safely perform the varicose vein procedure. This will come from their education and training so asking about this is really important.

  • Ensure that your Vascular surgeon is full registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) which you can check by searching their online register here.
  • Another great way to show expertise is through being members of professional vascular organisations which often require them to meet strict criteria.

One of the most common professional memberships for Vascular Surgery in the UK is the Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland.

The Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland

The Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland has over 600 members which mainly include vascular surgeons and vascular radiologists which the Society represents and provides professional support for. Holding Membership with the society is widely recognised in the vascular community as a mark of professional achievement.

Members must:

  • Be a specialist at a level equivalent to Consultant in independent vascular practice.
  • Be of good professional standing
  • Be on the Specialist Registers of the General Medical Councils of Great Britain and Ireland
  • Be living and working in Great Britain and Ireland.
  • Be proposed by two current ordinary members of the Society who will be asked to ascertain that the applicant has an established vascular practice.

How do I know if my vascular surgeon is a member of The Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland?

In the majority of cases, vascular surgeons will have this information displayed on their website or within their clinic. If you are still unsure, ask your surgeon directly what professional memberships they are part of as they should have no reason to hide this information.

Other professional memberships

There are of course numerous other professional memberships that your surgeon may hold including the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) and The Society of Vascular Medicine (SVM).

Depending on your vascular surgeons’ background, interests and specialities, they may be a member of many different organisations which shows they are dedicated to developing and sharing their knowledge.

Expert Vascular Surgeons at The Private Clinic

We are one of the UK’s most recognised Varicose Vein clinics and are able to offer non-surgical varicose vein removal treatments to 99% of patients who come to visit us. We have a team of expert vascular surgeons who are able to offer the most advanced, minimally invasive treatments for all types of varicose and thread veins. Our Consultant vascular surgeons are pioneers in EVLA(Endovenous Laser Ablation) and have treated thousands of patients.

Varicose Vein Procedures available at The Private Clinic

We are proud to offer our patients the most minimally invasive varicose vein removal procedures available. All of our procedures are performed under local anaesthetic in-clinic and do not require an overnight stay. The downtime for all procedures is minimal with many returning to work within days after having EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) or Endovenous laser treatment. All varicose vein consultations include a free ultrasound scan of the legs to allow our vascular surgeons to recommend the most suitable treatment.

We offer patients:

  • EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) or Endovenous laser treatment – a minimally invasive method of destroying dysfunctional varicose veins that uses laser heat to collapse the wall of the vein.
  • Sclerotherapy (Foam & Liquid) – a treatment that involves injecting the affected veins with a foam solution to cause inflammation which closes off the vein.
  • VenaSeal – a closure system that uses medical adhesive to close varicose veins.
  • Phlebectomy – a procedure that involves making very small incisions to allow large varicose veins close to the surface to be removed using a specialised tool.
EVLA varicose vein removal surgery before and after photo
EVLA varicose vein removal surgery
VenaSeal Varicose Vein removal surgery before and after photo
VenaSeal Varicose Vein removal surgery
EVLA and Phlebectomy treatment before and after photo
EVLA and Phlebectomy treatment
EVLA and Foam Sclerotherapy treatment before and after photo
EVLA and Foam Sclerotherapy treatment

 

Where can I have varicose vein surgery?

We are able to offer varicose vein removal consultations in our clinics located nationwide.

  • London – 98 Harley Street, W1G7HZ
  • Birmingham – 88 Hagley Road, B16 8LU – West Midlands
  • Bristol – 92c Whiteladies Road, BS8 2QN – Clifton
  • Leeds – 45 Park Square North, LS1 2NP – Yorkshire
  • Manchester – 25 St John Street, M3 4DT
  • Northampton – 82 Billing Road, NN1 5DF – East Midlands
  • Bournemouth – Beechwood Avenue, BH5 1LX – Dorset, Bournemouth
  • Bexhill – Little Common Road, TN39 4SB – Bexhill on Sea, East Sussex

Why Choose The Private Clinic for Varicose Vein Surgery?

If you would like to find out more about our varicose vein treatments or to arrange a consultation with one of our Consultant Vascular Surgeons, please call 0333 920 2471 or use our varicose vein online contact form.

What is the best surgery for Varicose Veins?

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Varicose veins can be unsightly and uncomfortable to those that have them but seeking treatment can be a challenge. In the majority of cases, varicose vein surgery is not performed on the NHS so if you are looking for varicose vein surgery, you are going to need to go private.

