Varicose Veins

NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) is a national body in the UK that is made up of a board of medical experts who provide evidence-based guidance, quality standards, advice and pathways for health and social care.

The NICE clinical guidelines for varicose veins (CG168) were published in 2013 and updated in 2016.

The key priorities for implementation to manage varicose vein symptoms are: 

1. Referral to a vascular service 
2. Assessment using duplex ultrasound and treatment 
3. Non-interventional treatment including Endovenous laser treatment (EVLA) 

To find out more about NICE guidelines for Varicose Vein treatment, click here to read out blog.

A consultation with our expert Consultant Vascular Surgeons is the best place to determine the most appropriate treatment for you costs £200, which includes a free ultrasound scan of your legs (this is usually priced between £350 and £450 at most clinics and private hospitals).

See our blog to read our Guide to Varicose Vein Costs in the UK.

Our varicose vein removal treatment prices are very competitive, you will be given an accurate quote following your consultation.

Follow-up consultation cost

At The Private Clinic, we do not charge for any follow-up consultations, this is always included in our price. You can come back as many times as you feel is necessary.

How to Research a Varicose Vein Clinic

When you are researching your Varicose Vein clinic always ask about a multiple varicose vein removal price. Many Varicose vein clinics try to quote a cheap varicose vein price by listing a price for one vein only as a starting price. This is in our opinion is false selling. Our Consultant Vascular surgeons often treat multiple veins that cause the underlying problems. To have a thorough consultation with one of our expert Varicose Vein Consultant Vascular surgeons click here.

Why The Private Clinic is the best place to have vein treatment:

• We have carried out over 11,000 vein treatments, we have the reputation and experience to ensure you are in safe hands.
• We have highly specialised Vascular surgeons.
• We treat in our state-of-the-art clinics located in (London Harley Street, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Northampton and Bournemouth)
• You do not need to travel to a big hospital.
• Aftercare is paramount to us and you will be provided with detailed instructions following your procedure.
• 24-hour patient helpline to ensure you are always in the best of hands.
• As many post-operative care and appointments with your surgeon and nursing team as required.
• Your consultation with the specialist Vascular surgeon includes a free ultrasound scan normally priced at £350-£450 at other clinics.
• Word of mouth is high with 98% of patients recommending us to their friends and family.
• Check out our before and after photos and see the results for yourself.

Your surgeon after assessment and ultrasound will discuss the best treatment for you.

Foam sclerotherapy is an option for Varicose Veins. It is only suitable as a primary treatment for a small amount of our patients. The majority of varicose vein treatments involve endothermal ablation with RFA or EVLA.  Glue therapy is also provided and although less painful is a little more expensive. Our results are second to none and the complication rates for all treatments are low.

To book a consultation with a vascular surgeon 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.

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.

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 (NICE) to be a safe 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. Find out more.

RFA (Radio Frequency Ablation)

RFA is a very similar treatment to EVLA and both work by destroying the varicose vein with heat treatment.  Comparison of the two methods in studies have shown them to both as equally effective.  We offer both.

RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that it is also considered by NICE as being one of the most effective and safe methods for Varicose Vein removal. The treatment uses radiofrequency

The procedure is performed using ultrasound guidance and a catheter will be placed into the faulty veins being treated. Once in position, the radiofrequency energy is used to heat the catheter which applies direct heat to the vein wall causing it to shrink and seal shut. Following an RFA procedure, the leg will be bandaged and compression socks are advised to be worn to reduce swelling and bruising. Find out more.

Foam Sclerotherapy

Varicose veins can be effectively treated with foam sclerotherapy treatment. The treatment involves injecting a foam sclerosing solution into your varicose vein which damages it and causes it to close.The procedure take less than 30 minutes and are done under local anaesthesia meaning you will not feel any pain during treatment. Find out more.

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. Find out more.

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. Find out more.

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. Find out more.

What varicose vein treatment is best for me?

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.

Phlebitis refers to the inflammation of a vein. It describes the process when veins become swollen, bulging and inflamed due to blood clotting inside of the vein, or because the vein walls are damaged. Phlebitis can occur in both superficial veins that are closer to the skin’s surface, or deeper veins. These veins can become sore, red, itchy and tender, and may develop an infection if the blood clot is severe, leading to deep vein thrombophlebitis. Superficial phlebitis, which affects shallow veins is rarely serious, but may develop into Deep Vein Thrombophlebitis. This describes clotting in the larger and deeper blood vessels that usually rest in the legs. Large blood clots can form, which may break off and travel to the lungs. This is a serious condition called pulmonary embolism and requires immediate medical attention.

