Varicose Veins Treatments

Many people suffer from varicose veins and, until recently, the mainstay of treatment was surgical removal. Varicose vein surgery is performed under general anaesthesia as a day case and requires a few days off work for recovery.
In the last few years, minimally invasive varicose vein treatments have been developed and many patients are deemed suitable for treatments of this nature. They can be performed under local anaesthetic and feature a swift return to normal activity. Cadogan Clinic now offers all modern varicose vein treatments in addition to conventional treatments. The varicose vein removal procedures include VNUS Closure, ultrasound guided Foam Sclerotherapy, Microsclerotherapy and Vascular Screening.

Book a consultation with one of our consultants by calling 020 7901 8500 or by contacting us via this website now. You can also read further to find out more about treatments for varicose veins.

What Are Varicose Veins?

These enlarged veins usually occur in the legs and are often painful and cause swelling of the ankles. Malfunctioning valves in the veins which disallow blood to flow backwards are the cause of this condition. This usually affects superficial veins which are presented with blood of high pressure from the deeper system. Walking or standing exacerbates the effects of varicose veins and increases discomfort.

The Benefits of Varicose Veins Treatments

Conventional surgical treatments, including the stripping of veins, are tried and tested. They may be obligatory for certain awkward problems, including leg ulcers. More recent, minimally invasive varicose vein treatments have been introduced in the last few years. They have become increasingly popular because they can be done under local anaesthetic with little downtime to the patient. All these treatments greatly improve the cosmetic problem and reduce pain and discomfort and the risk of ulceration.

Varicose veins, whether they are small or large, with and without symptoms, can all be successfully treated by any of the following treatments: conventional surgery and the latest treatments of VNUS Closure, Foam Sclerotherapy and Microvascular Therapy.

As with any medical procedure, it is important to maintain realistic expectations regarding results, and these will be discussed at the consultation with the consultant.

Types of Varicose Veins Treatments

Conventional Stripping and Ligation: Larger varicose veins are removed or stripped out and abnormal feeding vessels located and tied. Conventional surgery is useful for particularly complicated cases, but is also used for other cases as it is a tried and tested technique.

VNUS Closure: This treatment is suitable for most varicose veins, particularly those which are medium sized and relatively straight. The vessels are destroyed from within by radiofrequency. It is usually carried out under local anaesthetic. Laser treatments have been discarded as they tend to be painful.

Phlebectomy: This is minor surgery to remove smaller vessels directly through tiny stabs.

Foam Sclerotherapy: This is the destruction of veins by the injection of a sclerosant that has been converted to a foam to spread evenly through small vessels.

Microsclerotherapy: This is effective both for the injection of the smallest vessels through tiny needles.

What to Expect

During Surgery: All surgery is carried out as a day case. VNUS Closure is carried out under local anaesthetic and takes less than an hour. Complicated conventional procedures may take longer and be carried out under general anaesthetic.

After Surgery: There is some slight tenderness and you will be asked to wear compression bandages for about a week. Any skin discolouration and bruising will reduce over time.

Browse the other cosmetic treatments available at the Cadogan Clinic.

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