At The Private Clinic, we offer patients the best varicose vein operation choices. All of our varicose vein procedures are performed as non-surgical treatments and they include EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) or Endovenous laser treatment, Sclerotherapy (Foam & Liquid), VenaSeal and Phlebectomy.

EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) has been rated the Gold Standard for treatment of Varicose Veins by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) and is always our first choice when selecting varicose vein surgery for our patients. Varicose vein laser surgery is suitable for the vast majority of patients with varicose veins no matter how short or wide the veins are.

VenaSeal is a great option for patients who are needle phobic. The treatment only requires a single injection per vein and it also has a short recovery period with many patients returning to work and exercise a lot sooner and there is also no requirement to wear compression stockings after treatment.

Foam sclerotherapy is a great minimally invasive technique for mild cases of varicose veins, but it can require more than one treatment for the best results.

Phlebectomy surgery is not commonly performed but is often a preferred choice by our vascular surgeons if the veins are sitting close to the surface of the skin. It does require very small incisions to be made on the leg to perform a keyhole varicose vein removal however these do not require stitches and it is all performed under local anaesthetic.

Varicose Vein Surgery Recovery

One of the biggest deciding factors on having varicose vein surgery is the recovery time.

Traditionally varicose vein surgery was carried out via a vein stripping method which has now been discouraged. The vein stripping method often required 3 weeks to recover before returning to work and everyday activities and patients were often in a lot of pain following surgery.

Our range of minimally invasive varicose vein procedures all have much shorter recovery times with Varicose Vein laser surgery recovery taking as little as 24 hours.

How long-time off work following varicose vein removal?

Patients who have had EVLA, VenaSeal and Foam Sclerotherapy procedures often feel able to return to work the next day. Those that had a Phlebectomy often require a few additional days to recover.

Our expert vascular surgeons do advise that strenuous exercise is avoided for at least 5 days and it should then be returned to at a gradual pace to avoid unnecessary injury.

But overall, patients are encouraged to stay active throughout their recovery and we feel this gives the best results.

Varicose vein surgery before and after photos

varicose veins london venaseal patient story review before after photos

varicose veins leg treatment laser before after photos

varicose vein removal surgery legs before after photos results

best varicose vein clinic removal surgery before after photos results

best varicose vein removal surgery evla before after photos results

Varicose vein surgery at The Private Clinic

The Private Clinic has clinics nationwide:

Expert Vascular Surgeons

To find out more about the best varicose vein removal treatments available for you call 0333 920 2471 or use our online varicose veins contact form to make a consultation.

10 Varicose and Thread Vein FAQs

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What are veins?

Veins are blood vessels that carry blood around the body. Their main role is to return blood from the organs back to the heart. Organs use oxygen from the blood to help perform their functions and thy then release the used blood back into the veins. This blood is then taken back to the heart and into the lungs where the carbon dioxide is released, and fresh oxygen inhaled and put back into the blood. There are different types of veins which vary in size and function with the largest being in the centre of the body.

What are varicose veins and spider veins?

When the valves within a vein become weak, it becomes harder for the blood to travel through causing it to instead sit within the vein. This causes the vein to stretch and become enlarged which is then known as a varicose vein.

A spider vein is another type of damaged vein which instead does not tend to swell or become enlarged, but they do sit close to the surface of the skin and you can often see them as red, blue or purple lines on the skin.

Can I get varicose or spider veins?

Varicose veins and spider veins are common, and anyone can be at risk from developing them.

Key risk factors that can contribute to the formation of varicose veins includes:

  • Family history
  • Age
  • Being overweight
  • Pregnancy

Key risk factors that can contribute to the formation of thread veins includes:

  • Genetics
  • Age
  • Trauma
  • Medical Condition
  • Hormones

What treatments are available for varicose or spider veins?

There are lots of treatments around for varicose veins and spider veins. At home treatments include leg elevation, compression stockings, weight loss and diet changes however these are unlikely to treat the veins completely and are more to prevent the formation of further veins and to help with any discomfort.

For a more permanent treatment you may be advised varicose vein surgery or cosmetic thread vein treatments such as

  • Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
  • VenaSeal
  • Sclerotherapy
  • Phlebectomy
  • Cutera CoolGlide (Thread veins only)
  • IPL Photorejuvenation (Thread veins only)

Do I need to get my veins treated?

