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Varicose vein treatment
- Ranked no.1 in the UK for private vascular care
- Appointment confirmed with a vascular consultant within one working day
- 99% of vascular patients recommend us to friends and family
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Varicose vein treatment AT HCA UK
Why choose us?
We’re the UK's number one for private vascular treatment and treat more cases of varicose veins than any other provider. If you’re concerned about the appearance of your varicose veins or they’re causing discomfort, we can help.
We offer fast access to one of our vascular specialists, whose unrivalled experience is backed by the latest diagnostics and state-of-the-art facilities. It’s why 99% of our patients say they’d recommend us to their friends and family.
We offer fast access to one of our vascular specialists, whose unrivalled experience is backed by the latest diagnostics and state-of-the-art facilities. It’s why 99% of our patients say they’d recommend us to their friends and family.
Varicose veins are large veins that are purple and bulging in appearance that occur on your legs and feet. Any vein that is close to the skin's surface, referred to as superficial veins, can become varicosed.
Veins have many one-way valves to help blood flow back to your heart. If you have varicose veins, it means the valves in your veins aren't working properly because they’re weak or damaged. This causes blood to flow backwards and pool in the veins, making the veins stretch or twist.
You may be recommended for surgery if you’re experiencing the following symptoms:
- Veins that are lumpy, bulging or twisted in appearance
- Aching, heavy and uncomfortable legs
- Swollen feet and ankles
- A burning or throbbing pain in your legs
- Muscle cramps in your legs, usually at night
- Dry, thin and itchy skin over the affected veins
Varicose vein symptoms are often worse during warm weather, or if you've been standing for long periods. They may improve when you walk around or if you rest and raise your legs.
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, then get in touch. One of our vasuclar specialists can help with any concerns you may have and provide a fast diagnosis.
There are three different treatment options. They are:
Non-surgical treatments
Patients who require treatment are often advised to use compression stockings first. These stockings are specifically designed to apply gentle pressure on the legs, helping to improve blood flow and reduce swelling. They’re often the first line of defence and can be used alongside other treatments. However, they do not make the varicosed veins go away.
You may also be recommended to implement some lifestyle changes, such as taking regular exercise and elevating your legs when sitting or lying down. These can help improve circulation and alleviate symptoms such as achiness and fatigue.
Minimally invasive surgical procedures
- Microsclerotherapy: This involves injecting a solution into the varicose vein, causing it to scar and collapse. The body then reabsorbs the vein over time. The procedure is most suitable for thread veins but sometimes small varicose veins can be treated this way.
- Endothermal ablation: This technique uses heat (radiofrequency or laser) delivered through a catheter (a thin tube) that’s inserted into the long or short truncal (saphenous) vein. These are the main superficial veins that carry blood back to the deep veins. The heat damages the vein lining, causing it to close and seal shut. This, combined with phlebectomies, is the gold standard in treatment and our default procedure for larger varicose veins.
- Sclerotherapy: This involves the injection of a foamed solution (sclerosant) into the veins. This foam is used to scar the veins, causing them to seal shut. This procedure may be offered to you if endothermal ablation treatment is deemed unsuitable. The procedure is typically carried out under local anaesthetic. Your varicose veins should begin to fade a few weeks after the procedure. However, you may require this treatment more than once to ensure the veins fade completely. Sclerotherapy is not suitable for patients who’ve previously had Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
- Stab phlebectomy: This procedure involves making tiny incisions and using specialised tools to remove small varicose veins near the skin’s surface. It’s often used in conjunction with other treatments.
Traditional surgery
- Vein stripping: This traditional surgery is now rarely performed in our practice. It involves the surgeon making small incisions in the groin and/or behind the knee to disconnect and remove larger varicose veins. While effective, it’s more invasive than other options as it requires more recovery time. The best treatment for you will depend on several factors, including the severity and location of your varicose veins, your overall health, and your preferences. Your consultant will discuss these options with you.
It depends on the surgery you’re having. At HCA UK, we offer different types of minimally invasive surgical procedures to treat varicose veins. These are covered in the treatment section above.
Varicose vein surgery is very common and, thankfully, the risks and side effects are usually minimal. However, like any surgery, it carries a risk.
Depending on the type of varicose vein removal procedure you have, potential side effects and risks can include:
- Paraesthesia (pins and needles), usually temporary
- Tight, bruised and painful legs
- Nerve injury (usually temporary)
- Blood clots in other leg veins
- Headaches
- Changes to skin colour (brown patches over the treated areas)
- Fainting
- Temporary vision problems (rarely following sclerotherapy)
99%
success rate across all vascular surgery
26,000+
cardiovascular patients treated each year
99%
of our patients would recommend us to friends and family
Next-day appointments
See a specialist and get on the path to an expert diagnosis in as little as 24 hours.
State-of-the-art treatments and facilities
With results in as little as 48 hours.
Wide-ranging expertise across the UK
Choose from locations in London and Manchester
VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT AND SURGERY
What to expect
From the moment you step through the door, until you’re ready to leave, we want you to feel as comfortable and reassured as possible.
One of the ways we can put you at ease is to let you know what to expect at each stage.
If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, or in the FAQ section below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team will be happy to help in any way they can.
One of the ways we can put you at ease is to let you know what to expect at each stage.
If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, or in the FAQ section below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team will be happy to help in any way they can.
