Private varicose vein treatment and surgery – microphlebectomy two legs (ablation/removal of veins)

Varicose vein microphlebectomy (two legs) operation costs and locations

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are veins that are swollen and enlarged. They are usually dark blue or purple in colour and more often than not occur in the legs. They form when weaknesses in the vein walls cause pressure to build up. This then distorts the veins, resulting in the lumpy, discoloured appearance.

Symptoms and types

Symptoms of varicose veins include:

• aching, heavy and uncomfortable legs
• bulging and twisted veins
• veins appear dark blue or purple
• a burning or throbbing sensation in the lower legs
• itching around the veins
• pain after sitting for prolonged periods.

The different types of varicose veins include:

• Trunk varicose veins: these can be thick, knobbly, and long
• Reticular varicose veins: this type are usually grouped together and appear red
• Telangiectasia varicose veins: sometimes called spider veins, these are a mild but common form of varicose veins. They appear blue or red and can manifest on the legs or face.

What causes varicose veins?

People can develop varicose veins when weak or damaged vein walls and valves cause pressure to build when transferring blood back to the heart. The calf muscles act as pumps, pushing blood upwards, working against gravity. Tiny valves in the veins open as blood flows towards the heart, then close to stop blood flowing backwards. Varicose veins occur when these valves weaken, allowing blood to pool in the veins.

Diagnosis

To diagnose varicose veins, a specialist will need to perform an examination. This will likely involve checking for swelling in the patient’s legs while they stand up. The specialist may also use an ultrasound scanner to check blood flow through the legs. If the patient is diagnosed with varicose veins, a treatment plan will be devised.

The best treatments for varicose veins

The treatment will depend on the type and severity of the varicose veins. In less severe cases, treatment options may include self-care. This can involve regular exercises, sitting with elevated legs, or even wearing compression socks to help the veins and muscles move blood around.

In more severe cases, a specialist may recommend surgery. Learn more about when to worry about varicose veins.

Varicose vein laser treatment

Strong bursts of light are projected onto the varicose veins causing the vein to fade over time.

Varicose vein injections (sclerotherapy)

This procedure involves a foamy solution is injected into the varicose veins to close them.

Varicose vein removal surgery

A specialist uses heat therapy via a catheter to make veins collapse. This will then heal shut and blood will re-route through other veins.

Vein stripping

This involves tying off a varicose vein before the place where it joins a deep vein. The vein is then removed via small incisions.

Success rates and benefits of varicose vein surgery

Varicose vein surgery generally boasts a high success rate of around 85%. It is important to remember that the surgery won’t remove all the varicose veins and patients will likely be left with one or two. The benefits of varicose vein surgery include:

• improved circulation in the legs
• no swelling or itching in the legs
• no pain in the legs.

Risks and complications

When it comes to varicose vein surgery, the risk factors are:

• family history: a family history of the condition may make recurrence more likely
• obesity: being overweight or obese puts increased pressure and strain on veins
• sex: women are more likely than men to experience varicose veins. This is because hormones can cause vein walls to relax and weaken
• age: veins and valves wear and tear over the years, weakening vein walls and increasing the likelihood of developing the condition
• pregnancy: pregnant women experience increased blood flow which can cause veins to expand.

The complications and side effects of varicose vein surgery include:

• blood clots
• ulcers
• bleeding
• swelling.

Private varicose vein treatment costs in the UK

Varicose vein treatment is available at most private healthcare providers across the UK. The table below provides an idea of the kind of prices to expect.

For a full list of treatment prices, please see our private surgery prices page.

Ways to pay

There are two ways to access varicose vein surgery at Practice Plus Group:

• self-pay private surgery
• private health insurance

What to expect

Below, we explore what to expect at each stage of the varicose veins treatment procedure.

Preparing for surgery

In the days and weeks before varicose veins treatment, the advice around preparation is similar to other operations. For example, some medications will need to be stopped at least four weeks prior to surgery.

For varicose veins patients, it’s important to stress the role of leg compression. Special compression socks will be supplied prior to surgery. These need to be worn before and after surgery as they play an important part with regards to treatment and recovery.

The following provides instructions as to how long and the type of compression needed depending on the procedure:

• Foam sclerotherapy: 3-5 days of compression bandages followed by 2 weeks of compression stockings
• Surgical phlebectomies: 2-3 nights of thick compression bandage followed by 1-2 weeks of compression stockings.

The procedure – how it works

Explanation depends on the type of procedure needed. Please ask your consultant for more information on your specific procedure.

Recovery

Regardless of the type of procedure you had, it’s important to remember that compression bandages and/or stockings must be worn during recovery.

For ablation and sclerotherapy or sclerotherapy alone, patients won’t need to take much time off work. In fact, daily activities can be resumed in 1-2 days. Driving should be avoided on the day of surgery but can be resumed the day after.

For surgical phlebectomies, the initial recovery period is between 1-2 weeks. Driving should be avoided for a few days following the procedure.

Meet our surgeons and consultants

At Practice Plus Group, you can choose an experienced consultant to support you throughout your time with us, ensuring you receive first-class care.

You can search for consultants on our website by treatment, language, or name.

Find private varicose vein treatment near you

At our hospital in Shepton Mallet, any patient in need of our services is welcome. That’s regardless of location and even if you have an existing health condition.

If you’re ready to experience life to the fullest and improve your long term health, get in touch to see if varicose vein treatment is the right option for you.

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