The best treatment for varicose veins depends on your symptoms and the severity of the veins, always consult your healthcare professional and in the case of varicose veins its particularly important as there are many cosmetic solutions, which may or may not be suitable for you.
These can often be caused by hereditary traits, being overweight or pregnancy in women.
Your healthcare professional can quickly and efficiently produce a report on the state of the veins by using a non-invasive scanner which shows failed valves and the flow of blood in your leg, allowing for a swift diagnosis and suggestions for treatment.
One thing the writer learnt is they are best treated in one go rather than repeated stages, hence the need to get the best advice before deciding on any treatment !
The NHS only treats varicose veins when they have reached a progressed stage (e.g. when the leg gets ulcers) so private treatment may in many cases be the only option.
Cosmetic surgeons don’t always offer the range of support a private hospital can supply ( e.g. general anaesthetics, etc).
There is also a lot you can do to help yourself to reduce symptoms.
Home Management
If your veins are asymptomatic or to manage symptoms while waiting for treatment, the NHS Varicose Veins Guide recommends:
- Compression Stockings: Apply gentle pressure to the legs to help blood flow.
- Elevation: Rest your legs on cushions to reduce swelling.
- Lifestyle: Avoid standing or sitting for prolonged periods, exercise regularly to improve circulation, and maintain a healthy diet and weight.
Todays, gold-standard, are minimally invasive procedures that have largely replaced traditional, more invasive surgery such as vein stripping.
These are as follows;
Clinically Proven Procedures
Modern treatments are typically performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthetic.
- Endovenous Ablation (Laser or Radiofrequency): A tiny catheter is inserted into the diseased vein using ultrasound guidance. Heat is applied to seal the vein shut.
- Foam Sclerotherapy: A special chemical foam is injected into the vein to irritate the walls, causing them to stick together and close.
- Medical Adhesive (e.g., VenaSeal): A specialized “super glue” is used to permanently seal the vein shut without the need for heat or extensive local anaesthetic injections.
- Phlebectomy: Used for very large, bulging veins, this procedure involves removing the vein through tiny incisions in the skin.
For a deeper look into the clinical pathways and decision-making for minimally invasive care, you can read the NHS Decision Support tool;