Award winning service, with over 20 years of experience
Minimally invasive procedure that is performed under local anaesthesia and only takes about 30 minutes to complete
Safe environment, in Care Quality Commission approved facilities.
Gentle and extremely effective procedure that ensures patient comfort during and after treatment
VARICOSE VEINS TREATMENT.
Everything you need to know.
Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged veins, often seen in the legs and feet, which appear lumpy, twisted and are blue or dark purple in colour. Varicose veins result from problems with the drainage of blood where values in our veins don’t close properly, causing blood to flow back into the legs and pools in the veins which then become distended due to increased pressure. These veins aren’t only visible, but also painful as symptoms include tired, heavy, throbbing legs and swollen feet and ankles. The skin around the affected vein may be dry and itchy and muscle cramp is common, particularly at night.
Up to 40% of women and 20% of men suffer from symptoms of varicose veins, making the disease of the veins one of the most prevalent conditions today. Varicose veins are caused by weak vein walls and valves. Women are more likely to have varicose veins, particularly as being pregnant leads to an increased risk. Old age, being overweight and long periods of standing also increase your risk of developing varicose veins.
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HOW ARE VARICOSE VEINS TREATED?
The earlier vein impairment is identified, the lower the risks. Varicose veins are often treated for aesthetic reasons. However, treatment is also highly advisable if they are causing pain or discomfort or are likely to lead to other health complications such as skin ulcers. Medical complications caused by varicose veins may be severe and can be avoided in most cases if the condition is treated in time.
The first line of treatment is often compression stockings which work by reducing the width of the vein by applying external pressure. However these are not suitable for everyone and it’s not known if compression stockings help to prevent your varicose veins from getting worse or if they prevent new ones from appearing. We have a number of ways in which we can treat varicose veins in Oxford and Cheltenham, during your consultation your condition will be assessed and the best treatment for you will be advised.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution, often foam, directly into the affected vein. This solution reacts with the vein wall, causing the vein to inflame and scar, forcing blood away to healthier veins. This eventually closes off the vein and the collapsed vein is reabsorbed into local tissue and eventually fades. After sclerotherapy, treated veins tend to shrink and disappear within a few weeks, although occasionally it may take a month or more to see the full results. Sclerotherapy is usually carried out under local anaesthetic, meaning you will be able to go home the day of the procedure.
The ELVeS Radial™ Laser procedure
The ELVeS Radial™ procedure is a gentle and extremely effective varicose vein treatment. This treatment works by a probe being inserted into the affected vein through a small puncture site. The probe is then used to direct a laser light into the vein using targeted radial emission and the laser seals the vein. This treatment is conducted using local anaesthesia, takes around 30 minutes to complete and causes very little or no pain during or after treatment. Patients can resume normal activities immediately after treatment and there is little or no scarring or bruising, making it one of the most popular varicose vein treatments.
Microsclerotherapy
Microsclerotherapy is an effective treatment for thread veins and varicose veins that works by injecting a liquid directly into the veins, destroying them and causing them to disappear. The procedure is non-surgical, just involving an injection into the treatment area. A compression is needed to be worn in the weeks following the treatment to give the body time to turn the dying vein into scar tissue.
Phlebectomy
Phlebectomy, which is also known as stab avulsion, microphlebectomy or ambulatory phlebectomy, is a technique used to remove varicose veins. In this procedure, 1 or 2 tiny cuts are made in the skin, the affected vein is identified, cut and removed through the incisions using a suction device. This treatment can either be carried out using local or general anaesthetic and you may experience some bleeding or bruising in the weeks following treatment.
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Arrange a consultation with one of our expert dermatologists today.
WHERE CAN I GET MY VARICOSE VEINS TREATED?
We currently treat and remove varicose veins in our Oxford and Cheltenham clinics. To book an appointment with either clinic, please call 0800 048 9230 and a member of the team will talk you through your consultation and then book you an appointment with Mr Nick Hickey, our consultant vascular surgeon who specialises in varicose vein treatment.
WHY TREAT YOUR VARICOSE VEINS AT STRATUM DERMATOLOGY CLINICS?
Here at Stratum Dermatology Clinics, we understand how skin conditions can reduce confidence and self esteem. Varicose veins can cause pain and discomfort and can lead to other health complications such as skin ulcers. They are also very unsightly and can be removed for aesthetic reasons.
We work with leading experts in the field of dermatology to ensure you have the best experience and treatment. Stratum Dermatology Clinics are regulated by the Care Quality Commission, are part of the British Association of Dermatologists and are top rated by patients on Doctify so you can assure safe and effective acne treatment with us.
HEAR FROM ONE OF OUR RECENT PATIENTS
I always find the service first class. I am looked after extremely well and actually enjoy coming to Stratum. The staff are very friendly the Consultants expertise is first class.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will varicose veins go away on their own?
Varicose veins will not go away on their own. There are things you can do at home to help reduce your symptoms such as exercising regularly, avoiding standing up for long periods of time, elevating the affected area when resting or wearing compression stockings. For more severe cases where they are causing you pain or more serious complications could arise, a consultant will recommend a suitable treatment for you.
How long does it take to recover from varicose vein treatment?
Recovery time depends on the treatment type you have had and the amount of veins you have had treated. The ELVeS Radial™ Laser procedure is the treatment of choice for many as it has no recovery time at all with patients able to go back to their normal activities straight after treatment. Other methods such as Sclerotherapy and Phlebectomy, it is recommended to avoid exercise for around 3-5 days following treatment and the bruising should heal around 2-6 weeks later.
What are the main causes of varicose veins?
Damaged and weak vein walls and valves are the cause of varicose veins. They can occur whenever the blood pressure increases inside the veins. Reasons for this increase in blood pressure can be due to pregnancy, constipation, tumours and obesity.
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