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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.

A spotlight on Varicose Vein Clinics

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Here at The Private Clinic we have over 30 years’ experience in offering the most advanced, minimally invasive treatments for all types of veins and we pride ourselves on being one of the UK’s most recognised, specialist varicose vein clinics with nationwide locations.  We are able to offer to offer non-surgical varicose vein treatments to 99% of patients that come to see us and together with our team of pioneering Vascular surgeons we have an impressive success rate for our EVLA treatment.

What are Varicose Veins and how are they treated?

Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins that most often appear on the legs but can be seen elsewhere. They sometimes appear blue or purple but are often just noticed as a bulging lump under the skin which can be unsightly and even painful to some.

Firstly we would invite you to come in for a consultation, you are welcome to see an advisor free of charge. When you meet the surgeon we are proud to offer a private surgical scan as part of the consolation fee and at no extra cost to yourself.

There are 4 options for treating Varicose Veins; EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation), VenaSeal, Foam Sclerotherapy and a Phlebectomy.

  • EVLA uses ultrasound technology to locate the problem vein and heat to eliminate it.
  • VenaSeal uses a medical adhesive to to close varicose veins.
  • Sclerotherapy is great for thinner veins and uses a liquid solution which converts to foam, blocking the vein encouraging the body to shut the vein down naturally.
  • Phlebectomy involves a hook to entering very small incisions under local anaesthetic to remove the veins.

To find out more about Varicose Veins and the treatments click here.

As well as impressive results we are happy to report that our treatments require minimal to no downtime, they are literally walk-in, walk-out procedures. Gone are the painful days of stripping veins!

If your veins are the thinner thread or ‘spider’ veins then a simple laser treatment may be the best option for you. Sometimes a combination of treatments is required, that’s why we are firm believers in creating a plan with you and for you, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to your body.

Where can I get Varicose Vein treatment near me?

Here at The Private Clinic we have a number of clinics and doctors you can visit for Varicose Vein treatments. We cannot overstate their experience and expertise.

London Harley Street varicose vein clinic

At our London Harley street veins clinic you will be able to see Mr Constantinos Kyriakides or Mr Dynesh Rittoo.
Our London clinic is close to Bayswater, Hyde Park, Green Park, Soho, Notting hill, Kings Road, Kensington, South Kensington, Chelsea, Fulham, Battersea, Regents Park, St Johns Wood, Primrose Hill, Victoria, West End, Marylebone, Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Mayfair, Holland Park, Earls court and Fitzrovia.

Bristol varicose veins clinic

At our Bristol veins clinic you will be able to see Mr Charles Ranaboldo. Our Bristol Clinic is located in Clifton which is easily commutable from surrounding areas including; Bedminster, Cotham, Kingsdown,  Leigh Woods, Totterdown, Redcliffe, Redland, St Pauls Bristol, St Phillips Bristol, Westbury on Trym, Portishead, Henleaze, Winterbourne, Frampton Cotterell, Almondsbury, Bath, Clevedon, Downend, Frenchay and Hambrook

Birmingham varicose veins clinic

At our Birmingham veins clinic you will be able to see Professor Rajiv Vohra. Our Birmingham Clinic is easily commutable from surrounding areas including; Lichfield, Sutton Coldfield, Solihull, Shrewsbury, Kidderminster, Hampton in Arden, Leamington Spa, Stratford, Edgbaston and Harborne.

Manchester varicose veins clinic

At our Manchester veins clinic you will be able to see Mr Tahir Hussain or Mr Ferdinand Serracino-Inglott. Our Manchester Clinic is easily commutable from surrounding areas including; Hale/Hale Barns, Bowdon, Alderley Edge, Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Leigh, Prestbury, Nantwich, Tarporley, Knutsford, Worsley, Altrincham, Cheadle and Deansgate.


Leeds varicose veins clinic

At our Leeds veins clinic you will be able to see Mr Tahir Hussain. Our clinic in Leeds is easily commutable from the surrounding areas of; 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.