Most cases of phlebitis in the legs are caused by the presence of varicose veins or hidden varicose veins. We know that varicose veins are caused by irregular venous flows, vein wall damage and venous reflux, where blood flows back down the vein in the wrong direction, leading to cases of inflammation and vein swelling. By treating these venous issues with varicose vein treatments, the venous reflux can be stopped in its tracks, allowing the patient to prevent further phlebitis or a serious worsening of the condition. By seeking out a detailed venous duplex ultrasound scan with us, we are able to accurately assess the extent of your phlebitis, before proposing a suitable treatment to target the symptoms and prevent further complications. It is essential to request this detailed assessment if you are suffering from phlebitis, so that we can rule out or treat any underlying deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) issues, which can be life-threatening in some cases.

1. Veins could be enlarged, swollen, lumpy, bumpy or twisted in appearance.
2. Most commonly found on the legs or feet and can be blue or dark purple in colour.
3. Swollen feet or ankles.
4. Uncomfortable, heavy or aching feeling in the legs.
5. Dry skin in the area of the affected vein.
6. Muscle cramps in the leg.
7. Burning or throbbing sensation in the legs.

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 stands for EndoVenous Laser Ablation. It is a 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.

Nearly a third of us will develop Varicose veins over our lifetime.

Varicose veins are enlarged veins caused by vein valves that no longer function correctly and no longer allow blood to flow back to the legs. It remains unknown why the valves stop working,

There are many reasons for varicose veins, some include walking, genetic factors, maybe a parent has suffered from varicose veins or it can be due to long periods of standing or the heavy weight from pregnancy. Thread veins can also appear due to the high pressure of a varicose vein.

The role of veins is to carry blood towards the heart. In order to do this the blood has to flow upwards against gravity, so it is helped along by a series of muscle contractions and one-way valves. If the valves inside the veins become weak or break, they do not close properly and the blood flows back to the legs where, over a period of time, the veins will start to bulge. These damaged veins serve no purpose meaning it is perfectly safe to remove them.

Around one in five people will develop varicose veins as they get older, and women are affected more than men. Risk factors for developing varicose veins include age, gender, and being overweight, but genetics are the biggest cause.



Although most people seek treatment for cosmetic reasons, varicose veins can also cause aching, itchiness, a feeling of heaviness in the leg, and night cramps. Varicose veins do not tend to get better and can worsen with time if not treated.

At The Private Clinic, we recommend you talk to one of our highly experienced vascular surgeons who can put your mind at ease and discuss the options available to you. We offer a range of treatments and payment plans to help you. Click here to contact us and find out more about our varicose vein treatments.

Varicose veins most commonly appear on the legs and thighs but they can also show up in the scrotum, pelvis and vulva.

At The Private Clinic we are able to offer specialised vein treatments which includes Pelvic Vein Embolisation (PVE) for Pelvic Congestion and Varicose vein removal in the Scrotum.

To find out more about our varicose vein treatments for all areas click here to book a consultation with our experienced vascular surgeons.

Complications of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are not only an unsightly nuisance but they are also potential health hazards putting you at risk of blood clots, ulcers, swelling, hyperpigmentation, and venous disease.

Patients suffering with varicose veins report that varicose veins are causing pain and discomfort in the legs, itchiness, fatigue and swelling of the skin. These symptoms can get worse with untreated varicose veins and if you are not currently experiencing symptoms then these are likely to develop over time.

If you are concerned about your varicose veins then click here to book a consultation with our experienced vascular surgeons who will be able to advise on the best course of treatment for you.

We perform varicose vein treatment all year round at The Private Clinic. We find that some patients choose to treat their varicose veins during the Autumn or Winter months as it leaves them with plenty of time to recover before the summer. However we have many treatment options to suit your lifestyle, the best option is to come and talk to one of our experienced vascular surgeons who will put your mind at ease.

Contact us today to schedule in your consultation with one of experienced vascular surgeons who will be able to talk you through the recovery time required post treatment.

It is unlikely that an underlying health problem has caused varicose veins. The only thing to be cautious about would be if your varicose veins are clotting. If you find your veins clotting then it would definitely be recommended that you visit your GP before receiving treatment to rule out any underlying health issues that could be causing the clotting.

