Report Exposes Rip Off Varicose Vein Treatment Pricing

A new report has exposed the massive variation in prices paid for varicose vein treatment in the UK.

The Private Healthcare UK Self-Pay Market Study 2015 analysed around 7,500 prices for diagnostic procedures, treatments and surgery most commonly carried out for self-paying patients, including CT scans, hip replacements and cataract removals and varicose vein removal treatments.

Varicose Vein Treatment Costs

Comparing advanced varicose vein laser removal treatment, known as EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) revealed staggering differences in the prices paid. One clinic quoted a price of £5,706 for treating both legs. The national average for the treatment was £3,386.

Prices at the London Vein Treatment Centre compare very well, being below average and more than half the top price quoted:

  • EVLA – 2 legs, 1 vein – £2,250
  • EVLA – 2 legs, multiple veins – £3,150

The case of one patient also revealed that the price initially quoted may not be the actual price. After a quote over the phone of around £1,750 per leg, he booked an initial consultation, at which point he was told that the whole treatment would cost £5,150 – nearly half as much again as the original quote.

Michael Mayer told the Daily Express:

“I was very surprised. I had saved up for the treatment as I knew it would be costly but this seemed like a lot of money,”

“When I phoned the clinic initially to book a consultation I was quoted around £1,750 per leg. But after the consultation I was told that it would cost a lot more than that. If I’d known the price was going to be so high I wouldn’t have wasted the time or money travelling to London.”

Varicose Vein Treatment

Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer private EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) laser varicose vein removal at their London vein treatment centre with a renowned vascular surgeon. They also offer foam sclerotherapy and micro surgery in order to provide a tailor-made service with the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

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

 

 

Facial Thread Veins Cause Most Distress

Thread vein problems can appear pretty much anywhere on the body but are most common on the legs or on the face. While thread veins on the legs may be larger, it is those on the face that can cause the most distress, as they are very difficult to disguise. 

Makeup can only go so far in covering coloured blemishes and many men would not wish to even try a spot of concealer for risk of the ridicule if it were noticed.

They can appear as patches of tiny red blood vessels sometimes referred to as broken capillaries which emerge just under the surface of the skin. Some patients find that they are more prominent with a few larger purplish lines.

Although small and usually not a medical problem, a lot of people choose to have these veins removed for cosmetic reasons.

Advanced skin treatments available in vein treatment centres offer surprisingly fast and effective results. Options include:

The selection of treatment will depend on a few variables

  • size of the veins
  • distribution of the veins
  • density of the veins
  • how long the problem has been established
  • identification of any underlying causes

Patients seeking facial vein treatment should seek a consultation appointment with a skilled professional such as one of Cosmedics Skin Clinics’ Aesthetic Doctors or Surgeons.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics

Established in 2003, Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer thread vein removal 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.

Video Shows EVLA Laser Varicose Vein Removal

EVLA is a highly effective option for treating varicose veins. Even bulging, heavy and painful varicose veins can be treated using this method. 

Cosmedics’ Varicose Vein Clinic in central London has produced a video to illustrate the process from consultation and scan through to the actual removal process itself. The video also features before and after pictures illustrating the results.

The patient says

‘So happy, the pain is gone’

EVLA Varicose Vein Treatment Video

EVLA Facts:

  • Success rate of over 95% for permanent removal of varicose leg veins
  • Patients can walk in and walk out on the same day as the procedure – no overnight stay
  • Prices at Cosmedics’ London Vein Treatment Centre start from £1,650 per leg
  • Treatment with a consultant vascular surgeon
  • Consultation includes an on-site ultrasound scan for proper diagnosis

Varicose Vein Treatment

Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer private EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) laser varicose vein removal at their London vein treatment centre with a renowned vascular surgeon. They also offer foam sclerotherapy and micro surgery in order to provide a tailor-made service with the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

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

5 Diet Tips for Varicose Veins

It’s no secret, choosing the right food can have enormous health benefits.

Varicose veins are no exception.

Ultimately, varicose veins are likely to need surgery. However, a few simple tips can be helpful in preventing their formation if you know they run in the family and/or limiting them getting worse if they’ve already started to appear.

1: Don’t Overeat

Excess weight is known to increase the risk of varicose veins.

If you are carrying extra weight, then the first and most important piece of advice is to lose weight.

Don’t be tempted to ‘crash diet’ or ‘yoyo’ – a sensible diet which includes protein, veg and fruit is the best way to start. The NHS says:

An important part of a healthy diet is eating the right amount of calories, so that you balance the energy you put into your body with the energy you use.