It is not essential to get your veins treated if the reason is purely cosmetic. However, it is worth remembering that having varicose veins especially can you put you at risk of developing blood clots, ulcers, further swelling, hyperpigmentation and other forms of venous disease.

At The Private Clinic, we offer all varicose vein patients a free ultrasound scan at your consultation which will help your vascular surgeon to see if there are any underlying issues that need to be dealt with before your start treatment.

Treatment for thread veins is again, not essential however they can continue to get worse if left untreated and in some cases are the first sign of a more serious vascular problem, so it is always worth getting them checked out.

Do compression stockings help with varicose veins?

Compression stockings can help with the discomfort of varicose veins and can also assist with the prevention of further varicose veins. They are designed to increase blood circulation in the leg and come a variety of strengths and measurements. They can help to reduce swelling, aching and cramping but they do need to be worn on a daily basis for the results to continue.

Who performs varicose vein treatments?

Varicose vein treatments at The Private Clinic are performed by some of the UKs best Vascular surgeons. Our team of expert vascular surgeons are able to offer the most advanced, minimally invasive treatments for all types of veins. Many of our surgeons are members of The Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland and/or the European Society for Vascular Surgery.

When it comes to choosing a surgeon for varicose vein treatments always be sure to check to see if your surgeon is board certified, ask how many patients they have treated and ask to see before and after photos. We recommend asking friends, family members and even your GP for recommendations and always meet with your surgeon before booking in for any type of varicose vein removal procedure.

Find out more about choosing the right vascular surgeon here.

Are there any side effects from varicose vein surgery?

There are always certain risks or side effects that can occur when you undergo any type of medical treatment or procedure and these should always be discussed with your surgeon before undergoing any type of varicose vein treatment.

Side effects will vary depending on which treatment you undergo, EVLA and Foam Sclerotherapy treatments can cause slight swelling or bruising and VenaSeal can result in inflammation or pain in the treatment area. These are all common side effects and should only last for 1-2 weeks.

Removing varicose veins is a very safe procedure. The veins are no longer functioning and are therefore not needed. Once they have been removed, the blood is re-routed to healthier veins located deeper under the skin.

A full discussion on the risks and side effects of varicose vein surgery will always be discussed at your consultation.

How long do the results from varicose or thread vein surgery last?

The results from varicose vein surgery and thread veins procedures are designed to be permanent. There is a chance that you may develop new varicose or thread veins following surgery, but the treated vein is very unlikely to appear again.

How can I prevent varicose veins?

There is no guaranteed way to stop the formation of varicose veins, especially if you are genetically prone to them. A few recommendations to help include:

  • Live a healthy lifestyle
  • Keep at an ideal weight
  • Avoid sitting or standing for long periods
  • Wear compression stockings
  • Regular exercise

Why choose The Private Clinic for Vein treatment?

To find out more about varicose or thread vein treatments at The Private Clinic, please call, 0333 920 2471 or use our veins online contact form to book a consultation.

 

Leeds Varicose Vein Clinic near Me

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Our state of the art varicose veins clinic in Leeds provides all patients with premium standards of treatment and care. All of our varicose vein procedures are performed in our private clinic on Park square, close to the centre of Leeds. Our team of dedicated vascular surgeons and nurses will ensure you are comfortable throughout your procedure and will continue to provide personalised aftercare following your procedure.

Varicose Veins Clinic in Leeds

Our Varicose Veins clinic is located on Park Square North close to the centre of Leeds. We have many patients visit us from surrounding areas such as Farsley, Leeds city centre, Methley, Oulton, Stanningley, Yeadon, Roundhay,  Chappel Allerton, Scarcroft, Headingly, Wetherby, Pudsey, Calderdale, Kirklees, Otley, Harrogate, York, South Yorkshire, Sheffield and Doncaster.

Expert Varicose Vein Surgeon in Leeds

Consultant General and Vascular Surgeon, Mr Tahir Hussain MBBS (Lon) MS (Lond) FRCS (Engl) FRCS (Gen Surg) GMC Number: 3242669 has been a consultant for plastic surgery for 20 years. Born in London, he graduated from the University of London and carried out his surgical training and higher surgical training at a variety of hospitals across the UK.

Mr Tahir Hussain is very experienced in a wide range of vascular surgery including arterial and venous disease. He is a keen advocate of the Endovenous Laser Ablation treatment for treating varicose veins.

