Varicose Vein Removal Chelmsford

Are you looking for a surgical option for varicose veins? We offer several types of varicose vein removal at Phoenix Hospital Chelmsford.

Led by expert vascular surgeons, our varicose vein removal services provide a permanent and effective solution to varicose veins.

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What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins that usually appear on the legs. They tend to be dark blue or purple and can be lumpy and uncomfortable.

You may wish to have varicose veins removed as they are often very visible. Most people opt for removal based on aesthetic concerns. However, they can cause complications if left untreated for a long time.

Other symptoms of varicose veins include:

Heavy, uncomfortable and achy legs
Swelling of the lower calves and feet
Hardening of the skin on the lower calf
In its advanced stages, can cause ulceration

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What causes varicose veins?

Varicose veins are formed when there are issues with the valves in your veins. Usually, blood flows up veins towards the heart. In people with varicose veins, the valves that allow the blood to flow don’t work properly, sending blood backwards towards the feet. This increases the pressure in the veins, causing them to swell.

Doctors are still not completely sure what causes people to have these valve problems, however it is genetic and runs in families. Certain factors can also put you at greater risk, such as having a job that requires you to stand on your feet all day.

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How are varicose veins removed?

At Phoenix Hospital Chelmsford, we offer several surgical removal options for varicose veins treatment. These are recommended if conservative treatments like raising the legs and wearing compression stockings haven’t worked well enough.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

RFA is a type of keyhole surgery. Your surgeon will make a small nick and put a needle into the vein. Through this needle, they will push a small tube known as a catheter into the affected vein. RFA uses high frequency radio waves which deliver heat to the vein. As the catheter is pulled out, the heat cauterises the vein, shutting off its blood supply. This causes the varicose veins to break down.

An ultrasound will be used to guide the whole process, and you will be under local or general anaesthetic.

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA)

EVLA is another type of keyhole surgery. It is very similar to RFA in that your surgeon will insert a catheter into the vein through a very small hole. The difference is that they will use a laser to heat the vein. As the catheter is pulled out, the heat delivered causes the varicose veins to break down.

An ultrasound will be used to guide the whole process, and you will be under local or general anaesthetic.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a treatment that involves injecting a solution into the veins which closes them and causes them to fade.

For smaller thread veins, the best option is microsclerotherapy, which uses very small needles. Foam sclerotherapy is another option for larger veins. This involves injecting a foam into the veins. Unlike other surgical treatments, this does not require anaesthetic and therefore you will be able to leave the clinic faster.

Is varicose vein removal safe?

Varicose vein surgery is generally very safe and low risk. However, like any surgical procedures, it is important to be aware of the possible complications.

There can be a risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), however this can be avoided by injecting a blood thinner, and by ensuring you start moving as soon as you leave hospital.

A less serious risk is haematoma, which is when a small amount of blood collects under the surgery site. However, for 99% of cases, the routine surgery passes without complications.

Your recovery and aftercare

For most patients, recovery from varicose vein surgery is very smooth. At Chelmsford, this is offered as a daycase surgery, so you will come in during the morning or early afternoon, have your procedure and then stay for a couple of hours. After this, you will be able to go home.

You will need bandages on the area for up to 7 days, at which point you will return to the clinic to have these removed. Usually, painkillers are advised for the first day, and you should be able to return to your usual activities within a couple of weeks.

Most patients go back to work 7-10 days after their operations, and you shouldn’t need any further appointments. Varicose vein surgery is usually permanent and very effective.

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Our surgeons

Mr John Prionidis

Specialty: Vascular

Mr Shiva Dindyal

Specialty: Vascular

Book your varicose vein removal

If you are struggling with varicose veins and are looking into surgical options, we can help. Our expert vascular surgeons have a wealth of experience in providing personalised treatments and high standards of care.

Phone us today to book in for a consultation by calling 0207 079 2100.

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