10 Varicose and Thread Vein FAQs

VARICOSE VEINS

Statistically one in five people will develop Varicose Veins as they age and women are known to be more affected than men. Varicose Veins normally occur in the legs – often around the backs of the calves, inside of the legs and thighs – appearing as lumpy and twisted blue or dark purple bulges under the skin.

What are veins?

Veins are blood vessels that carry blood around the body. Their main role is to return blood from the organs back to the heart. Organs use oxygen from the blood to help perform their functions. They then release the used blood back into the veins. This blood is then taken back to the heart and into the lungs where the carbon dioxide is released, and fresh oxygen is inhaled and put back into the blood. There are different types of veins which vary in size and function with the largest being in the centre of the body.

What are varicose veins and spider veins?

When the valves within a vein become weak, it becomes harder for the blood to travel through causing it to instead sit within the vein. This causes the vein to stretch and become enlarged which is then known as a varicose vein.

A spider vein or thread vein is another type of damaged vein which instead does not tend to swell or become enlarged, but they do sit close to the surface of the skin and you can often see them as red, blue or purple lines on the skin.

What causes Varicose Veins or Thread Veins?

Varicose veins and spider veins are common, and anyone can be at risk from developing them.

Key risk factors that can contribute to the formation of varicose veins includes:

Family history
Age
Being overweight
Pregnancy

Key risk factors that can contribute to the formation of thread veins includes:

Genetics
Age
Trauma
Medical Condition
Hormones

What treatments are available for varicose or spider veins?

There are lots of treatments around for varicose veins and spider veins. At home treatments include leg elevation, compression stockings, weight loss, and diet changes however these are unlikely to treat the veins completely. They can help prevent the formation of further veins and help with any discomfort.

For a more permanent treatment, you may be advised varicose vein surgery or cosmetic thread vein treatments such as:

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
VenaSeal
Foam Sclerotherapy
Phlebectomy
Microsclerotherapy
Cutera CoolGlide (Thread veins only)
Regenlite (Thread Veins only)
IPL Photorejuvenation (Thread veins only)

Do I need to get my veins treated?

It is not essential to get your veins treated if the reason is purely cosmetic. However, it is worth remembering that having varicose veins especially, can you put you at risk of developing blood clots, ulcers, further swelling, hyperpigmentation, and other forms of venous disease.

At The Private Clinic, we offer all varicose vein patients a free ultrasound scan at your consultation which will help your vascular surgeon to see if there are any underlying issues that need to be dealt with before you start treatment.

Treatment for thread veins is again, not essential however they can continue to get worse if left untreated. They could also be the first sign of a more serious vascular problem, so it is always worth getting them checked out.

varicose vein treatment before after photos — Left Before Photo. Right After Photo

varicose veins before after results — Left Before Photo. Right After Photo

Do compression stockings help with varicose veins?

Compression stockings can help with the discomfort of varicose veins. They can also assist with the prevention of further varicose veins. They are designed to increase blood circulation in the leg and come in a variety of strengths and measurements. They can help to reduce swelling, aching, and cramping but they do need to be worn on a daily basis for the results to continue.

Who performs varicose vein treatments?

Varicose vein treatments at The Private Clinic are performed by some of the UK’s best Vascular Surgeons. Our team of expert vascular surgeons are able to offer the most advanced, minimally invasive treatments for all types of veins. Many of our surgeons are members of The Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland and/or the European Society for Vascular Surgery.

When it comes to choosing a surgeon for varicose vein treatments always be sure to check to see if your surgeon is board-certified. We also advise asking how many patients they have treated and requesting to view before and after photos. We recommend asking friends, family members, and even your GP for recommendations. You should always have a consultation with your surgeon before booking in for any type of varicose vein removal procedure.

Find out more about choosing the right vascular surgeon here.

Are there any side effects from varicose vein surgery?

There are always certain risks or side effects that can occur when you undergo any type of medical treatment or procedure and these should always be discussed with your surgeon before undergoing any type of varicose vein treatment.

Side effects will vary depending on which treatment you undergo. EVLA and Foam Sclerotherapy treatments can cause slight swelling or bruising. VenaSeal can result in inflammation or pain in the treatment area. These are all common side effects and should only last for 1-2 weeks.

Removing varicose veins is a very safe procedure. The veins are no longer functioning and are therefore not needed. Once they have been removed, the blood is re-routed to healthier veins located deeper under the skin.

More information on the risks and side effects of varicose vein surgery will always be discussed at your consultation.

How long do the results from varicose or thread vein surgery last?

The results from varicose vein surgery and thread veins procedures are designed to be permanent. There is a chance that you may develop new varicose or thread veins following surgery, but the treated vein is very unlikely to appear again.

How can I prevent varicose veins?

There is no guaranteed way to stop the formation of varicose veins, especially if you are genetically prone to them. A few recommendations to help include:

Live a healthy lifestyle
Keep at an ideal weight
Avoid sitting or standing for long periods
Wear compression stockings
Regular exercise

Why choose The Private Clinic for Vein treatment?

Our aim is to always advise on the least invasive method for varicose veins and thread veins removal treatment for your legs, body and face.
Our Consultant vascular surgeons are pioneers in EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) and have treated thousands of patients.
We have a team of expert doctors, nurses and practitioners who are very experienced in treating thread veins.
All varicose vein treatments are performed under local anaesthetic.
Walk in, walk out procedures – no hospital stay required
No downtime, treatment takes one hour.
The NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) Gold Standard for treatment of Varicose Veins find the success rate after five years for EVLA is 95.4%.
We tackle the actual cause of the problem, which is why we offer all varicose veins patients a free ultrasound scan.
We are competitively priced
We focus on the underlying cause of your veins and with no scars
Owing to our reputation, we have been featured in Harper’s Bazaar’s Cosmetic Tweakment Trends for 2019
We have carried out over 7,000 procedures in treating Veins.
Trust Pilot 5-star rating and 98% of patients would recommend us to friends and family

Helpful Links

Expert Vascular Surgeons

Mr Constantinos Kyriakides, MD, FRCS (Gen), FRCS (Gen Surg). GMC Number: 3275436
Mr Dynesh Rittoo, MBChB, FRCS (Eng), FRCS (Gen Surg). GMC Number: 3556456
Mr Rajiv Pathak, MBBS, MS, FRCS (Gen), FRCS. GMC Number: 4585309
Mr Tahir Hussain, MBBS, FRCS (Gen, Surg.), MS Masters in Surgery. GMC Number: 3242669

Book a consultation

We have clinics nationwide: London Harley Street, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton.

To find out more about varicose or thread vein treatments at The Private Clinic, please call, 0333 920 2471 or use our veins online contact form to book a consultation.