Reticular varicose veins are red and are sometimes grouped close together in a network
Do You Need Treatment For Varicose Veins?
In the past varicose veins were only treated if they were really causing problems. Since 2013, however, new guidance from NICE says that all patients suffering from varicose veins and who are experiencing discomfort (itching, swelling, aching, heaviness) or visual signs (pigmentation, eczema, leg ulcers) should be referred to a vascular consultant.
Varicose veins can not only be painful but for many men and women, pronounced varicose veins can affect confidence.
Varicose veins treatment is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. Varicose vein surgery usually takes between twenty minutes and two and a half hours.
If your varicose veins don't cause you any discomfort, you may decide not to have any treatment. If your veins do cause discomfort or if you want treatment for cosmetic reasons, then our surgeons at Kingsbridge Private Hospital offer the latest techniques in varicose veins treatment.
During your consultation, all aspects of surgery will be discussed with you and you can rest assured that any concerns or questions you have will be answered.
How Are Varicose Veins Treated?
If your varicose veins don't cause you any discomfort, you may decide not to have any treatment. However, if your veins do cause you discomfort or if you want treatment for cosmetic reasons then our surgeons at Kingsbridge Private Hospital offer the latest techniques in varicose veins treatment.
Pathway 1 - Non-Surgical Treatment for Varicose Veins
There are a number of modern techniques used to treat varicose veins. This involves the closure of the veins using injected foam or applied heat energy through a small skin incision. These techniques have the advantage in that they can be carried out under local anaesthetic and rarely require overnight stay. Most patients will be able to walk immediately afterwards and can resume normal activities in 1 to 2 days.
These treatments include:
- VNUS Closure Procedure using radiofrequency energy
- Ultrasound guided Foam Sclerotherapy
- Microsclerotherapy for thread veins
Pathway 2 – Surgical Treatment for Varicose Veins
Larger veins often require surgical removal under general or spinal anaesthesia. Depending on the extent of your veins and your occupation, you may need to take between one to two weeks off work to recover.
In surgery, superficial veins that have become varicose veins are removed. The veins that are situated deep within your legs will take over the role of the damaged veins.
There are many types of operation depending on which veins need treated. Your surgeon at Kingsbridge Private Hospital will provide you with advice on which operation is best for you.
A common operation is ligation and stripping. In this operation, your surgeon will tie off the faulty vein to stop any blood flowing through it and then remove it. You may have phlebectomy with ligation and stripping to remove the smaller surface veins that lie under your skin. In this operation, your surgeon will use hooks to pull out your varicose veins through small cuts in your leg.
Although many people won't need any further treatment after surgery, it’s possible that new varicose veins can form.
Please note that all your options will be discussed in depth at your consultation with our experienced Vascular Consultants. We provide a full assessment service with clinical examination and ultrasound.
What To Expect After Varicose Vein Treatment
After your treatment at Kingsbridge Private Hospital you should no longer have varicose veins, and any symptoms you had should be improved. Varicose vein surgery should also help prevent complications that varicose veins may cause and the general appearance of the area where the varicose veins were present.