VLA stands for EndoVenous Laser Ablation. It is any varicose vein treatment that uses laser heat energy to target and break down varicose veins. EVLT stands for EndoVenous Laser Treatment or EndoVenous Laser Therapy.  Back in 2000, it was a new and effective treatment that used heat from the laser to break down the varicose vein. Subsequently as the treatment’s popularity rocketed and others wanted to offer the effective treatment: so EVLA became a popular general term to describe laser ablation treatments like EVLT. EVLA simply means a collection of treatments using varying wavelengths of lasers (including 940 nm, 1064 nm and 1320 nm) and equipment but with a similar method and result. Today, well over 10 years after EVLT’s introduction, there are many EVLA procedures available, including EVLT. To discuss the wavelength and equipment used in our EVLA procedure please make a consultation with one of our specialised vascular surgeons who will be able to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your varicose vein treatment.

You should be able to see a difference straight away after most varicose vein treatments but as you are required to wear the compression stocking for at least a week afterwards your leg will not be visible. When you take off the stocking you will notice a big difference in the appearance of your treated leg, there will be some bruising but the visible varicose veins should have disappeared. We advise that usually you will be able to see the final results of your treatment 6 weeks post procedure. VenaSeal does not require a compression stocking so you may be able to see the results of the treatment much quicker. Click here to book a consultation with our vascular surgeons and find out more about the treatments we offer for varicose veins.

EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) EVLA is a minimally invasive and highly effective varicose vein treatment, and is considered by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence to be the best method for vein removal. It eliminates the reflux from the faulty valve creating the varicose vein and addresses the cause of the problem, rather than just the symptoms. During your procedure, an ultrasound scan will mark the position of the vein before local anaesthetic is injected around the area and a fine catheter is inserted through a small incision, usually near the knee. Laser energy is delivered through the probe in short pulses to seal the faulty valve so blood cannot flow through and the vein walls collapse. The leg is then bandaged to reduce swelling and bruising, and to aid recovery. Sclerotherapy (liquid or foam) For very small veins the issue can be addressed by sclerotherapy.  The treatment involves injecting a saline solution into your varicose vein which damages it and causes it to close. Liquid sclerotherapy is often used to treat smaller varicose veins and spider veins. For larger veins, foam sclerotherapy is sometimes used. You may have thread veins (or spider veins) which are characterised by fine dilated marks that appear under the skin – they may look like a web of very thin red or blue lines and can cause aching and itching. These can be removed through microsclerotherapy which is similar to foam sclerotherapy, but on a much smaller scale. The procedures take less than 30 minutes and are done under local anaesthesia meaning you will not feel any pain during treatment. Simply call us to book a consultation and you will be on your way to vein free legs. VenaSeal VenaSeal is a minimally invasive, pain free procedure that uses a form of medical  adhesive glue to close varicose veins. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and has a quick recovery time and you are not required to wear compression stockings after treatment. VenaSeal is a great option for those who have a phobia of needles or are just looking for a quick recovery time. Call us today to arrange a consultation with one of our experienced vascular surgeons to help you decide on the best treatment option for you. Phlebectomy  Phlebectomy is a method of removing varicose veins and spider veins on the surface of the legs. The name comes from the Greek terms “phleb” which means vein, and “ectomy” which means removal. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and involves making tiny punctures or incisions through which the varicose veins are removed. The incisions are so small that no stitches are required and recovery is speedy. During your consultation at The Private Clinic, your vascular surgeon will explain your options to you and help you decide which treatment is best for you. As per NICE guidelines, we do not offer vein stripping, which requires a lengthy recovery period and does not yield as effective results. Click here to book a consultation with our experienced vascular surgeons who will be able to advise on the best treatment for you.

Varicose Veins commonly present themselves as lumpy / bulging veins found on the surface of the legs, although they can be present in other areas such as around the ankle and foot.  Varicose veins may also be dark purple or blue in colour. If you have varicose veins you may experience an itchy sensation around the site of the veins, pain after sitting or standing for extended periods of time, consistent aching feeling in the leg and burning, swelling or muscle cramping in the lower legs. At The Private Clinic we have performed over 7,000 vein procedures and offer the Gold Standard for treatment of Varicose Veins; EVLA. To find out more or book a consultation with our specialist vascular surgeons click here.

Due to the cost restrictions on the NHS, treatments for Varicose Veins on the NHS are decided by the severity of your symptoms. A grading system is often used to determine how serious your varicose veins are but in the majority of cases you will most likely be advised to try non-surgical options such as compression stockings to help relieve your symptoms. If your varicose veins are not painful or causing you too much discomfort, then your symptoms will be considered as cosmetic and you’ll be refused treatment with the NHS. Here at The Private Clinic we do our best to provide quality treatment for all those affected by varicose veins by keeping our prices reasonably affordable for the level of service that you will receive. All of our consultations include a free ultrasound check and all treatments are carried out by highly experienced vascular surgeons. Click here to book a varicose vein consultation.