Bexhill Varicose Veins Clinic

At our consulting room at Bexhill Veins Clinic you will be able to see Dr Mo Farris. Our Bexhill consulting room is in a ideal location for patients from East Sussex, located at an equal distance from Brighton and Kent, between Eastbourne and Hastings.

Bournemouth Varicose Veins clinic

At our consulting room in our Bournemouth veins clinic you will be able to see Mr Dynesh Rittoo. Our Bournemouth Varicose Vein Clinic is not far fromWinchester, Salisbury, Dorset, Hampshire, Plymouth, Poole, Southampton, Isle of Wight and Portsmouth.

Northampton Varicose Veins clinic

At our Northampton veins clinic you will be able to see Mr Rajiv Pathak. Our clinic in Northampton is easily commutable from the surrounding areas of Northamptonshire including; Yardley Hastings, Collingtree Park,  Boughton, East Hunsbury, Great Brington , West Hunsbury, Great Houghton, Grange Park, Little Houghton, Abington, Maidwell, Golf Lane, Harrington, Sandy Lane, Chapel Brampton, Wootton, Kelmarsh,, Abington Vale, Grendon , Weston, Kislingbury, Althorpe, Quinton, Ashton, Harlestone, Upper Harlestone, Guilsborough, Roade, Stanwick, Wellingborough, Raunds and areas from the East Midlands, Leicester, Peterborough, Northants, Cambridge, Norwich and Norfolk.

Varicose Veins Before and After Photos

Varicose Vein Patient Testimonials/Reviews

“I’m so pleased with the results and it is really life changing for me!” * -Nicole Hopkirk, Former Managing Editor, MSN Health

“I have been a patient of the Bristol clinic for a few years after having treatment on my varicose veins with Mr Ranaboldo which was very successful. “ – Mrs B, Bristol

“This was a big step for me to take both financially and physically but I have no regrets and am glad I went through the Private Clinic. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend both Mr Ranaboldo and the clinic.” – Rachel, Bristol

“Came to The Private Clinic to have thread veins treated. Dr Rittoo was extremely professional and caring in his manner and treatment with me. The staff were lovely, would highly recommend this clinic. Very happy with the results so far.” – Heather, London

“I attended the Manchester clinic for the EVLA varicose vein treatment with Mr Inglot. I had a large amount of unsightly veins which caused me discomfort. I was supported throughout the procedure by the clinic staff and Mr Inglot. Although I had a large amount of veins treated my recovery was swift and simpler than I expected and I am delighted with the result”.- Pat, Manchester

“Excellent service and customer care from Mr Rittoo, Stefanie and all the team at The Private Clinic, Glasgow. I’m delighted with the results. A quick, efficient and pain free treatment. Wish I had done it sooner as I can now show off my legs after years of hiding them.” – Joanne, Glasgow

Varicose Vein Treatments The Private Clinic

Here at The Private Clinic we offer competitively priced walk-in walk-out varicose vein procedures that are performed by some of the Country’s top Consultant Vascular Surgeons. Our surgeons have also performed amongst the highest number of EVLA treatments in the UK, and have helped develop the procedure into the safe and highly recommended method it is today.

Expert Vascular Surgeons at The Private Clinic

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 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.
  • 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, TLC’s My Naked Secret and featured in Harper’s Bazaar’s Cosmetic Tweakment Trends for 2019.
  • We have carried out over 7,000 procedures in treating Veins.
  • View our varicose vein before and after photos
  • 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
  • Download our varicose vein treatment brochure

To find out more about our varicose vein treatments or to book a consultation you can call 0333 920 2471 or use our Varicose Vein online contact form.

Vascular Surgeons answer your top 9 questions about Varicose Veins

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Varicose veins are actually very common and can affect more than 1 in 3 adults.

