EVLA vs Vein Stripping Study

EVLA brings a new solution for varicose veins, but the NHS still favours traditional vein stripping surgery. How do the two approaches compare?

EVLA (endovenous laser ablation), also known as EVLT, is a treatment which uses laser to seal off the bulging and uncomfortable blue/purple veins. It offers 95% success rate and a relatively fast procedure with no overnight stay.

By comparison, vein stripping surgery often means a few nights in hospital and quite long recovery with extended wear of compression garments.

Comparison Study

A study was published in the Archives of Dermatology 2011 and featured in WebMD, following 346 adults with varicose veins. 185 had EVLA treatment and 161 had vein stripping surgery.

The patients in the EVLT group reported having pain for an average of eight days after their procedures compared to 17 days in the HLS group.

The same report surprisingly showed broadly similar outcomes between the two approaches in terms of recurrence of the problem.

However, experts reviewing the study have said that because the study was started in 2004, it looked at an older laser technique and also used a less common local anaesthetic for vein stripping which may have enhanced the results of surgery. Other studies have been more clearly in favour of EVLA, which is now generally said to offer a success rate of 95%.

Tristan R.A. Lane, MBBS, a vascular surgeon at Charing Cross Hospital and a researcher at Imperial College London, told WebMD:

“I usually explain that endovenous laser ablation [EVLT] provides a very good option, allowing patients to walk out of the clinic and go back to work the same or next day. I also explain that one treatment does not fit all and so we always consider other treatment methods.”

Read more in WebMD.

EVLA London

EVLA is viewed as the gold-standards solution for varicose veins.

At private clinics such as Cosmedics’ London Vein Treatment Centre, EVLA is carried out on a day case basis and uses local anaesthetic. Recovery is very quick and patients are able to walk unaided to return home. There is no need for an overnight stay and patients can return to normal activities much faster.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer private varicose vein treatment including EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) laser varicose vein removal with a vascular surgeon with prices starting at £1,650 per leg (1 vein).

EVLA Treatment Results

london varicose vein treatment before and after

Varicose Vein Treatment

They also offer foam sclerotherapy and micro surgery in order to provide a tailor-made service with the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

Thread veins can be treated with sclerotherapy injections, micro cautery laser or Nd:Yag laser.

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

When Should You Treat Thread Veins?

Thread veins can appear on the face or body for a variety of reasons. 

At first, many patients hope that they’ll simply go away again. However, this is very unlikely to be the case.

Thread veins are veins which appear visible at the surface of the skin because they are damaged. This damage is generally irreversible, so the problem won’t just disappear without treatment.

Depending on where the thread veins are, they can sometimes be disguised.  Those high up on the thighs can be easily covered with clothing for most of the year, while those on the nose or cheeks are somewhat harder to hide.

Ultimately, in deciding when to have your veins treated, experts would advocate ‘the sooner the better’.

Advantages of Early Thread Vein Treatment

  • earlier treatment gives best results
  • smaller veins enables use of fastest treatments (e.g. laser)
  • avoids months/years of trying to hide the problem
  • stops the veins getting worse
  • eases any discomfort

London Vein Treatment Centre

Cosmedics Skin Clinics’ main London Vein Treatment Centre has the latest Harmony XL Pro laser machine, which provides a gentle and effective treatment for visible veins on the face and body. Harmony XL Pro Laser treatment targets problem capillaries, vessels or veins with a blast of laser energy. This damages the veins so that they shrink, shrivel up and eventually disappear.

Cosmedics also offer the very latest EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) laser varicose vein removal at their London vein treatment centre with a renowned vascular surgeon with prices starting at £1,650 per leg (1 vein).

Thread vein removal using micro-cautery laser is available at a selection of clinics based in London using the latest techniques with GMC-registered doctors and surgeons.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics

Established in 2003, Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer treatment for spider veins using the latest techniques with GMC-registered doctors and surgeons. They also offer advanced laser varicose vein treatment at the London Vein Treatment Centre.For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.

