veins faq

Can Varicose Veins Burst?

Varicose veins are a fairly common condition which often runs in families and especially affects women. But did you know that in rare cases, untreated varicose veins can actually burst?

Fortunately, varicose veins are a progressive condition, which means that they get worse gradually.

Initially, the main concerns may be tolerable. The first symptoms are usually an achy feeling and heaviness towards the end of the day, especially after spending time on your feet.

Then, typically, cosmetic concerns start to emerge, with the characteristic blue/purple bulky and twisted veins becoming noticeable.

The third stage is when the skin around the area starts to suffer, becoming discoloured and dry or itchy.

The final stage is that the damaged skin forms ulcers.

At this stage, varicose veins can occasionally burst. Thankfully this is rare, but is painful and messy. The reason is a combination of the buildup of pressure within the vein and the weaknesses in the condition of the skin.

What Happens if Varicose Veins Burst?

If you are reading this as it has just happened to you, then apply a tight bandage or dressing and seek medical attention asap. If you can’t contact your doctor go to A&E. Treatment will initially involve stopping the bleeding and allowing your skin to recover.  It will not necessarily include surgery to resolve the varicose veins themselves.

This is definitely an issue where prevention is the best course of action, to avoid the potential of the more severe situation arising.

The earlier varicose vein removal treatment is undertaken the less invasive and uncomfortable it is likely to be.

Remember, varicose veins don’t get better on their own. Rest and compression garments may help you cope with them, but the breakdown of valves in the veins is irreversible.

Advice on Varicose Veins

If you want to get some advice on varicose veins, please contact our friendly and knowledgeable team. We offer limited free advice on the phone and via email, or can arrange a consultation with our vascular surgeon, who will assess full medical history and examine your veins very carefully before advising the most appropriate treatment. Consultations include a full duplex scan for detailed diagnosis of the vein problem in order to establish the most appropriate form of treatment.

Varicose Vein Removal Treatments

We offer a range of varicose vein treatments using the latest laser and surgical techniques, all carried out by our experienced Vascular Surgeon on a ‘walk in walk out’ basis with no overnight stay and no general anaesthetic:

  • EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) treatment offers a 95% success rate. Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer EVLA treatment at their London vein treatment centre with a renowned vascular surgeon
  • ClariVein® is a treatment which combines a mechanical with a chemical action to seal
  • Foam sclerotherapy an injectable treatment for smaller varicose veins or larger thread veins
  • Exclusive Tumescent Foam Sclerotherapy which combines EVLA with foam sclerotherapy in a single treatment
  • Micro surgery for physical, surgical removal of the affected vein where necessary

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.

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