At The Private Clinic, we offer a free ultrasound scan at your varicose vein 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.

To find out more about our varicose vein treatments and to see if you are suitable for varicose vein removal procedures click here to book a consultation with one of our experienced vascular surgeons.

Unfortunately there is no guaranteed way to avoid varicose veins. They are often a genetic issue so if members of your family have them then it is likely that you will too.

Exercise is always a great way to not only control your weight but it keeps your leg muscles active and fit. If you are prone to varicose veins then try low-impact activities like cycling and swimming.

We also recommend wearing flat shoes over high heels as this will allow for your calf muscles to contract fully. If you find that your legs are aching then try wearing compression stockings as much as possible as these can help prevent the blood from pooling.

Our experienced vascular surgeons have carried out over 7,000 treatments and are available to offer their advice on all things to do with varicose veins. To book a consultation with one of our surgeons click here.

There is no age limit for Varicose Vein treatment, we will treat anyone who is over the age of 18 and is healthy.

We have patients from a mix of ages and all have found the treatment to be almost life changing and many wonder why they waited so long. As long as you are able to wear the compression stocking as advised by your surgeon and walk daily as directed then you will be a suitable candidate for varicose vein treatment at The Private Clinic.

The best option is to come and talk with our specialist vascular surgeons who will advise you on the best options to treat your varicose veins click here to book a consultation.

All varicose vein consultations at The Private Clinic are surgeon-led and include a free ultrasound scan worth over £350. This ensures that your varicose veins are examined with the utmost accuracy and your treatment is tailored to you.

During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss with you exactly what the problem is, where it originates and what treatments are suitable. You will be given a detailed treatment plan with full cost and pricing details so there will be no surprises when it comes to payment.

Your personal Patient Coordinator will also attend the consultation with you to ensure all your questions are answered and you are fully informed on the procedure. They will be on hand following the consultation to help you with anything you might need, and will answer any further questions you may have. Having attended your consultation, they will know your case and requirements and will always be there to guide you throughout your treatment.

Click here to book a consultation with one of our highly experienced vascular surgeons.

Ultrasound scanning is widely used in the medical setting and is most commonly used during pregnancy to see the foetus, but an ultrasound scan is a very important step to ensuring that you receive the correct treatment for your varicose veins.  When you come in for your consultation you will receive a free Duplex Ultrasound scan. A duplex ultrasound scan varies slightly to a traditional ultrasound scan where only a greyscale picture is seen, the duplex ultrasound scan adds a secondary layer to the picture allowing your surgeon to not only see the location of your veins but the way in which the blood is flowing within them.

All of our vascular surgeons at The Private Clinic are highly skilled and trained in performing ultrasound scanning and you can be sure that you will receive a correct diagnosis leading to the most suitable treatment for your varicose veins.

Click here to book a consultation with our highly experienced vascular surgeons and receive your free ultrasound scan.

At The Private Clinic we like our patients to come in for a consultation first to not only find out more about the treatment but it also allows our specialist vascular surgeons to assess you and decide which treatment is going to be best for you. At this stage you will be able to go away and have a think about it and do any additional research before deciding to go ahead with treatment.

We do understand however that some patients do travel a long distance so in certain cases we can look to organise treatment on the same day but this may require a consultation via skype or over the phone.

Click here to find out more information about varicose vein treatment.

There is no limit on the amount of veins that can be treated on the same day; however there is a limit on the amount of local anaesthetic that can be safely used in one sitting. We also have patients who prefer to only treat one leg at a time to reduce their downtime. You will be advised of the best procedure plan at your consultation.

To book a consultation with a vascular surgeon click here.

EVLA, RFA, Foam Sclerotherapy, VenaSeal and Phlebectomy procedures are carried out under local anaesthetic so you won’t feel discomfort during the procedure. Some patients may experience a little discomfort afterwards but it’s minimal.

To find out more about our varicose vein removal treatments click here to book a consultation with one of our experienced vascular surgeons.

At The Private Clinic we pride ourselves on our professional outcomes for treating varicose veins and thread/spider veins. Generally EVLA or RFA takes approximately 45 minutes. Sclerotherapy can take less than 30 minutes. VenaSeal can take between 30-60 minutes and Phlebectomy procedures take between 30 minutes to an hour.