 

Can Butcher’s Broom Help Thread Veins?

Many patients are keen to explore natural alternatives to improving difficult vein problems – especially while they are in early stages – to either delay or avoid medical treatment.

One natural ingredient which is thought to have good properties for vein problems is Butcher’s Broom.

Butcher’s broom is a plant, also known as Balai du Boucher, Box Holly, Fragon, Fragon Épineux, Fragon Faux Houx, Fragon Piquant, Houx Frelon, Jew’s Myrtle, Kneeholm, Knee Holly, Petit Houx, Pettigree, Sweet Broom, Rusci Aculeati, Rusci Aculeati Rhizoma, Rusco or Ruscus aculeatus.

It is thought that the chemicals in butcher’s broom can help in a number of interrelated ways:

  • cause swollen blood vessels to narrow or constrict
  • improve blood circulation in the legs by preventing blood from “pooling” in the veins
  • relieve the symptoms of poor circulation in the legs, such as pain, heaviness, cramps, itching, and swelling.

In some cultures, butcher’s broom roots are eaten, but it is more commonly and conveniently taken in tablet form as a supplement together with vitamin C.

Does it Work?

Website varicoseveins.org reported:

“Unfortunately, all relevant conclusions of the research of butcher’s broom’s effectiveness when treating vein-related issues have not been officially published or approved by the medical community.

“You can try using the product, but remember it might only help some minor circulatory problems. If you are already experiencing symptoms of varicose and spider veins, it is preferable to find a medical professional to have your veins thoroughly examined to make sure there is not a more serious underlying condition that could potentially result in severe consequences, such as leg ulcers or deep vein thrombosis.”

Once a serious vein problem like varicose veins has been established, it is very unlikely that a supplement will be able to reverse the physical damage, so trying butcher’s broom is not recommended. At this point, surgery or laser treatment are the best options.

For patients interested in using butcher’s broom for spider veins or thread veins, there is also some advice to be aware of:

  • may cause stomach upset and nausea
  • not recommended while pregnant or breast-feeding
  • may also interact with a number of other medications, so ask your doctor before taking it

Varicose Vein Treatment

Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer the very latest EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) laser varicose vein removal at their London vein treatment centre with a renowned vascular surgeon with prices starting at £1,650 per leg (1 vein).

They also offer foam sclerotherapy and micro surgery in order to provide a tailor-made service with the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

Thread vein removal is available at a selection of clinics based in London using the latest techniques with GMC-registered doctors and surgeons.

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

 

 

Global Varicose Vein Trends

Varicose veins are said to affect up to 1 in 3 adults over the age of 45. But do they affect all cultures? And how does treatment vary?

A new report into varicose veins shows that there are certainly differences in the numbers of treatments carried out.

Global Varicose Veins Market

  • North America dominates the varicose vein treatment market with the highest numbers of procedures carried out worldwide. There are a number of factors:
    • Large population
    • High incidence of varicose vein cases (potentially linked, at least in part, to obesity rates)
    • Higher healthcare expenditure and medical reimbursement facilities
    • Availability of technologically advanced procedures.
  • Asia Pacific is the fastest growing area for varicose vein treatment. Factors include:
    • Rapidly increasing aging population
    • Rise in consumer awareness
    • Favourable government policies
    • Modernisation of healthcare infrastructure
    • Growing medical tourism industry in developing nations (e.g. China, India)
    • Increase in varicose vein treatment availability and adoption in emerging economies (e.g. China, India)

Source:

Varicose Vein Treatment Market: By Product (Radiofrequency Ablation Devices, Laser Ablation Devices, Others); By Treatment (Sclerotherapy, Endovenous Ablation, Others) & By Region (Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, RoW)-Forecast (2016-2022)

UK Varicose Vein Treatments

In the UK, varicose veins affect many adults.