As the weather starts to get warmer you naturally start to ditch the tights and jeans in favour of bare legs but what happens when you are faced with those blue lumpy veins that you forgot about at the end of summer last year!

With over 35 years’ experience in offering the most advanced, minimally invasive treatments for all types of veins, we are one of the UK’s most recognised, specialist varicose vein clinics and we have a team of the most experienced Consultant Vascular Surgeons ready to help boost your confidence ready for the summer!

We decided to put forward some of our most frequently asked varicose vein treatment questions to Consultant Vascular Surgeons , Mr Constantinos Kyriakides, Dr Dynesh Rittoo and Professor Rajiv Kumar Vohra who have given their answers below;

Do the veins that have been treated stay away for good?

Mr Kyriakides: This depends on the type of treatment that the patient is having. I believe the best results are seen after EVLA treatment where there is less than 10% of a chance of the veins coming back. The old stripping treatment method that is traditionally associated with varicose veins had a 60% chance of veins returning after around 10 years. So in comparison EVLA treatment is quite impressive!

Dr Rittoo: When the varicose veins are cut, tied or stripped the cut ends tend to regrow which is part of a normal healing process. When we do EVLA treatment there are no cut ends and the cells at the end of the veins are sterilised and therefore there is less risk of vein regrowth. As a result the recurrence rate from EVLA is very small.

Professor Vohra:  Varicose veins can recur but not necessarily in the same system we like to advise our patients about the anatomy and physiology of the venous system so they know what to look out for in the future.

How long can I expect vein free legs for?

Mr Kyriakides: It is unlikely for the same vein to appear again after treatment, especially when using the EVLA method as the laser is very comprehensive and sealing the vein. You may find that new veins appear and sometimes even normal looking veins you have had for years can develop into varicose veins so it is best to keep a close eye on them. I would say there is a 1% chance of new veins developing for each year after treatment.

Professor Vohra: Depending on what treatment you have the results will vary; your surgeon will be able to discuss the right treatment for you in order for you to achieve the best results.

When can I resume normal activities after EVLA treatment?

Mr Kyriakides: I don’t like my patients to be lying around post-treatment. I recommend walking 4 miles a day after surgery and you should be up and about during the day too. In terms of getting back to exercise it is best to wait till you are 5 days post procedure to avoid any potential injury.

Dr Rittoo: I usually advise my patient that they can return to normal activities as soon as they leave the clinic. The only restrictions are that they should avoid contact sports for about 2 weeks and avoid going swimming.

Professor Vohra:  Most treatments are walk-in walk-out treatments meaning you will be able to resume normal activities straight away, with some limitations obviously. You will be on painkillers for the first 4-5 days so probably best not to do anything too strenuous during the first 5 days post procedure.

Can I drive myself home after treatment?

Mr Kyriakides: I wouldn’t recommend driving yourself home after treatment. Your response time may be less due to the compression stocking and bandages and you may not be covered on your insurance if anything was to happen. You should be fine to drive the following day but maybe avoid long journeys and take regular breaks so you can move your legs around.

Dr Rittoo: After EVLA I do not recommend that you drive yourself home. EVLA is performed under local anaesthetic and following your treatment I usually put a firm bandage and a stocking on your leg. While this may not interfere with your ability to walk, it may interfere with you doing an emergency stop and therefore I do not recommend that you drive following your treatment. The day after your treatment you will remove the bandage but you will carry on wearing the stocking, if you feel comfortable and you know that you are in control of your car you may wish to drive but more importantly you should always check with your motor insurance to make sure that they are happy to cover you in these circumstances. These are my guidelines and I usually modify them to suit individual patient needs.

Professor Vohra: Agreed, you should not be driving for at least 24 hours after any type of leg vein treatment.

Will I have to take time off work after EVLA treatment?

Mr Kyriakides: Previously you may have been looking at 2 weeks off work but we only recommend 3-4 days of work after EVLA treatment. It varies between patients and some are back in work after 3 days whereas others prefer to take the full 4.