We have carried out over 7,000 varicose vein treatments at The Private Clinic. To book a consultation with a Vascular surgeon to discuss all of the options best for you click here.

At The Private Clinic we believe the best results are seen after EVLA treatment where there is less than 10% of a chance of the veins coming back. This is because the EVLA method is very comprehensive at sealing the vein.

Although it is unlikely for the same vein to appear again after treatment, 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.

We average that there is a 1% chance of new veins developing for each year after treatment.

To find out more about our range of varicose vein removal treatments click here to book a consultation with one of our experienced vascular surgeons.

There are two types of veins within your leg, superficial veins and deep veins. Deep veins are the ones that carry the vast amount of your blood back to your heart compared to your superficial veins. Varicose veins will only occur in your superficial veins so when they are removed, the blood flow will just return back to your deep veins which will improve your circulation and blood flow.

To speak to one of our vascular surgeons about how our varicose vein treatments work, click here to book a consultation.

As with every medical treatment or procedure, there are always certain risks or side effects which patients should be aware of when undergoing varicose vein treatment.

Common side effects from EVLA and Foam Sclerotherapy include swelling and bruising, however this should reduce over the following weeks.

Common side effects from VenaSeal treatment includes mild pain in the treatment area, inflammation and skin numbness which again should only last up to 2 weeks.

Our experienced vascular surgeon will go through all the risks with you in detail at your consultation so you will be able to feel well informed before deciding to go ahead with your varicose vein procedure at The Private Clinic. Click here to book a consultation.

Varicose vein treatments at The Private Clinic are all walk-in, walk-out procedures with the majority of patients being able to return to everyday activities straight away.

We do advise that strenuous exercise is avoided for at least 5 days and it should be returned to at a gradual pace. This is to avoid unnecessary injury but it is recommended that you do keep active by taking regular walks.

The best way to get information about downtime after varicose vein removal surgery is to book a consultation with one of our experienced vascular surgeons who will be able to answer all of your questions.

We do not recommend that you drive yourself home after varicose vein treatment at The Private Clinic. Your legs will be bandaged and you will be wearing a compression stocking which although it shouldn’t interfere with your ability to walk, it may interfere with your ability to drive safely and do an emergency stop for example. The day after your treatment you will be able to 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.

The Private Clinic have carried out over 7,000 varicose vein treatments. To discuss all of the options best for you click here to book a consultation with one of our Vascular surgeons at a clinic close to you.

We advise that after varicose vein treatments at The Private Clinic you should be wearing 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.

You may not be required to wear a compression stocking after VenaSeal treatment although some surgeons may still advise if for the first couple of days post-procedure.

Over 7,000 varicose vein procedures have been performed at The Private Clinic. Click here to book a consultation with one of our highly experienced vascular surgeons.

Provided you have a non-strenuous job, we recommend that patients can go back to work the day after EVLA, RFA, VenaSeal and Foam Sclerotherapy treatments. If you have had a phlebectomy you may wish to wait 2-3 days before returning.

Find out more about Varicose Vein Recovery here.

At The Private Clinic, we have performed over 7,000 vein procedures and offer Gold Standard treatments for Varicose Veins; EVLA & RFA. To find out more or book a consultation with our specialist vascular surgeons click here.

In the majority of cases, we recommend that you do not travel on a plane for at least 3 weeks after your varicose vein removal procedure.

After having treatment, you are at an increased risk of developing DVT (Deep vein thrombosis) and travelling on long haul flights over 3 hours can increase the risk further.

Your consultant will be able to advise you on this at your consultation. It will depend on the severity of the veins removed, the treatment method and the length of the flight.

Varicose veins are very common for women who are pregnant. They can occur as your uterus begins to grow and increases pressure in the veins on your legs.

When you are pregnant the amount of blood in your body increases which then puts your veins under more pressure and as the amount of progesterone in your body rises, this as result then relaxes the walls of your blood vessels.

If you have a family history of varicose veins then this will make you more prone to develop them. If you did not have varicose veins before pregnancy then they are likely to improve once you have given birth but this is not always the case.

If you are pregnant and suffering from varicose veins we recommend walking regularly to help improve circulation, staying at a good weight, elevating your feet or legs when resting and not standing for long periods of time.

At The Private Clinic we are unable to treat anyone who is currently pregnant however we are happy to discuss your options for treatment once you have given birth, click here to book a consultation.