Varicose Vein Treatments in Leeds

All of our varicose vein treatments available at our clinic in Leeds are performed under local anaesthetic and you will be able to return home shortly after the procedure to recover.

EVLA is considered the Gold Standard in Varicose vein treatment by National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). The treatment uses ultrasound to locate the veins and then laser heat is targeted into the vein causing the vein to collapse. The vein will then be gradually absorbed by the body over time.

VenaSeal is a great procedure for patients who experience needle phobia as it does only require one small injection per vein. Using a small catheter, the surgeon will guide the VenaSeal tool through the leg dispensing small amounts of medical grade Sapheon glue which then closes the vein. Once the vein is closed, it will then be absorbed by the body. VenaSeal has a quick recovery time and many patients do not need to wear compression stockings following treatment.

Phlebectomy is a very effective procedure for removing large varicose veins that are sitting close to the surface of the skin. Small incisions will be made and the vein will then be removed. The procedure does not require stitches and the results are instant as the vein has been removed, however bruising and swelling is still to be expected and patients will be required to wear compression stockings.

Foam Sclerotherapy is used to treat varicose veins. It is similar to liquid sclerotherapy which is more commonly used to treat thread veins but this solution is slightly different. The foam is injected into the vein causing inflammation before the vein then closes up over time. We also offer liquid sclerotherapy to treat thread veins in clinic.

Thread Veins can also be effectively treated at our clinic in Leeds. We offer liquid sclerotherapy treatment which involves injection a sclerosing agent along the vein which causes the vein walls to become sticky and blood is no longer able to pass through. When no blood is passing through the vein, the capillaries will start collapse and be absorbed by the body therefore gradually disappearing from view.

We are also able to treat facial thread veins with our effective ND Yag laser that can be used to treat individual veins on the face or legs. Pulses of light energy are emitted over the skin which causes the blood in the thread veins to coagulate resulting in the vessel closing. Once closed, the thread vein will then be re-absorbed by the body and blood is redirected to deeper veins where it will no longer be visable.

Varicose vein Leeds before and after photos

varicose vein removal evla leeds before after photosvaricose vein surgery leeds before after photosvaricose vein surgery evla leeds before after photos results

See more varicose vein treatment result photos.

Varicose vein treatment in Leeds reviews

“I have been really pleased with all aspects of my varicose veins treatment at the Leeds clinic. All the staff were friendly helpful and caring. Everything was explained and any questions I had were answered. It was nice to have a phone call afterwards to check all was well and being able to ring the clinic with any questions and know I would be able to speak to a nurse, it was really reassuring. Thank you to all involved.”

Lesley – Doncaster

“I wasn’t looking forward to EVLA and Phlebectomy treatments but the staff were friendly and reassuring.  Mr Hussain inspired confidence and the theatre nurses, Helen and Leigh were great.  I would recommend this clinic and would return without hesitation for other treatments.”

Wendy – York

Why choose The Private Clinic Leeds for Varicose Veins Treatment

  • We offer the least invasive method for varicose veins and thread veins removal treatment for your legs, body and face.
  • Our Consultant vascular surgeons are pioneers in EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) and have treated thousands of patients.
  • No lengthy downtime or recovery required.
  • 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 focus on the underlying cause of your veins and you will only see a Consultant Vascular surgeon for varicose veins.
  • We have treated thousands of patients who have regained their confidence whilst avoiding health issues.
  • Treatments usually take up to an hour, you can go home shortly after being treated.
  • Owing to our success, 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 and The Daily Mail.
  • We have carried out over 7,000 procedures in treating Veins.
  • Read our extensive varicose vein FAQs
  • View our varicose vein before and after result photos
  • Hear from previous patients in our varicose vein patient stories
  • Find out more in our varicose vein blogs
  • Download our varicose vein treatment brochure

To find out more about our varicose vein treatments in leeds or to book a veins appointment call 0333 920 2471 or visit use our varicose vein online contact form.

How long is the recovery from varicose vein surgery?

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In the past, the best way to remove varicose or thread veins is by undergoing vein surgery. The procedure available to treat varicose veins was vein stripping, a surgical procedure that required overnight stay at the hospital, was performed under general anaesthetic and required a long recovery process. Nowadays we count with highly advanced minimally-invasive vein removal treatments which require minimal downtime and are performed under local anaesthetic.

varicose vein removal women man

With most vein removal procedures, patients are able to return to their day to day activities within 24 hours. Depending on the procedure and the severity of your vein problems, your consultant vascular surgeon might suggest avoiding strenuous exercise for a few days.