Dr Rittoo: Most patients do not need to take time off after EVLA treatment, some patients may experience some discomfort typically a few days after EVLA and they can usually take simple painkillers to control the discomfort.  Most patients can go back to work the day after the treatment.

Professor Vohra: Everybody is different, some patients may need a few days off whereas others I can treat on a Saturday and they will go back to work on Monday.

After treatment, will I be able to see a difference straight away?

Mr Kyriakides: You will be able to see a difference straight away after EVLA treatment, but you won’t be able to go and show off to all your family and friends as you will leave the clinic wearing a compression stocking.

Dr Rittoo: When I perform EVLA I usually treat all visible varicose veins at the same sitting when you take off your stocking a week or two post treatment you will notice a big difference in the appearance of your treated leg. You may notice some bruising but the visible varicose veins will have disappeared. Usually you get the full benefit of your treatment in about 6 weeks.

Professor Vohra: I normally say to my patients to wait and see the real difference 3 months after the treatment.

How long do I need to wear my compression stockings for?

Mr Kyriakides: After EVLA treatment you will be required to wear a compression stocking for two weeks. This should not get in the way of your daily life too much and you will be able to remove it for showers etc.

Dr Rittoo: The use of compression hosiery is an integral part of endovenous treatment. In the first few days following treatment most patients will feel more comfortable wearing the stocking however, the stocking can sometimes fall down or dig behind the knee and some patients when they take the stocking off to have a shower they may feel it is more of a problem putting it back on again. It you are able to tolerate the stocking then you should try to wear it as directed, if the stocking is causing you problems then you may stop wearing it after 48hrs.

Professor Vohra: Compression hosiery is advisable for 2 week but I would say the first 3 days are the most important.

How long can it take after treatment to go on holiday abroad?

Mr Kyriakides: I tell my patients to avoid flying for ideally up to 4 weeks after treatment and I give the same advice for sun exposure too, try and avoid direct exposure to the sun for 4 weeks to avoid any excess bruising.

Professor Vohra: I would recommend no flying for a minimum of 2 weeks.

If you have any additional questions about Varicose Veins and the treatments we offer please don’t hesitate to get in contact.

Varicose Veins before and after result photos

Consultant Vascular Surgeons at The Private Clinic

Here at The Private Clinic we offer competitively priced walk-in walk-out varicose vein procedures that are performed by some of the Country’s top Consultant Vascular Surgeons. Our surgeons have also performed amongst the highest number of EVLA treatments in the UK, and have helped develop the procedure into the safe and highly recommended method it is today.

Consultations available in London Harley Street, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester, Bexhill Veins Clinic, Bournemouth Veins Clinic and Northampton

Why choose The Private Clinic for Varicose Vein Treatment?

The Private Clinic has been around since 1983. For over 35 years we have been providing quality care and treatments to thousands of patients a year. We specialise in advanced, minimally invasive treatments for many medical and cosmetic problems, particularly problem veins. Our leading team of Consultant Vascular Surgeons across the UK are here to help you treat your Varicose Veins safely and completely.

  • 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.
  • We offer 4 different treatments for Varicose Veins including EVLA, VenaSeal, Foam Sclerotherapy and Phlebectomy procedures.
  • 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.
  • 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 , TLC’s My Naked Secret and featured in Harper’s Bazaar’s Cosmetic Tweakment Trends for 2019.
  • We have carried out over 7,000 procedures in treating Veins.
  • View our varicose vein before and after photos.
  • Read our extensive varicose vein FAQs.
  • Take a look at 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 or to book a consultation you can call 0333 920 2471 or use our Varicose Vein online contact form.

Get your legs prepped for summer

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Many of us get through winter with our woolly tights, trousers and jeans not even really taking notice of the status of our legs. But all it takes is one big event – a wedding, a party or even a work night out and all of a sudden they become all we can focus on.