01
Initial consultation
Whether you’ve self-referred to us or have a referral from your GP, the first step is always an initial consultation with one of our vascular specialists.
At this appointment, your consultant will examine your veins, ask about your medical history and arrange any necessary investigative diagnostic tests.
At this appointment, your consultant will examine your veins, ask about your medical history and arrange any necessary investigative diagnostic tests.
02
Tests and scans
At HCA UK, you’ll have access to the UK’s most comprehensive private diagnostics network.
Your consultant may recommend a quick and painless ultrasound scan. This is performed to check blood flow and whether the valves in your veins are working correctly, and to look more closely at the deep veins in the legs.
In rare cases, your consultant may request a CT or MRI scan.
Your consultant may recommend a quick and painless ultrasound scan. This is performed to check blood flow and whether the valves in your veins are working correctly, and to look more closely at the deep veins in the legs.
In rare cases, your consultant may request a CT or MRI scan.
03
Treatment
Your consultant will discuss your results with you and recommend the best course of treatment for your varicose veins. They’ll explain the treatment or procedure to you, ensuring you're aware of every detail so you know what to expect, and answer any questions you may have.
If you need to have surgery, we’ll make sure you have everything you need beforehand and you’ll be able to ask questions at every stage of the process. The entire medical team will be here to support you.
If you need to have surgery, we’ll make sure you have everything you need beforehand and you’ll be able to ask questions at every stage of the process. The entire medical team will be here to support you.
04
Post surgery
Depending on the type of procedure you have, you may need to wear compression stockings for a week or two after the surgery to prevent blood clots in the leg. You'll likely experience some pain for a couple of weeks after your treatment, too.
Your consultant will be able to advise you on pain relief. They’ll also let you know when you can get back to your routine and how your treated varicose veins might look in the weeks following your procedure.
Your consultant will be able to advise you on pain relief. They’ll also let you know when you can get back to your routine and how your treated varicose veins might look in the weeks following your procedure.
Where can I have my varicose vein treatment?
Choose from our state-of-the-art facilities in London and Manchester
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road Wilmslow SK9 1NY Cheshire
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Varicose vein treatment FAQs
Varicose veins occur when the valves in your veins are weak or damaged and can’t work properly. This causes blood to flow backwards and pool in the veins, making the veins swell, bulge and twist.
Sitting or standing for long periods can cause blood to pool in the leg veins, increasing the pressure within the veins and stretching them. Excess weight can also be a cause, as it puts pressure on the veins.
The risk of you getting varicose veins may increase as you get older, with pregnancy or if you have a family history of varicose veins.
Sitting or standing for long periods can cause blood to pool in the leg veins, increasing the pressure within the veins and stretching them. Excess weight can also be a cause, as it puts pressure on the veins.
The risk of you getting varicose veins may increase as you get older, with pregnancy or if you have a family history of varicose veins.
To help prevent varicose veins, you should:
- Take regular exercise. This will help improve blood flow around your body
- Maintain a healthy weight. Losing excess weight will take pressure off veins
- Avoid standing or sitting in the same position for long periods. Try to stand up and move around as often as possible
- Reduce your salt intake. Too much salt can damage blood vessels
- Elevate your legs. Try using a footrest if you sit at a desk at work and a footstool at home, as this will improve blood flow to your legs
- Wear compression stockings. Below the knee compression stockings can help improve circulation and are helpful in reducing the symptoms and complications of varicose veins.
To reduce swelling and ease pain, you can elevate your legs on a chair, stool or bed. This will encourage blood flow in your lower body to circulate towards the heart. Stay in this position for 15 minutes each time.
Small exercises could also be helpful in varicose vein pain relief. Flex your feet regularly and stretch your calf muscles a few times each day. If you have a job that requires sitting for long periods, you should try to change your position at least every 30 minutes.
Compression stockings are also helpful for symptom control, especially if you have aching legs or swelling. Our patients often find below the knee stockings more practical and tolerable.
Small exercises could also be helpful in varicose vein pain relief. Flex your feet regularly and stretch your calf muscles a few times each day. If you have a job that requires sitting for long periods, you should try to change your position at least every 30 minutes.
Compression stockings are also helpful for symptom control, especially if you have aching legs or swelling. Our patients often find below the knee stockings more practical and tolerable.
Your consultant will let you know what type of treatment is best for you, what's involved in the procedure and how to prepare. You may need to have a general anaesthetic for your procedure, so your consultant will let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand.
You must tell your consultant about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you currently take, as you may be asked to stop these temporarily before the procedure. This is because some can cause heavy bleeding during varicose vein treatment.
You should also arrange to have someone to take you home after your surgery as a general anaesthetic can make you drowsy and unable to drive for several hours.
You must tell your consultant about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you currently take, as you may be asked to stop these temporarily before the procedure. This is because some can cause heavy bleeding during varicose vein treatment.
You should also arrange to have someone to take you home after your surgery as a general anaesthetic can make you drowsy and unable to drive for several hours.
We offer this treatment at a fixed price at some of our facilities, which you can discuss with your consultant during your initial appointment. We offer a range of options when it comes to paying for your treatment, including through varicose veins private health insurance or self-pay.
“I cannot fault the level service I’ve received from Mr Braithwaite and his nursing staff. His professional yet friendly approach put me at ease from the start and I was treated with the utmost care and consideration at all times.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.