Question 1

Why choose the UK Vein Clinic?

Accepted Answer

We give you access to world-class treatment for a fair, fixed fee - and a result that’s guaranteed. Led by the evidence, our team of leading vascular surgeons and scientists only offer specialised treatments that are proven to deliver the best outcome

Question 2

What should I expect during my visit?

Accepted Answer

You’ll be seen at our Harley Street clinic by one of our specialist doctors, who’ll carry out a full duplex ultrasound of the affected area and advise you on your treatment options‍. Depending on the outcome of this consultation, we’ll book you in for a return visit where we’ll carry out treatment. We only carry out minimally invasive treatments, so you’ll be able to walk in and out the same day. Six weeks after your treatment, we'll arrange to see you again, to ensure the veins we have targeted have been properly closed.

Question 3

What treatments do you offer - and where?

Accepted Answer

We focus exclusively on specialised, minimally invasive thermal treatments using radio waves — Radiofrequency Ablation surgery, and thermal coagulation using the Veinwave technique. We do so because these varicose vein treatments are currently proven to offer the best available outcomes for patients (and are recognised for it by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence). Alongside these radiotherapies, we also undertake Micro and Foam Sclerotherapy - supported by duplex ultrasound scanning - to treat some types of vein. Treatments and consultations are all carried out in our Harley Street clinic in the heart of Central London’s medical district.

Question 4

How long does the treatment take?

Accepted Answer

All our treatments are minimally invasive so you can walk in and walk out the same day. A typical treatment session generally takes between 30 and 45 minutes

Question 5

Is it painful?

Accepted Answer

Most patients report only slight discomfort, if any, during the procedures (although everyone’s response to treatment and threshold for pain will vary). Radiofrequency Ablation is carried out under local anaesthetic - small injections given in the affected area until it becomes completely numb. The treated area can feel tender or numb immediately after treatment, and some patients report feeling the vein as a sore line or string inside the skin for a few days afterwards. It's also common for the treated area to start to feel more sore in the second week after treatment. Any discomfort like this can be managed using simple over-the-counter pain relief (such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen). Veinwave treatment for thread veins does not require anaesthetic and is virtually painless. (As some patients have put it, it feels a bit like having a hair pulled out. It is much less painful than laser treatments.) Occasionally, patients experience some discomfort after their treatment, but this is almost always managed using basic, over-the-counter pain relief. Sclerotherapy does not require anaesthetic either. Very well tolerated by the vast majority of patients, it’s a brief injection to close each vein: similar to having a blood test or flu jab

Question 6

What are the drawbacks of treatment?

Accepted Answer

We only use non-invasive treatments that minimise the risk of complications and post-op pain. However, all procedures can lead to minor adverse effects such as bruising, redness, and tenderness in the treated area. Some patients find the area feels numb for a few days; others experience some minor discomfort that is usually managed using over-the-counter pain relief. Very occasionally, some patients experience a slight staining of the skin that does not clear up over time

Question 7

What’s the recovery time after surgery? How soon can I start normal activity again?

Accepted Answer

How long it takes to return to normal life after treatment will depend on each individual, but typically patients are able to carry on as before within a matter of days or even hours. Thread vein patients are able to resume activities the fastest. If you’ve had varicose vein treatment, you may have to wait up to 48 hours before bathing the affected area. We will also ask you to wear compression stockings for up to 2 weeks (during the second week, you can take these off at night); and recommend that you avoid any long-haul flights for 6 weeks

Question 8

Will I have to wear compression stockings after the operation?

Accepted Answer

If you’ve had varicose vein treatment on your leg(s), we will ask you to wear compression stockings for up to 2 weeks (during the second week, you can take these off at night)

Question 9

I’ve got a pacemaker. Can I still get treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes

Question 10

Is it ok to get treatment if I’m pregnant?

Accepted Answer

You can have your scan and consultation, but we may recommend waiting until after the birth to undertake treatment

Question 11

Is it ok to get treatment if I’m diabetic?

Accepted Answer

Yes

Question 12

Can I fly, drive, or exercise after surgery?

Accepted Answer

We advise patients who have had radiotherapy on larger varicose veins to avoid long-haul flights for 6 weeks after treatment, because of the increased risk of thrombosis in a pressurised plane cabin. You can choose to drive again as soon as you feel comfortable enough to perform an emergency stop. How soon you start exercising again will depend on the speed of your recovery, but you can carefully resume exercise as soon as you’re happy to do so

Pricing - Spider Vein Treatment

Pricing

Examination & duplex ultrasound scan

Diagnostic assessment prices start at:

£350

Spider Vein Treatment Sessions

Diagnostic assessment

£350

Treatment sessions:

£399 each

Treatment packages are available, giving you savings of up to:

22.5%

Where and how to get started

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the cost the same across UK Vein Clinic locations?

Does it matter where my damaged veins are located?

Can I get the treatment on the NHS?

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