As a guide, men need around 2,500 kcal (10,500 kJ) a day to maintain a healthy body weight, and women need around 2,000 kcal a day (8,400 kJ).

2:  Vitamin C

Vitamin C is needed for the manufacturing of collagen and elastin, two important connective tissues that help keep veins strong and toned. Vitamin C is also known to increase circulation. Therefore aim to include plenty of foods rich in vitamin C in your daily diet. This means fresh fruit and vegetables, which make good healthy snacks as well as forming part of your main meals.

3:  Fibre

Fibre helps to keep the system ‘regular’ and prevent constipation. Constipation can put pressure on the veins which over time, can contribute to the development of varicose veins. Choose a fibre rich diet wtih pulses, veg, oats and fruit.

4:  Water

Alongside fibre intake, be sure to drink enough water to keep well hydrated.

It is also advisable to shy away from alcohol, coffee, and tea as these substances have a dehydrating effect on the body.

5:  Bioflavonoids

Bioflavonoids are a group of compounds that occur naturally in fruit and vegetables, providing their vibrant colours. Some studies have found a link between a high, long-term intake of flavonoids and improvements in the appearance of varicose veins as they are believed to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and to prevent free radical stress inside the vessels.

Rutin is one of the flavonoids that has been studied. Evidence suggests that it may help relieve swelling, aching and pain associated with varicose veins. Rutin can be found in foods including buckwheat, apples, asparagus, figs and elderflower tea.

Varicose Vein Treatment

If the varicose veins have developed and are causing cosmetic embarrassment or physical discomfort, then dietary changes are likely to be of limited value.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer private EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) laser varicose vein removal at their London vein treatment centre with a renowned vascular surgeon. They also offer foam sclerotherapy and micro surgery in order to provide a tailor-made service with the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

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

Ultrasound Scanning for Varicose Veins

For Proper Diagnosis

An ultrasound scan using the proper equipment is the only way to fully diagnose varicose veins.

Duplex Ultrasound Scan

The ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to produce a picture of the veins in your legs, very clearly showing the blood flow. Seeing inside the problem enables the vascular surgeon to properly diagnose the problem and pinpoint specifically any damaged valves that could be causing varicose veins.

This puts both the surgeon and the patient in a much more knowledgeable position. The surgeon can then recommend the most appropriate varicose vein treatment.

Other Symptoms

There are a great many external symptoms to indicate the presence of varicose veins – the visible bulging/twisted/enlarged veins hae a characteristic appearance.

Patients also report sensations such as itching, heaviness, discomfort or pain.

However, for a proper diagnosis, even the NHS recommend an ultrasound scan.

For many patients, this may mean a separate appointment.

However, at Cosmedics’ London Vein Treatment Centre, the ultrasound scan is available on site and can be carried out during consultation with a Vascular Surgeon. This makes the process of diagnosis much faster.

 

Cosmedics Skin Clinics

Varicose vein removal is now available at Cosmedics Skin Clinics private clinic based in Putney, London.

The clinic offers the latest techniques with a top vascular surgeon.

  • Foam sclerotherapy – an injection treatment for smaller varicose veins
  • EVLA – latest laser treatment for varicose veins with 95% success rate
  • Microsurgery – to remove the veins surgically through very small incisions

There is no need for an overnight stay and patients can actually walk out unaided, same day, after treatment.

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

Is it Safe to Remove Varicose Veins?

varicose veinsVaricose Vein Myth and Fact

A common concern among patients with varicose veins is whether there are any  consequences of removing veins which could store up further problems for the future.

After all, veins are there to serve a purpose, which is to facilitate the flow of blood around the body. The thinking goes, varicose veins look big so they must be important. If they’re removed, then could that put further pressure on the body’s circulation? Is it wrong to pull them out?

It is an understandable concern and patients are right to approach any surgical procedure with caution to ensure that they fully understand the immediate work and any longer term issues that could be associated with it.

Certainly leg veins serve an important physiological function in the human body.

However, varicose veins are no longer effective. They look big and bulky because they are enlarged, so that blood gathers inefficiently in the same place. They are not doing the job they were designed for. What’s more, a diseased vein means that the healthy veins have to work much harder, because diseased veins drain blood backward, putting extra strain on circulation. Ultimately, without treatment, varicose veins can also lead to further problems, such as leg ulcers, skin problems, infection, bleeding and blood clots.

Remove the varicose vein will make the work of healthy veins much easier as they are able to flow freely and not have to compensate for the varicose vein.

