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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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
- 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
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.
