Varicose Veins

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Varicose Vein Treatments Include:

Everything you need to know ABOUT varicose vein removal

WHAT ARE VARICOSE VEINS?

Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged veins, often seen in the legs and feet, which appear lumpy, twisted and are blue or dark purple in colour. Varicose veins result from problems with the drainage of blood where values in our veins don’t close properly, causing blood to flow back into the legs and pools in the veins which then become distended due to increased pressure. These veins aren’t only visible, but also painful as symptoms include tired, heavy, throbbing legs and swollen feet and ankles. The skin around the affected vein may be dry and itchy and muscle cramp is common, particularly at night.

Up to 40% of women and 20% of men suffer from symptoms of varicose veins, making the disease of the veins one of the most prevalent conditions today. Varicose veins are caused by weak vein walls and valves. Women are more likely to have varicose veins, particularly as being pregnant leads to an increased risk.

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HOW ARE VARICOSE VEINS TREATED?

The earlier the condition is identified, the lower the risks. Varicose veins are often treated for aesthetic reasons. However, treatment is also highly advisable if they are causing pain or discomfort or are likely to lead to other health complications such as skin ulcers. Medical complications caused by varicose veins may be severe and can be avoided in most cases if the condition is treated in time.
 
 
The first line of treatment is often compression stockings which work by reducing the width of the vein by applying external pressure. However these are not suitable for everyone and it’s not known if compression stockings help to prevent your varicose veins from getting worse or if they prevent new ones from appearing. We have a number of ways in which we can treat varicose veins in Cheltenham, during your consultation your condition will be assessed and the best treatment for you will be advised.

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat varicose veins and venous insufficiency. Using laser energy, the affected veins are closed and sealed from within. EVLA is widely considered a safe and effective alternative to traditional vein stripping, offering benefits such as a faster recovery time, minimal scarring and a lower risk of complications.

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution, often foam, directly into the affected vein. This solution reacts with the vein wall, causing the vein to inflame and scar, forcing blood away to healthier veins. This eventually closes off the vein and the collapsed vein is reabsorbed into local tissue and eventually fades. After sclerotherapy, treated veins tend to shrink and disappear within a few weeks, although occasionally it may take a month or more to see the full results. Sclerotherapy is usually carried out under local anaesthetic, meaning you will be able to go home the day of the procedure.

Microsclerotherapy is an effective treatment for thread veins and varicose veins that works by injecting a liquid directly into the veins, destroying them and causing them to disappear. The procedure is non-surgical, just involving an injection into the treatment area. A compression is needed to be worn in the weeks following the treatment to give the body time to turn the dying vein into scar tissue.

Phlebectomy, which is also known as stab avulsion, microphlebectomy or ambulatory phlebectomy, is a technique used to remove varicose veins. In this procedure, 1 or 2 tiny cuts are made in the skin, the affected vein is identified, cut and removed through the incisions using a suction device. This treatment can either be carried out using local or general anaesthetic and you may experience some bleeding or bruising in the weeks following treatment.

The ELVeS Radial™ procedure is a gentle and extremely effective varicose vein treatment. This treatment works by a probe being inserted into the affected vein through a small puncture site. The probe is then used to direct a laser light into the vein using targeted radial emission and the laser seals the vein. This treatment is conducted using local anaesthesia, takes around 30 minutes to complete and causes very little or no pain during or after treatment. Patients can resume normal activities immediately after treatment and there is little or no scarring or bruising, making it one of the most popular varicose vein treatments.

WHERE CAN I GET varicose vein removal?

We currently treat and remove varicose veins in our Wimbledon & Raynes Park, Oxford and Cheltenham clinics. To book an appointment with either clinic, please call 0800 048 9230 and a member of the team will talk you through your consultation and then book you an appointment with our consultant vascular surgeon who specialises in varicose vein treatment.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Varicose veins are caused by a combination of factors that affect the proper functioning of veins, particularly in the legs. One of the main causes is weak or damaged valves in the veins, which allow blood to flow backward and pool, causing the veins to enlarge. Genetics also play a role, as the condition can be hereditary. Age is another factor, as veins lose elasticity over time and prolonged standing or sitting can increase pressure in the leg veins. Pregnancy, obesity and hormonal changes, particularly in women during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause can also contribute to the development of varicose veins. Additionally, a lack of physical activity can reduce circulation, making it harder for blood to flow efficiently through the veins. These factors combined can lead to poor blood circulation and increase the likelihood of developing varicose veins.
To prevent varicose veins, it’s important to adopt habits that promote healthy circulation and reduce strain on your veins. Regular exercise, such as walking or cycling, strengthens the calf muscles, helping blood flow efficiently. Maintaining a healthy weight also reduces pressure on the veins. Periodically elevating your legs can improve circulation, especially if you spend long periods standing or sitting. Wearing compression stockings can provide added support and help reduce swelling. It’s also beneficial to avoid tight clothing around the waist or legs, as these can restrict blood flow and engage in low-impact exercises like yoga to promote vein health. Making these lifestyle changes can help prevent varicose veins or stop them from worsening.

Varicose veins will not go away on their own. There are things you can do at home to help reduce your symptoms such as exercising regularly, avoiding standing up for long periods of time, elevating the affected area when resting or wearing compression stockings. For more severe cases where they are causing you pain or more serious complications could arise, a consultant will recommend a suitable treatment for you.

Recovery time depends on the treatment type you have had and the amount of veins you have had treated. Recovery from EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) and sclerotherapy is generally quick, with minimal downtime.

After EVLA, most patients can resume light activities, such as walking, on the same day, but full recovery typically takes 1 to 2 weeks.

For sclerotherapy, recovery is even faster, with most people returning to normal activities immediately, though heavy exercise should be avoided for 1 to 2 days. The treated veins may take a few weeks to several months to fully fade, and compression stockings are often worn for up to two weeks to support healing​.
Varicose veins are generally not dangerous, but they can lead to complications if left untreated. In many cases, they are primarily a cosmetic concern, but some individuals may experience discomfort, pain and swelling. Over time, untreated varicose veins can result in more serious health issues, such as chronic venous insufficiency, where the veins struggle to circulate blood properly, leading to skin changes. Other potential complications include superficial thrombophlebitis (blood clots in superficial veins), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can be life-threatening if a clot travels to the lungs, and skin ulcers that can develop around the ankles.

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HEAR FROM OUR PATIENTS

WHY TREAT YOUR VARICOSE VEINS AT STRATUM DERMATOLOGY CLINICS?

Here at Stratum Dermatology Clinics, we understand how skin conditions can reduce confidence and self esteem. Varicose veins can cause pain and discomfort and can lead to other health complications such as skin ulcers. They are also very unsightly and can be removed for aesthetic reasons.

We work with leading experts in the field of dermatology to ensure you have the best experience and treatment. Stratum Dermatology Clinics are regulated by the Care Quality Commission, are part of the British Association of Dermatologists and are top rated by patients on Doctify so you can assure safe and effective varicose veins treatment with us.

varicose vein removal Cheltenham

Stratum Clinics Cheltenham
5 Ormond Terrace
Cheltenham
GL50 1HR

0800 048 9230

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varicose vein treatment oxford

Stratum Clinics Oxford
Cantay House
38-39 Park End Street
Oxford OX1 1JD

0800 048 9230

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varicose vein removal london

Stratum Clinics Wimbledon & Raynes Park
Raynes Park Health Centre
1 Lambton Road
Wimbledon
SW20 0LW

0800 048 9230

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