We do not treat patients who are pregnant at The Private Clinic and although the risks are minimal we do not want to risk harming you or your baby in any way. You will be able to have your varicose veins treated once you have given birth depending on the treatment option.

If you did not have varicose veins before your pregnancy then it is likely that you may see an improvement 3-4 months after giving birth, if you had varicose veins before you were pregnant then it is unlikely that you will see any change and they may become worse in the future.

Click here to find out more about our varicose vein treatments and to book a consultation.

We do not advise that you breastfeed after having a varicose vein procedure. EVLA is not reported to have any effect on breastfeeding however the treatment drugs used in other procedures such as sclerotherapy do have the possibility of contaminating the breast milk.

We advise patients to wait until they have stopped breast feeding before going ahead with vein removal treatment.

Click here to find out more about our varicose vein treatments and to book a consultation.

Eczema is actually sometimes a symptom of varicose veins and any treatment will be fine to be performed. If the eczema was caused by your varicose veins you may find it subsides once the veins have been treated. To book a consultation with our expert vein surgeons click here.

There is a 10% risk of staining after Foam Sclerotherapy treatment and although in most cases the staining does fade over a few months, we are unable to guarantee this.

Click here to find out more about our varicose vein treatments and to book a consultation.

There are a number of lifestyle changes you can do to ease the symptoms and prevent further varicose veins from appearing. These include; undertaking regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, raising your feet when resting, avoiding tight clothing around the waist and thighs and avoiding long periods of standing or sitting.

In most cases of varicose veins however there is an underlying cause and the only way to lessen the symptoms is to seek treatment to avoid the veins getting worse over time. To talk to one of our experienced vascular surgeons click here.

At The Private Clinic we do not use (and do not recommend using) vein stripping for the treatment of varicose veins. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) suggest that stripping should no longer be used except in exceptional circumstances, and that minimally-invasive options far outperform the older technique. Simply put, there are much better treatments available.

Vein stripping is a major surgical procedure usually performed under general anaesthesia. Incisions are made either in the groin or behind the knee, through which an instrument is passed to invert and remove the entire length of the vein.

The procedure is not only painful, but also requires unnecessary time off work (anywhere from 14-21 days) and can cause extensive bruising with a lengthy recovery time.

Despite this, 67% of NHS patients are still treated with vein stripping. Local health authorities claim that varicose veins are a cosmetic problem, but at least 40% of patients with varicose veins experience significant discomfort. Varicose vein treatment on the NHS is largely confined to patients with more severe complications like phlebitis and ulcers but, even in these cases, minimally invasive treatments can be a better option than vein stripping.

At The Private Clinic we believe we offer the best options to treat varicose veins, to book a consultation with one of our vascular surgeons click here.

We commonly perform EVLA treatments on patients who have previously had vein stripping procedures in the past here at The Private Clinic. Contact us today to arrange a consultation with one of expert vascular surgeons.

There is a high recurrence rate associated with vein stripping so a lot of patients come to us to try out an alternative treatment. 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%.

The ‘Gold Standard’ is part of a system developed by NICE to grade different procedures, and means that a treatment is one of the best recommended options for that particular condition. NICE guidelines, set up to address the shortcomings of other healthcare grading systems, assess the safety and effectiveness of medical treatments through solid evidence and thorough reports.

The NICE clinical treatment guidelines for varicose veins (CG168) are: 

Interventional treatment

Their findings for varicose veins show that the success rate after five years for EVLA is 95.4%, compared to only 75.7% for vein stripping, and their grading decisions are based on statistics like this alongside how invasive the procedure is, possible complications, and recovery periods.

Here at The Private Clinic we favour the gold standard EVLA or RFA treatment for all varicose vein patients where suitable. To find out more about our treatments or to book your consultation click here.

Find out more about NICE Guidelines for Varicose Veins here.

Varicose vein removal is very safe, these veins are not functioning as they should be and as a result affecting your blood circulation. Varicose veins are damaged veins that are simply collecting blood instead of moving it around the body so as they are not performing properly, they are not needed and keeping them could potentially be more of a risk than removing them.

Once removed, other veins in the area will be able to move your blood more effectively without the burden of the under performing veins reversing their hard work.

Our expert vascular surgeons will explain your varicose vein procedure in detail at your consultation including what will happen once the veins have been removed.

When you leave The Private Clinic you will feel well informed about the procedure that has taken place and what to expect in the future. Click here to book a consultation with one of our experienced vascular surgeons to find out more.