Those veins that you have been hiding away since last summer unfortunately haven’t magically disappeared over the winter period but instead they are still there with no signs of fading any time soon.

Now is the perfect time of the year to consider leg vein treatment in order for your legs to be ready for the big reveal once the sun starts to make a regular appearance.

What vein do I have and what treatment do I need?

Thread Veins (Telangiectasia)

Thread veins are also known as spider veins due to their web-like appearance.

Nearly all of us will develop thread veins as we age and you may be surprised to know that one in five women in their 20s will have thread veins. Thread veins can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on the leg and face. Thread veins are actually tiny blood vessels that run close to the surface of the skin. They are most often red in colour but sometimes show up as purple and have a ‘wiggly line’-like appearance.

There is no apparent cause for thread veins; they just develop as we age. Some factors that can cause them to appear include pregnancy, hormonal changes, sunbathing, exposure to extreme temperatures, cortico-steroid medication and radiotherapy exposure.

Smaller thread veins are generally much easier to treat so early treatment and prevention is key before they start to get more difficult later on in life.

Here at The Private Clinic there are several treatments available for thread veins depending where they are located on the body.

  • CoolGlide is a vascular laser system designed to treat thread veins. The laser delivers pulses of light energy which causes the blood inside the vein to thicken and destroy the vessel which is then absorbed naturally by your body. The blood flow is then redirected into deeper lying veins so the problem should not re-occur once treated. Cutera CoolGlide treatment is suitable for the thread veins on the legs, facial thread veins and under eye veins.
  • Sclerotherapy involves injecting the visible capillaries with a sclerosing agent which causes the vein walls to become sticky. Once the vein walls are sticky the blood is unable to pass through meaning the vessel will then collapse and be absorbed naturally by your body. Sclerotherapy is suitable for thread veins on the legs.
  • IPL Photorejuvenation – Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment is used on facial thread veins. It is a non-invasive treatment that uses intense pulsed light to heat up the veins causing them to then collapse and be naturally absorbed by the body.

Thread veins treatments are available at; London Harley Street, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Buckinghamshire and Northampton

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged and swollen veins that are often raised above the skin. They can be red, blue or skin coloured. They may also appear lumpy or twisted in appearance. They are most commonly seen on the legs and ankles but can also appear anywhere on your body.

Varicose veins are caused when the small valves within the veins become weak or damaged and stop working. When damaged, blood is able to flow backwards and collect in the vein causing the vein to become swollen.

The reasons why the valves become damaged and cause varicose veins is still unknown and many people get varicose veins for no obvious reason. Factors that can increase your likelihood of developing varicose veins include pregnancy, weight gain and old age.

In some cases varicose veins are actually an indication that something else might be wrong which is why during our consultations we make sure we do a full check-up to establish there are no underlying conditions before we start treatment.

Here at The Private Clinic there are 4 treatments available for varicose veins, your vascular surgeon will explain your options to you and help you decide which treatment is best for you.

  • EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) is performed under a local anaesthetic. The treatment involves laser energy being delivered through a probe which is inserted through a small incision near the knee. The short pulses of energy seal the damaged valve resulting in blood not being able to flow through it anymore which eventually means the vein walls will collapse.
  • VenaSeal is a great treatment for patients with a needle phobia as it only requires a single injection per vein. VenaSeal uses medical grade glue which is dispersed through the affected varicose veins using a small catheter and it works to seal and close the veins whilst re-routing the blood to healthier veins.
  • Sclerotherapy is generally only used for smaller veins but for larger veins like varicose veins a foam version is used. The foam sclerotherapy process is fairly similar to the liquid sclerotherapy technique however the sclerosing agent is instead mixed with gas to create foam. Once a local anaesthetic has been applied the foam is then injected into the vein but the needle is carefully monitored using ultrasound imaging to ensure it is in the right place. The air within the foam is quickly absorbed by the veins naturally but it leaves the sclerosing agent to be able to treat the veins.
  • Phlebectomy is performed under local anaesthetic and it involves making a small incision next to the vein to allow a small hook entry which then grasps the vein and removes it. The incisions are very small so no stitches are required, and you have generally a very quick recovery time.