Patients report that their legs feel lighter and easier.

Varicose Vein Removal

Varicose vein removal is now a lot less uncomfortable and more successful than people think.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer private EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) laser varicose vein removal at their London vein treatment centre with a renowned vascular surgeon. They also offer foam sclerotherapy and micro surgery in order to provide a tailor-made service with the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

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

 

 

NHS Varicose Veins Treatment

nhsMany people still assume that varicose veins are a condition which will be treated by the NHS, yet this is not necessarily the case. 

What’s more, the treatments available under the NHS are not necessarily the best.

Varicose Veins on the NHS

The NHS website declares its position as follows:

If you have varicose veins and they don’t cause you any discomfort, you may not need to visit your GP.

Varicose veins are rarely a serious condition and they don’t usually require treatment.

Patients are advised to seek help if their varicose veins are painful/uncomfortable, cause irritation/soreness to the skin around them or disturb your sleep.

On that basis, many varicose veins are classed as ‘cosmetic’ and therefore do not qualify for treatment under the NHS, even though they may cause deep dissatisfaction with the appearance and be achy or itchy.

If the GP agrees, then the next step is a referral to a vascular specialist for further investigations which may include a scan.

NHS Varicose Vein Treatment

The NHS state:

Varicose veins don’t always need treatment. If your varicose veins are not causing you discomfort, you may not need to have treatment.

Treatment of varicose veins is usually necessary:

  • to ease symptoms – if your varicose veins are causing you pain or discomfort
  • to treat complications – such as leg ulcers, swelling or skin discolouration
  • for cosmetic reasons – but this kind of treatment is rarely available on the NHS, so you’ll usually have to pay for it to be done privately

The NHS still uses traditional vein stripping for many patients – a treatment which has a failure rate of around 50%.

Private Varicose Vein Treatment

Private clinics such as Cosmedics Skin Clinics are able to offer a series of advantages:

  • Varicose veins can be treated for cosmetic reasons
  • More modern treatments are available such as EVLA Endovenous Laser Ablation – which has a 95% success rate and is available on a day case basis with fast recovery
  • No waiting lists
  • Duplex ultrasound scan carried out at the first consultation
  • Consultations and treatment with an experienced cardiovascular surgeon

Cosmedics Skin Clinics

Varicose vein removal is now available at Cosmedics Skin Clinics private clinic based in Putney, London.

The clinic offers the latest techniques with a top vascular surgeon.

  • Foam sclerotherapy – an injection treatment for smaller varicose veins
  • EVLA – latest laser treatment for varicose veins with 95% success rate
  • Microsurgery – to remove the veins surgically through very small incisions

There is no need for an overnight stay and patients can actually walk out unaided, same day, after treatment.

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

Crossing your Legs? You Could be Risking Thread Veins

crossed legsSitting with your legs crossed is a habit many of us develop over the years and for many the position feels so normal that it becomes uncomfortable not to cross your legs. 

Previous research in America has shown that 45% of American women cross their legs most of the time

  • 72% said that they did it out of habit
  • 69% said it was more comfortable
  • 44% had been taught that it is polite
  • However, 75% believe that it is bad for circulation

But if you are sitting at a desk for hours on end with your legs crossed, then you need to be aware of the potential risks and these do include thread veins.

4 Risks of Crossing Legs

  1. Elevated blood pressure – Crossing your legs at the knee can temporarily cause an increase in blood pressure. The blood in your legs has to be pumped back to your heart against gravity already, crossing the legs increases resistance to the blood flow, so the body has to increase your blood pressure in order to push your blood back up to your heart.
  2. Posture issues – Crossing the legs causes weight to be unevenly distributed. This leads to back and neck pain. When the legs are crossed, there is pressure on the pelvis, lower back, mid back and neck. It may be unrealistic to sit with perfect posture all the time, but do try to address it when you remember
  3. Foot Veins and Nerves – Crossing your legs affects the veins and nerves in your legs and feet. It can cause pressure on the major nerve in your leg that passes just below your knee and along the outside of your leg. This pressure can cause “pins and needles” in the short term, but for some, repeatedly sitting with the legs crossed can lead to nerve damage.
  4. Thread Veins – The veins are responsible for circulating blood around the body and back to the heart. Crossing your legs increases the pressure on the veins, impeding blood flow which can weaken or damage the veins in your legs, causing blood to collect so that spider veins or thread veins appear. There are other causes too – such as genetics, pregnancy, sun exposure and standing for extended periods.