VenaSeal adhesive is a special type of medical grade super-glue that is commonly referred to as a ‘Cyanoacrylate’. Cyanoacrylates have been used medically the 1950s and are often used to repair wounds and skin incisions. They are also commonly used in dentistry, ophthalmic surgery, cosmetic procedures and venous treatments.

VenaSeal is very effective at treating varicose veins and is a relatively quick procedure that requires less injections than other varicose vein treatments.

To find out more information about VenaSeal treatment at The Private Clinic, click here to book a consultation with one of our experienced Vascular Surgeons which includes a free ultrasound of your legs.

VenaSeal is a very effective treatment for reducing varicose veins. When the VenaSeal glue comes into contact with blood within the vein wall it quickly works to seal the vein shut upon application. The adhesive has soft and elastic properties meaning it will not be detectable post-procedure.

The success rates for VenaSeal treatment are between 94% – 98.9% meaning many patients go on to live a life without varicose veins post-procedure.

The procedure is very quick and has minimal recovery time with no need for compression garments.

To find out more about VenaSeal for varicose veins click here to book a consultation with one of our experienced vascular surgeons.

Cost restrictions of the NHS mean that getting NHS treatment for Varicose Veins is becoming limited. A grading system is used to determine how serious your symptoms are and in most cases, non-surgical options such as compression stockings are often advised instead.

Many patients are instead turning to private insurance to fund their varicose vein treatment.

Varicose veins are often classed as a cosmetic problem despite the risks they can cause to your circulatory health. Due to this reason, it is often unlikely that insurance will cover the cost of varicose vein treatment.

There are many benefits to self-pay varicose vein treatment including no waiting for authorisations and being declined because you are not severe enough and having a wider choice of treatment options.

To find out more about insurance cover for varicose veins click here.

The VenaSeal adhesive is not known to have any harmful effects to the body and has been approved by the FDA for treatment of symptomatic superficial varicose veins of the legs. The glue has been trialled and tested in other areas of medicine for decades showing it is both safe and effective for use. There is also a greatly reduced risk of nerve damage of skin burns with VenaSeal treatment.

VenaSeal is a great alternative for patients who have a phobia of needles as there are less injections and often no need for a compression garment to be worn either which are not always the most comfortable or practical items to wear for long periods of time.

To find out more about our VenaSeal varicose vein removal procedure click here to book a consultation with our experienced vascular surgeons.

Published clinical studies have shown the VenaSeal to have an initial success rate of 94% – 98.9% 6 months post treatment. (The eScope study showed closure rate of 94.3% at 6 months and 92.9% at 12 months. The VeClose study showed closure rate of 98.9% at 6 months)

Not only does it have an impressive success rate, VenaSeal treatment for varicose veins also boasts a quick recovery time with no need for compression stockings. To find out more click here to book an appointment with our experienced vascular surgeons.

Where to get varicose vein removal in London?

Our London clinic is located on 98 Harley street, W1G7HZ.

The Private Clinic has clinics nationwide so we are sure to have an expert vascular surgeon located near to you.

Where to get varicose vein treatment in Manchester?

• Manchester –  25 St John Street, M3 4DT – North West, Greater Manchester

Where to get varicose vein treatment in Birmingham?

• Birmingham – 88 Hagley Road, B16 8LU – West Midlands

Where to get varicose vein treatment in Leeds?

• Leeds – 45 Park Square North, LS1 2NP – Yorkshire

Where to get varicose vein removal in Northampton?

• Northampton – 82 Billing Road, NN1 5DF – East Midlands

Where to get varicose vein removal in Buckinghamshire?

• Buckinghamshire – 84 Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges, Slough, SL2 4LF – South East Buckinghamshire / Berkshire

Where to get varicose vein treatment in Bournemouth?

• Bournemouth – Beechwood Avenue, BH5 1LX – Dorset, Bournemouth

To find out more about booking a consultation at a clinic near you, contact us here.

We offer free varicose vein phone or video consultations with our experienced patient coordinators.

Our patient coordinators can provide you with information about our range of varicose vein treatment options and recommend the best vascular surgeon to suit your requirements.

To secure your timed consultation slot, we will ask you to pay a £25 deposit which is refunded once the consultation takes place. You will be able to change your appointment time up to 48 hours before.

Contact us to book a free varicose vein phone or video consultation.