Some may qualify for treatment on the NHS, but this is now reserved only for the very worst cases and treatment is often the traditional vein stripping.

EVLA is viewed as the gold-standards solution for varicose veins. EVLA stands for Endovenous Laser Ablation and the procedure uses laser to heat and damage difficult varicose veins so that they are destroyed.  This is more generally available for private patients.

At clinics such as Cosmedics’ London Vein Treatment Centre, EVLA is carried out on a day case basis and uses local anaesthetic. Recovery is very quick and patients are able to walk unaided to return home. There is no need for an overnight stay and patients can return to normal activities much faster.

Varicose Vein Treatment

Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer private varicose vein treatment including EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) laser varicose vein removal with a vascular surgeon with prices starting at £1,650 per leg (1 vein).

They also offer foam sclerotherapy and micro surgery in order to provide a tailor-made service with the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

Thread veins can be treated with sclerotherapy injections, micro cautery laser or Nd:Yag laser.

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

Report Forecasts Growth of Varicose Veins Treatments

Varicose Vein Treatment Market:

By Product (Radiofrequency Ablation Devices, Laser Ablation Devices, Others); By Treatment (Sclerotherapy, Endovenous Ablation, Others) & By Region (Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, RoW)-Forecast (2016-2022)

A new report forecasts global growth of varicose vein treatments, with a variety of underlying drivers:

  • Global development of advanced and progressively less-invasive treatment procedures
  • Rise in the awareness among people regarding diseases
  • Increasing government initiatives across the globe
  • Growing incidence of varicose veins
  • Reduced trauma
  • Greater exposure to the site of application
  • High operative success rates
  • Faster blood flow restoration

Among all the varicose vein treatments, sclerotherapy along with ultrasound had the highest market share. These offer non-invasive treatment for unwanted veins without incision and with reduced scarring.

However, the report does highlight that the potential growth of the market is limited by lack of skilled vascular surgeons and the cost of varicose vein treatments.

Report Source

UK Varicose Vein Treatments

In the UK, EVLA is viewed as the gold-standards solution for varicose veins. EVLA stands for Endovenous Laser Ablation and the procedure uses laser to heat and damage difficult varicose veins so that they are destroyed.

Due to stringent NHS criteria for treating varicose veins and a tendency to offer traditional vein stripping rather than laser treatment, EVLA is more generally available for private patients.

At clinics such as Cosmedics’ London Vein Treatment Centre, EVLA is carried out on a day case basis and uses local anaesthetic. Recovery is very quick and patients are able to walk unaided to return home. There is no need for an overnight stay and patients can return to normal activities much faster.

Varicose Vein Treatment

Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer private varicose vein treatment including EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) laser varicose vein removal with a vascular surgeon with prices starting at £1,650 per leg (1 vein).

They also offer foam sclerotherapy and micro surgery in order to provide a tailor-made service with the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

Thread veins can be treated with sclerotherapy injections, micro cautery laser or Nd:Yag laser.

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

Can Tattoos Cause Varicose Veins?

With the increasing popularity of ‘body art’ tattoos, one question concerns whether or not tattooing can cause varicose veins.

Looking at expert opinion both from doctors and tattoo artists, the short answer is no – there is no known relationship between vein problems and tattoos. In fact, the tattoo needle should not go anywhere near deep enough to do any damage to veins, so there is not a risk of thread veins, spider veins or varicose veins through having a tattoo on the legs.

Some people actually choose to have tattoos on their legs to disguise the appearance of veins, building a design around the vein pattern.

However, more people prefer not to make a feature of vein problems, so there is also the option of having varicose veins or thread veins removed for healthier looking, clear legs.

Vein treatment can also be carried out before getting a tattoo.