What are the vein removal treatments available and how long is the recovery time?

There are a variety of minimally invasive varicose vein removal treatments which include:

  • EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation): Is a minimally invasive procedure to treat varicose veins performed under local anaesthetic. EVLA is a vein removal treatment that uses ultrasound technology to locate the affected veins and then destroys them collapsing the wall of the veins using laser heat.  This treatment is highly effective which achieves a 4% success rate and is considered the Gold Standard of treatment for varicose veins by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).

The Recovery: The EVLA treatment offers a speedier recovery compared to traditional vein stripping and enables patients to return to their daily routine faster. After the procedure, you will be required to wear a compression stocking for a period of two weeks.

Endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins

  • Sclerotherapy: This treatment is typically recommended to treat small varicose veins and thread veins or spider veins. Sclerotherapy consists of injecting a solution to coat the walls of the veins causing them to inflame and push the blood out of the treatment area. The walls of the veins become very sticky; this will help the veins to close down and slowly disappear. To treat varicose veins foam Sclerotherapy is used and for thread veins, liquid Sclerotherapy is applied.

The Recovery: After Sclerotherapy patients are most likely to be able to return to their everyday activities immediately. You will be required to wear a compression stocking to promote blood flow for a few days after the procedure. Patients should also avoid sunlight, having hot showers, baths, swimming pools and strenuous exercise for a few days after treatment.

  • Venaseal: Is a varicose vein removal treatment which uses a medical glue to close the veins. Venaseal is performed under local anaesthetic, once the treatment area is numb a small catheter is inserted in the leg and with the assistance of ultrasound technology the catheter will start dispensing the adhesive targeting the affected veins.

The Recovery:  After the Vena Seal treatment patients are not required to wear compression stockings and they can return to their daily activities right away.

varicose vein removal EVLA treatment before and after photo
Before and after EVLA varicose vein removal treatment.
  • Phlebectomy: uses a technique to remove varicose veins under local anaesthesia. It consists of performing small incisions to allow a small hook to be inserted so the vein can be hooked and removed. With this technique, there is no need for stitches as the incisions performed are very small.

The Recovery:  After the procedure, the incision will be covered with some dressings and your surgeon will require you to wear the compression stocking for a period of two weeks. Patients will be able to resume to their day to day activities within 24 hours and should avoid strenuous activities for two weeks from the procedure.

varicose vein removal EVLA procedure before and after
Before and after varicose vein removal treatment.

To treat thread veins  there are two main treatments, Sclerotherapy and the laser treatment Cutera CoolGlide.

  • Cutera Cool Glide: this is a minimally invasive laser treatment which directs intense light to the thread veins to cause the blood within them to coagulate and divert back into other veins deeper down. The veins will gradually disappear as they will get re-absorbed by the body. This treatment is also ideal to treat facial veins, under the eyes, cheeks or nose.

The Recovery: after the treatment, you should avoid exercise and sun exposure for at least 24 hours. Any bruising or swelling that may appear will subside within 1-2 days. The veins will gradually fade away.

Why you should choose The Private Clinic for your varicose vein treatment.

At The Private Clinic, we have been offering the most advanced, minimally invasive vein treatments for over 30 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 takes one 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 list of varicose vein FAQs
  • Hear from previous patients in our varicose vein patient stories
  • Find out more information in our varicose vein blogs
  • Download our varicose vein brochure

The Private Clinic has varicose vein clinics across the UK including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bournemouth, Northampton and Bexhill.

Our Expert Vascular Surgeons

To find out more information about varicose veins or to book a veins consultation with our experts call 0333 920 2471 or use our varicose veins online contact form.

Do I need to treat my varicose veins?

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Varicose veins usually develop when the small valves inside the veins stop working properly. They appear as lumpy or bulging veins usually on the legs and they may be dark purple or blue in colour. Varicose veins affect many people in the UK but many people choose to ignore their veins rather than seeking treatment. Varicose veins are not only an unsightly nuisance but they are also potential health hazards putting you at risk of blood clots, ulcers and swelling as well as venous disease.

What are the Consequences of untreated Varicose Veins?

