We discuss all you need to know about varicose veins, including varicose vein symptoms, how varicose veins develop, and why you may have them in the first place. This blog post also has you covered on how you can remove them – we lay out your varicose vein procedure options, with a particular focus on Endovenous laser treatment or EVLA (the Gold Standard treatment for removing varicose veins).
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are lumpy, bulging veins usually purple or blue in colour and commonly found on the leg surface, but can also be found on other regions such as the foot or around the ankle.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Varicose veins can often be diagnosed by their swollen, enlarged or twisted appearance, but other varicose vein symptoms may include the following. (Please note that symptoms experienced differ for everyone).
Swollen ankles and/or feet
Restless, heavy, aching legs
Dry skin around the affected vein
Leg cramps
Throbbing or burning sensation within the legs
Brown or purplish skin patches on your lower legs and ankles
Skin ulcers (uncommon)
A red rash usually over lower leg or ankles (venous eczema)
How do varicose veins develop?
Varicose veins occur when blood fails to flow properly through your leg veins, and this is how it works… Your veins take blood to your heart, requiring the blood to flow in an upwards direction (against gravity). This is facilitated by one-way valves and muscle contractions. If these valves weaken or break, however, they cannot properly close. Your blood then flows back to your legs, where, the veins begin to bulge, causing varicose veins. Serving no purpose, these damaged veins are perfectly safe to remove.
What causes varicose veins?
It’s not clear why some people develop varicose veins while others do not. But we do know that the following create higher risk of developing varicose veins: genetics, being overweight (due to increased pressure on your veins), being female (female hormones make vein walls more elastic), and ageing (vein walls weaken with age).
Varicose veins can additionally be secondary to other circumstances or issues. You could be more at risk if you have previously injured your leg veins, had a blood clot, are pregnant (with increased hormone levels and more blood circulating), or stand for a long time in one position (blood can pool in the leg veins, increasing pressure in the veins).
What are the complications of varicose veins?
Varicose veins can worsen gradually. Some with the condition for some time develop skin changes, usually in the ankle or lower leg, due to increased pressure within the veins. Skin could become purple or brown and could develop a rash called varicose eczema. More serious but uncommon complications include deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the vein that can cause pain and swelling), venous ulcers (any cuts or wounds could form an ulcer), bleeding (if you bump or cut your leg) and thrombophlebitis (red, painful superficial veins due to a blood clot in the vein).
How can I treat varicose veins?
The good news is there are a range of minimally-invasive, walk-in-walk-out safe procedures available to remove your varicose veins, not requiring general anaesthetic, and all taking under an hour to complete. In fact, at The Private Clinic, we are able to offer non-surgical treatments for varicose vein removal, to 99% of patients that visit us.
How do I get rid of varicose veins on my legs?
We provide a range of advanced and effective treatments for varicose vein removal. They all work in different ways and are suited to different varicose vein cases. We believe treatment should only be performed by a Consultant Vascular Surgeon who is fully qualified and trained in varicose vein removal.
Some patients look for treatment through the NHS. Although, it is important to note that for varicose veins with and without complications, the NHS typically always first advise self-care measures for a long trial period, such as wearing compression stockings. Although, we do not advise this route as delaying treatment can cause varicose vein problems to exacerbate.
Below we’ve outlined a range of minimally invasive vein removal treatments, each recommended by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) for different eligibility, and all available at The Private Clinic:
Treatment
Best for
How it works
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
The Gold Standard varicose vein treatment by NICE. EVLA is the recommended treatment for all suitable patients.
The affected vein is located using ultrasound technology. Laser heat is then used for collapsing the vein wall, and eliminating the cause of the problem. Find out more about EVLA.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
RFA is also one of the preferred varicose vein treatments recommended by NICE. Overall, it is suitable more the majority of patients
A thin catheter is inserted into the varicose vein via ultrasound guidance. High frequency radio waves are used to heat the veins causing the collagen within the vein walls to shrink and prevent blood flow. The vein then collapses and is naturally absorbed by the body over time. Find out more about RFA.