We have specialist varicose vein clinics with nationwide locations in London, Bexhill, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bournemouth and Northampton.

If you are unsure which treatment or even what veins you have, then we suggest coming in for a surgeon-led consultation which includes a free ultrasound scan worth over £350 to ensure that your varicose veins are examined with the utmost accuracy and your treatment is tailored to you.

Vein Treatment at The Private Clinic

Our Consultant Vascular Surgeons have helped thousands of people regain their confidence whilst avoiding the health issues associated with varicose veins.

Expert Vascular Surgeons

Why choose The Private Clinic for Varicose Vein Treatment?

If you would like to find out more about vein treatments or to arrange a consultation, please call us on 0333 920 2471 or you use our online varicose vein contact form.

Vein Removal Treatments: The Private Clinic vs. the NHS

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The Daily Express recently wrote about a man (Rob Crowley, 35) who had undergone a ‘MIRACLE’ treatment for his Varicose Veins after having had an unsuccessful surgical procedure with the NHS.

Man suffering from varicose veins undergoes miracle treatment - Mr Vohra, EVLA - Daily Express - 23.03.2016

The headlining treatment in question was the Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) Therapy available at our Birmingham clinic, and the article effectively raises three major points. First, that the EVLA treatment was far more effective at treating varicose veins than a surgical procedure. Second, the article highlights that patients aren’t aware of endovenous treatments, and finally, that the NHS has an out-dated approach to the management of Varicose Veins.

So, let’s tackle the latter two issues and start by demystifying the condition and its EVLA treatment.

What are Varicose Veins?

The vascular network serves to distribute oxygen to tissues within our bodies through blood that circulates in a specific direction. The flow is regulated thanks to valves, which stop the blood from backtracking on itself and causing congestion. When theses valves weaken, or fail to function properly and the vein’s walls stretch, blood can accumulate and cause the vein to swell.

Varicose Veins copy

Varicose veins can be recognised by their blue and purple colours, which draw all the more attention to the convoluted, raised patterns that they follow. The condition is often hereditary and is seen in women more often than in men. Hormonal changes such as experienced during pregnancy can cause veins to become varicose, as can putting pressure on your lower body – be it because of your occupation or your weight.

What is EVLA?

An EVLA procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and involves a slim laser-tipped fibre, being inserted through a catheter and along a vein, until it reaches the edge of a Varicose Vein. Once there, the laser’s heat collapses the vein’s walls, and keeps doing so along its length as your surgeon guides it back out.

During an EVLA procedure for Varicose Veins at The Private Clinic.
During an EVLA procedure for Varicose Veins at The Private Clinic.

This straightforward treatment falls short of being a miracle, but according to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE), it certainly represents the Gold standard for the treatment of Varicose Veins thanks to its 95.4% success and non-recurrence rate (after five years). Although NICE designated EVLA as the most effective Varicose Vein treatment in 2013, it is a procedure that has been around for 15 years and arguably doesn’t warrant being presented as a novelty. At The Private Clinic we also offer VenaSeal, Foam Sclerotherapy and Phlebectomy treatments meaning our expert surgeons can pick the best treatment to suit you.

Patients’ lack of awareness of its availability is partly due to the NHS, as the institution doesn’t commonly offer EVLA, with GPs rarely suggesting the private sector.

The NHS’s approach to the treatment of Varicose Veins

The most significant difference between The Private Clinic’s approach and that of the NHS, is that we treat the source of the problem first, whereas the NHS focuses on the symptoms. The problem with such a tactic is that patients suffer for longer periods of time, during which the condition can worsen and develop into something far more serious.