London Vein Treatment Centre

Varicose & Thread Vein Treatment

Cosmedics Skin Clinics’ dedicated  London Vein Treatment Centre offers EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) laser varicose vein removal with a vascular surgeon with prices starting at £1,650 per leg (1 vein). This is a very competitive price compared to other providers and treatment can be arranged very quickly, avoiding frustrating waiting lists.

They also offer foam sclerotherapy and micro surgery in order to provide a tailor-made service with the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

Thread veins can be treated with sclerotherapy injections, micro cautery laser or Nd:Yag laser.

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

How Laser Works for Thread Vein Treatment

The advent of laser has provided patients with a very attractive and appealing option for treating unsightly facial veins, thread veins, spider veins and broken capillaries. 

Laser machines work by targeting the darker colour of the visible veins against the lighter coloured healthy skin. The darker areas absorb the laser energy and become very hot, which breaks them down and destroys them. The vein or capillary is then absorbed back into the bloodstream. The skin appears clearer and blood simply diverts through other healthy veins.

Laser Broken Capillaries Before and After Results

Laser thread vein treatment results at Cosmedics' London Vein Treatment Centre

London Vein Treatment Centre

Cosmedics Skin Clinics’ main London Vein Treatment Centre has the latest Harmony XL Pro laser machine, which provides a gentle and effective treatment for visible veins on the face and body.

Harmony XL Pro Laser treatment targets problem capillaries, vessels or veins with a blast of laser energy. This damages the veins so that they shrink, shrivel up and eventually disappear.

Treatment using micro-cautery laser is also available at all of the company’s skin treatment centres.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics

Established in 2003, Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer treatment for spider veins using the latest techniques with GMC-registered doctors and surgeons. They also offer advanced laser varicose vein treatment at the London Vein Treatment Centre.For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.

Exercise After Varicose Vein Removal

What to expect after varicose vein treatment is a very common question among those who exercise regularly.

After a period of recovery, many patients find that the relief from varicose veins gives a number of positive benefits enabling them to improve performance.

As they feel more comfortable without the varicose veins, they are able to build stamina and fitness for their sport. As muscles build, speeds and endurance can increase too.

However, for many patients, it’s simply about the reassurance that the problem has been fixed. There’s no need to worry about exposing bumpy veins, or making the problem worse through pounding the pavements.

What’s more, the lack of achiness, discomfort, heaviness and pain – symptoms of varicose veins – makes exercise a whole lot more appealing than it was before.

EVLA laser treatment has the benefit of a much faster recovery compared to traditional vein stripping. In addition, the success rate is higher too. This makes laser treatment the best choice for anyone contemplating private treatment for varicose veins.

London Vein Treatment Centre

Cosmedics’ London Vein Treatment Centre offers on-site Duplex Scan for varicose veins. This is carried out as part of the initial consultation, so no separate appointment is needed.

Following the scan, the vascular surgeon can show the patient the results, explain the problem and have an open and informed discussion about treatment.

Varicose & Thread Vein Treatment

Cosmedics Skin Clinics’ dedicated  London Vein Treatment Centre offers EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) laser varicose vein removal with a vascular surgeon with prices starting at £1,650 per leg (1 vein). This is a very competitive price compared to other providers and treatment can be arranged very quickly, avoiding frustrating waiting lists.

They also offer foam sclerotherapy and micro surgery in order to provide a tailor-made service with the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

Thread veins can be treated with sclerotherapy injections, micro cautery laser or Nd:Yag laser.

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

Does Running Cause Varicose Veins?

Over the last few years, running has become a very popular sport, but runners’ forums abound with discussion about whether the activity is linked to varicose veins.

Firstly, running does not directly cause varicose veins and there’s no need to stop for fear of creating a problem. The overriding cause of varicose veins is genetic predisposition.

Indeed exercise is generally a good thing for circulation and the venous system. Running or walking mean more pumping/contraction of the calf muscles and therefore more blood returning to the heart. It is also great for your overall cardiovascular fitness – not just the legs, but also the heart and arteries around the body.