Sclerotherapy
Foam Sclerotheapy is considered a benchmark treatment by NICE to be used when EVLA is not necessary. This is usually in cases where the varicose veins are not severe enough. Foam Sclerotherapy can also be used following EVLA treatment for any residual veins remaining post-treatment.
A saline solution mixed with air which creates the foam is injected into the affected vein. This damages the vein and causes it to close off. The varicose vein progressively shrinks and disappears being absorbed naturally by the body. Find out more about Foam Sclerotherapy.
Phlebectomy
The phlebectomy technique is best for removing large varicose veins that are close to the surface of the skin. It is a good treatment to also perform alongside EVLA treatment to achieve the best results.
Your surgeon makes tiny incisions. A hook is inserted into the incision, hooking onto part of the vein, and then vein is then removed. Incisions are so small that stitches are not required, and recovery is quick. Find out more about Phlebectomy treatment.
VenaSeal
VenaSeal is the method of choice for needle-phobic patients, the procedure is a ‘lunchtime treatment’ allowing immediate return to work. Treats varicose veins without the risks associated with thermal injury to tissues. There is also no need to wear support tights post treatment and patients are able to return to exercise a lot sooner.
The leg is numbed with local anaesthetic and a small catheter is inserted. An ultrasound then guides the catheter through the vein, and the catheter subsequently dispenses small amounts of the medical adhesive glue, which closes off the varicose vein. Find out more about VenaSeal treatment.
What is the best surgery for Varicose Veins?
EVLA Gold Standard Treatment uncovered
EVLA stands for Endovenous Laser Ablation and is a varicose vein removal procedure using laser heat to target, and break down veins. EVLA is considered by NICE to be the best treatment for varicose vein removal. We also always typically favour EVLA as it has a higher success rate. NICE findings actually show that EVLA’s success rate five years post procedure is 95.4%.
To give more detail on what happens in EVLA, an ultrasound scan marks the veins position prior to the injection of local anaesthetic around the area. A fine catheter is inserted via a small incision, typically close to the knee. Laser energy is transported via the catheter, in short pulses, closing up the damaged valve so blood is unable to flow through and the vein walls collapse. The procedure stops the reflux occurring from the damaged valve, producing the varicose vein, addressing the route of the problem, instead of only the symptoms.
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 before returning to work and everyday activities and patients were often in a lot of pain following surgery.
How much time off work is required following varicose vein removal?
Patients who have had EVLA, RFA, 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.
How can I relieve varicose veins without treatment?
If you’re waiting for treatment and feeling discomfort from common varicose vein symptoms there are several ways to relieve the pain, including the below. But please note that these are only a temporary fix of symptoms and do not mean varicose vein complications are prevented. Only treatments are able to remove varicose veins and help you avoid health problems.
Elevate your legs: Elevating your legs on a raised surface such as a table or pillow will make it easier for your lower body’s blood flow to circulate towards your heart, and help valves function more effectively.
Wearing compression stockings: The hosiery can prevent some symptoms, including heavy legs and swelling, which helps you to avoid cramps.
Showering your legs with cold water: Cooler temperatures can shrink blood vessels which will help with swelling and heavy legs, in addition to overall discomfort and cramps.
Exercise: Exercise helps support healthy blood circulation, so try to move as often as you can and stretch your legs.
Why Choose The Private Clinic?
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 £200, including a free ultrasound scan of your legs (usually priced between £350 and £450 at most clinics and private hospitals).
We work with our partnered finance provider ‘Chrysalis Finance’ to offer 0% finance* to our patients. Get in touch to find out more.
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.
We’re proud to offer Consultant Vascular Surgeons who are pioneers in the Gold Standard EVLA treatment and have treated the veins of thousands of patients.
All Varicose vein consultations involve a free ultrasound scan of your legs (typically costing between £350 and £450 at the majority of clinics and private hospitals).