Many patients who don’t treat their varicose veins will just experience continued symptoms of pain, fatigue and swelling of the legs or ankles. But some patients can go on to develop advanced medical problems including hyperpigmentation, lipodermatosclerosis, venous leg ulcers, spontaneous bleeding, superficial thrombophlebitis, and a potentially life-threatening condition called deep vein thrombosis

While not all varicose veins are dangerous, they should be evaluated and monitored by a vein specialist to ensure that treatment is advised when symptoms for any of the below issues are apparent.

Skin Discolouration / Pigmentation

Varicose veins that have had a period of time to progress untreated can lead to pigmentation appearing as brownish or blue skin discoloration.

Blood Clots / Superficial Thrombophlebitis

Varicose veins can cause blood in the veins to pool leading to stagnant blood flow which then clots in the insufficient vein. These blood clots can then travel to other parts of the body blocking blood flow which can then result in serious medical issues. Superficial thrombophlebitis is also caused by blood clots within the veins which can result in redness with painful hard lumps sitting beneath the skin.

Ulcers

Varicose veins can cause venous ulcers or open sores which can be painful, cause your leg to swell and are often difficult to heal. Open sores on the legs can result in infection so we recommend getting both these and your varicose veins treated as soon as possible to reduce the risk of this.

Spontaneous Bleeding

Untreated varicose veins have an increased risk of sudden bleeding. This is because over time they can become bigger and there is a high amount of pressure which can cause the veins to spontaneously burst and bleed heavily. The high pressure involved in varicose veins can cause the bleed to be very dramatic and in some cases a stitch or other medical treatment to ensure that the patient does not continue to loose what could be a large amount of blood.  It does not take much to cause spontaneous bleeding, simply brushing against the edge of a piece of furniture or even scrubbing your skin too hard in the bath or shower can cause a varicose vein to burst.

Lipodermatosclerosis

This skin condition occurs most commonly on the lower leg affecting people who have a venous insufficiency. Lipodermatosclerosis is when there is an inflammation in the layer of fatty tissue beneath the skin. It can cause your skin to become red, painful and swollen with hardening of the skin.

Deep Vein Thrombosis / Pulmonary Embolism

If you have varicose veins then you are unfortunately at a greater risk of developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis). DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) is when a blood clot forms in a deep leg vein, it can cause pain and swelling and can lead to more severe conditions such as a pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a section of the blood clot breaks off and works its way into the bloodstream and blocks one of the blood vessels in the lungs. Together, DVT and pulmonary embolism are known as venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Varicose Vein Treatment at The Private Clinic

When you have a consultation for Varicose Veins at The Private Clinic, our expert consultant vascular surgeons will perform a free ultrasound scan of your legs to look for underlying issues like the ones mentioned above.

Expert Vascular Surgeons

Our specialised team at our Varicose Vein clinics are here to reduce the risks and side effects from having varicose veins by offering a range of varicose vein treatments such as Phlebectomy, Foam Sclerotherapy, VenaSeal and the Gold Standard treatment for varicose veins EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation).

varicose veins removal treatment evla laser procedure before after photosvaricose veins treatment evla laser removal procedure before after photos

Why choose The Private Varicose Vein Clinic?

  • The least invasive method for varicose veins and thread veins removal treatment for your legs, body and face.
  • Our Consultant vascular surgeons are pioneers in EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) and have treated thousands of patients.
  • No lengthy downtime or recovery required.
  • The NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) Gold Standard for treatment of Varicose Veins findings shows 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 focus on the underlying cause of your veins and you will only see a Consultant Vascular surgeon for varicose veins.
  • We have treated thousands of patients who have regained their confidence whilst avoiding health issues.
  • Treatment takes one hour; you can go home shortly after being treated.
  • Owing to our success, we have been featured on Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies and TLC’s My Naked Secret
  • We have carried out over 7,000 procedures in treating Veins.
  • View our varicose vein before and after result photos.
  • Read our extensive varicose vein FAQs.
  • Hear from previous patients in our varicose vein patient stories.
  • Find out more in our varicose vein blogs.
  • Download our varicose veins treatment brochure.

If you are suffering from varicose veins and would like to speak to someone about the treatments we have available please call our Varicose vein clinic number 0333 920 2471 or click here to make an appointment in one of our Varicose Vein clinics located in:

If you are suffering from varicose veins and would like to speak to someone about the treatments we have available please call 0333 920 2471 or click here to make an appointment.