Varicose veins are large, swollen veins that often appear on the legs and feet, they happen when the valves in the veins do not work properly, so the blood does not flow effectively if this is the case then you are in need of vein treatment.
The veins rarely need treatment for health reasons, but if swelling, aching, and painful legs result, and if there is considerable discomfort, treatment is available.
There are various treatment options. In severe cases, a varicose vein may rupture, or develop into varicose ulcers on the skin. These will require treatment.
Walk in, walk out vein treatment
We can now offer a pain-free treatment with very little inconvenience using our minimally invasive and keyhole techniques. In most cases patients can go back to work the next day and back to exercise and sport the next week.
If the patient has no symptoms or discomfort and is not bothered by the sight of the varicose veins, treatment might not be necessary. However, if there are symptoms, treatment may be required to reduce pain or discomfort, address complications, such as leg ulcers, skin discoloration, or swelling.
Some patients may also want treatment for cosmetic reasons – they want to get rid of the “ugly” varicose veins.
Vein Treatments available for:
For varicose veins:
Endovenous ablation (VNUS or Laser) – a form of heat-sealing treatment using a fine tube, threaded up through the vein.
Avulsion – removal of the vein through a series of small (about 1mm) incisions in the skin.
Variciform – injection of a chemical compound that pushes the blood out of the vein and then treats the lining. Note: all these treatments can be done under a local or general anaesthetic.
For thread (‘spider’) veins:
Sclerotherapy – a tiny needle is used to inject a chemical compound to collapse the vein and stop blood flowing through it.
Ligation and stripping vein treatment
Two incisions are made, one near the patient’s groin at the top of the target vein, and the other is made further down the leg, either at the ankle or knee. The top of the vein is tied up and sealed. A thin, flexible wire is threaded through the bottom of the vein and then pulled out, taking the vein with it
This procedure does not usually require a hospital stay. Ligation and stripping can sometimes result in bruising, bleeding, and pain. In extremely rare occasions, there may be deep vein thrombosis.
After surgery, most patients will need 1-3 weeks to recover before going back to work and other normal duties. During recovery time, compression stockings are worn.
Radiofrequency ablation
A small incision is made either above or below the knee, and with the help of an ultrasound scan; a narrow tube (catheter) is threaded into the vein.
The doctor inserts a probe into the catheter, which emits radiofrequency energy. The radiofrequency energy heats up the vein, causing its walls to collapse, effectively closing it and sealing it shut. This procedure is preferred for larger varicose veins. Radiofrequency ablation is usually done with a local anaesthetic.
Trans illuminated powered phlebectomy
An endoscopic transilluminator (special light) is threaded through an incision under the skin so that the doctor can see which veins need to be taken out. The target veins are cut and removed with a suction device through the incision.
A general or local anaesthetic may be used for this procedure. There may be some bleeding and bruising after the operation.
For pelvic veins:
Embolization– It is estimated that one third of women will experience chronic pelvic pain, often due to hard to detect varicose veins in the pelvis. Embolization offers a safe, minimally invasive treatment that restores patients to normal.
For forehead veins:
Forehead veins can often be successfully ligated by tying off the vein through two small incisions in the temporal hairline.
Diagnosis
Prior to any vein treatment we advise all patients to have an ultrasound scan to clearly identify the veins to be treated. A scan is usually arranged on the same day as your initial consultation.
Frequently asked questions about the vein treatment:
Will the vein treatment hurt?
Most vein treatments are carried out under local anaesthetic, so there is no pain during the procedure. In some cases, patients experience a small amount of discomfort afterwards.
Are there any side effects?
There can be swelling and bruising, but these should only last 1 to 2 weeks.
How quickly will I see a difference?
Most of our patients will see an improvement straight away.
Will I need to stay overnight?
Most procedures are carried out under local anaesthetic, meaning the patient can go home the same day.
Will the Veins come back?
It is not possible to cure varicose veins. About 1 in 3 people tend to have varicose veins and they often run in the family. After the vein treatment about 1 in 3 people will develop more varicose veins after 5 years, but these can also be treated.
Why choose us?
We treat all types of varicose veins. If you suffer from the embarrassment of unsightly varicose or thread veins – or any of their complications – then you will want to be safe in the knowledge that you will receive the highest standards of treatment at a time that suits you.
We understand that comfort and appearance is important and that all patients will want the reassurance of being able to obtain the most effective treatment without having to wait.
We are committed to providing a personalised service of the highest quality. We have dedicated ourselves solely to the diagnosis and treatment of venous problems (varicose veins and thread veins).
All our consultants are experienced vascular specialists who are world and industry leading experts in their field. Our centre provides diagnostic techniques and precision treatments that produce excellent surgical and cosmetic results using state of the art equipment.
We hope that this website has answered any questions that you may have had about the centre and provided information where it was needed. Please feel free to get in touch with us if you require any more information about varicose veins and vein treatment of the various conditions.