So uncrossing the legs and taking regular breaks to move around will definitely be a good idea. It should aid freer circulation and limit the risks of posture issues occurring.

Vein Removal Treatments

Where thread veins have already developed, these rarely go away of their own accord. However, thread veins or spider veins on the legs can be treated in private clinics like Cosmedics Skin Clinics, who offer thread vein removal at a selection of clinics based in London using the latest surgical techniques including laser vein treatment, microcautery treatment and sclerotherapy injections with trained doctors and surgeons.

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

 

Crop Top Fashion Exposes Midriff Thread Veins

bikini midriff veinsThe Daily Mail has reported on the rise in demand for thread vein treatment in the midriff area.

Thread vein treatment is more commonly associated with the legs or facial treatment. However, this summer’s trend towards wearing cropped tops has exposed skin around the tummy area, leading to a rise in enquiries about having midriff thread veins treated.

One doctor said:

‘Whereas the top two most common areas women have thread veins treated are on their faces and legs, recently we have seen a sharp rise in the number of 20-40 year old women coming in with concerns about thread veins in the subcostal margin, and this area is now the third most common part of the body for treatment.’

‘Many patients tell us they feel self-conscious wearing a bikini or crop top if they have thread veins in this area – which usually appear in a ‘belt’ of tiny, vertical red lines.’

‘Interestingly, the patients we have treated for this area over the last 12 months have been getting younger, with the majority aged between 20 and 30-year-old.’

‘We do also treat older women up to the age of 40, but patient numbers tend to fall after this age. This could be down to older women preferring not to bare their midriff, or perhaps becoming more body confident as they get older.’

Experts say that women often have a genetic predisposition to thread veins in the midriff area and that those with fair skin are more likely to have them (or to notice them).

The problem can also be associated with hormones, pregnancy or heavy drinking.

Thread Vein Removal Clinics

Thread vein removal is available privately with companies such as Cosmedics Skin Clinics, which has a selection of clinics based in London.

Cosmedics’ doctors remove thread veins using the latest techniques including laser vein treatment and sclerotherapy injections with trained doctors and surgeons.

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

 

 

Prevent Varicose Veins in Pregnancy

pregnancy varicose veinsPregnancy is recognised as a known trigger for varicose veins, causing the characteristic blue/purple coloured twisting and bulging veins to appear for the first time for many women. 

Unfortunately, once they have appeared, varicose veins don’t tend to go away of their own accord.

Why Pregnancy Causes Varicose Veins

Pregnancy increases the volume of blood in the body overall to support the growing baby. However, there is a decrease in the flow of blood from the legs to the pelvis, which can put pressure on the veins in the legs.

Preventing Varicose Veins in Pregnancy

There are several lifestyle changes and tips that could reduce the risk of varicose veins forming during pregnancy.

  1. Watch weight gain – gaining weight is normal during pregnancy, but it’s important to keep within sensible guidelines. Excess weight is a strain to the circulation
  2. Keep active – exercise is very important to keep the circulation going. Take 1-2 walks a day or try a swim if you can manage it
  3. Ankle movements – flex and rotate your ankles periodically to boost leg circulation – you can do this even when the bump is very big and other exercise becomes difficult
  4. Feet up – while it’s important to be active, do also take advantage of opportunities to elevate your legs when sitting
  5. Posture – avoid crossing you legs when you’re sitting down
  6. Loose clothing – avoid tight fitting clothes such including socks, belts and underwear
  7. Maternity tights – while tight fitting clothing is to be avoided, maternity support tights can offer gentle compression to the leg muscle. Compression on the veins can help circulation by pushing blood back toward the heart
  8. Flat shoes – switch out of high heels as these can put extra pressure on the circulation
  9. Take it easy – avoid heavy lifting
  10. Side sleeping – sleeping on the left hand side is said to be beneficial

Varicose Vein Treatments

Treatment during pregnancy is not advised – it is best to follow precautionary advice in order to minimise the risk of varicose veins until after childbirth.

If the varicose veins don’t resolve after pregnancy, then they can be treated using a choice of methods, depending on the severity of the problem.

  • Foam sclerotherapy – an injection treatment for smaller varicose veins
  • EVLA – latest laser treatment for varicose veins with 95% success rate
  • Microsurgery – to remove the veins surgically through very small incisions

Varicose Vein Removal

Varicose vein removal is now available at Cosmedics Skin Clinics private clinic based in Putney, London.

The clinic offers the latest techniques with a top vascular surgeon. There is no need for an overnight stay and patients can actually walk out unaided, same day, after treatment.

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