However, some professionals do have concerns that the pounding that occurs from running may damage the valves in the leg veins, which can lead to both varicose and spider veins.

Compression Tights

Compression calf tights are now available, which help the flow of blood back to the heart while running and/or recovering by applying a gentle squeeze on the veins. Elevating the legs after a run can also be helpful to avoid blood pooling in the legs.

Duplex Scan

If there are any concerns about varicose veins, the best course of action is to seek a diagnosis.

A Duplex scan is recommended for proper visibility of any problems with regard to the blood flow in the legs – especially if there are symptoms in the legs such as aching, pain, cramping, throbbing, heaviness, tiredness or swelling.

London Vein Treatment Centre

Cosmedics’ London Vein Treatment Centre offers on-site Duplex Scan for varicose veins. This is carried out as part of the initial consultation, so no separate appointment is needed.

Following the scan, the vascular surgeon can show the patient the results, explain the problem and have an open and informed discussion about treatment.

Varicose & Thread Vein Treatment

Cosmedics Skin Clinics’ dedicated  London Vein Treatment Centre offers EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) laser varicose vein removal with a vascular surgeon with prices starting at £1,650 per leg (1 vein). This is a very competitive price compared to other providers and treatment can be arranged very quickly, avoiding frustrating waiting lists.

They also offer foam sclerotherapy and micro surgery in order to provide a tailor-made service with the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

Thread veins can be treated with sclerotherapy injections, micro cautery laser or Nd:Yag laser.

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

Horse Chestnut Cream for Unwanted Veins

Many people prefer to try a natural remedy for medical problems. Little wonder – it’s always more appealing to apply a cream or take a pill rather than having some kind of procedure. 

Some traditional treatments can be very effective for some conditions, but this is not the case.

Horse Chestnut

For vein problems

Extract of horse chestnut has been used as a herbal preparation for vein problems for many decades.  The horse chestnut extract contains blood thinning chemicals –  aesculin and aescin. These are said to reduce pressure on the vein walls and vein valve so preventing leakage.

Horse chestnut extract has therefore become a popular ingredient in creams for spider veins or thread veins and is said to have a variety of beneficial effects:

  • reduce inflammation
  • improve vein wall tone
  • mend tiny leaks in veins and capillaries
  • strengthen and improve the elasticity of vein walls

Will it work?

Effectiveness will depend upon the severity of the vein problem.

Vein problems are caused by localised pooling of blood due to damage or inefficiency in the venous system. Once the vein is damaged to a certain point, supplements or creams are of very limited benefit. They are likely to be more use in preventing new vein problems then improving existing difficulties.

For established spider veins or thread veins, a more intensive medical treatment is recommended.

London Vein Treatment Centre

Cosmedics Skin Clinics’ main London Vein Treatment Centre has the latest Harmony XL Pro laser machine, which provides a gentle and effective treatment for visible veins on the face and body.

Harmony XL Pro Laser treatment targets problem capillaries, vessels or veins with a blast of laser energy. This damages the veins so that they shrink, shrivel up and eventually disappear.

Treatment using micro-cautery laser is also available at all of the company’s skin treatment centres. For larger thread veins, sclerotherapy injections may provide a better option.

For more problematic varicose veins, the company also offer the latest EVLA laser treatment, foam sclerotherapy injections and micro-surgery; all on a day-case basis.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics

Established in 2003, Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer treatment for spider veins using the latest techniques with GMC-registered doctors and surgeons. They also offer advanced laser varicose vein treatment at the London Vein Treatment Centre.For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.

Thread Vein Treatment London

Sclerotherapy treatment is available at Cosmedics Skin Clinics’ Thread Vein Treatment Centres based in London.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics

Established in 2003, Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer treatment for spider veins using the latest techniques with GMC-registered doctors and surgeons. They also offer advanced laser varicose vein treatment at the London Vein Treatment Centre.For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.