With the NHS, the treatment options available to you are decided by the severity of your symptoms. So, if you have big unsightly veins, but they aren’t painful or causing you too much discomfort, then your symptoms will be considered as cosmetic and you’ll be told to treat them privately.

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Rob Crowley’s leg before and after EVLA treatment for Varicose Veins at The Private Clinic, Birmingham.

If, on the other hand, you are experiencing pain and discomfort, then you may be eligible for treatment, but your practitioner might recommend as much as six months of self-care first. This would include regular exercise, using compression stocking, resting often while elevating the affected area. After this period, you’re most likely to be treated by surgical stripping, Sclerotherapy, or endovenous radiofrequency obliteration.

The challenge of treating Varicose Veins lies in their reoccurring nature, and research shows that chances of recurrence after treatment are higher for recurrent Varicose Veins than for primary ones. This means that it’s best to eliminate them properly the first time round.

Our ‘miracle’ patient Rob found this out the hard way. He was eligible for a surgical procedure, but those have a two-year recurrence rate of 33%, going up to 41% for five years and rising to 70% for ten years, and it’s still the most widely offered Varicose Vein treatment on the NHS (Health Technol Assess, 2013). Rob’s veins did indeed come back, and they were more painful and unsightly than ever. Furthermore, he was refused additional treatment.

When he came to us, his treatment lasted 45 minutes; he went home directly after the procedure and was varicose vein free after wearing compression garments for a few weeks to promote healing in the area.

Possible Varicose Vein complications

While it’s true that your symptoms may not end up developing past the cosmetic stage, you should be aware of complications that may arise if you don’t treat your Varicose Veins once they start causing you pain.

The CEAP clinical score ranks the progression of venous diseases as follows:

  • C0 – No palpable or visible veins
  • C1 – Spider Veins, Thread Veins, broken veins
  • C2 – Varicose Veins

As mentioned, the starting point for vascular treatment should be when Varicose Veins begin developing symptoms, because these may lead to:

C3: Oedema – the tissue in your affected area may start collecting excess watery fluid and cause that part of your body to become disproportionate to the rest.

C4: Eczema, Sclerosis or Pigmentation – the tissue in the affected area may start to harden (Sclerosis), become discoloured (Pigmentation), or your skin may develop Eczema and become dry, itchy, red and swollen.

C5: Healed Ulceration – An ulcer is a painful chronic sore that can take up to six weeks to heal. Once you develop an ulcer it is likely to reappear with time.

C6: Active Ulceration – Some ulcers never heal, meaning that you’ll have to manage them and the discomfort they cause, continuously.

The C3-C6 complications are very serious and can severely impede on your quality of life. Note that some of these conditions can also develop as adverse effects of vein stripping or ligation. In view of this, it may be worth considering treating your Varicose Veins with EVLA from the get-go as you run less chances of recurrence, procedural adverse effects, as well as extended periods of time spent in pain.

Varicose Vein Removal at The Private Clinic

We are one of the leading veins clinics in the UK and our vascular team only consists of highly qualified, senior Consultant Vascular Surgeons. They are experts in their field, who are trained in EVLA as well as VenaSeal, Foam Sclerotherapy and Phlebectomy treatments, enabling them to offer our patients care that is personalised to the patients needs.

Expert Vascular Surgeons at The Private Clinic

Why choose The Private Clinic for varicose vein removal?

  • 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 confidencewhilst 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 , TLC’s My Naked Secret and featured in Harper’s Bazaar’s Cosmetic Tweakment Trends for 2019.
  • We have carried out over 7,000 procedures in treating Veins.
  • See our varicose vein before and after 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
  • Download our varicose vein treatment brochure

We offer Varicose Veins treatments and consultations are available at our clinics in London Harley Street, Bexhill, Bournemouth, Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton.

To find out more about Varicose Veins or to book an appointment please call 0333 920 2471 or you can use our varicose vein online contact form.