6 Potential Causes of Broken Capillaries

If you suffer from broken capillaries on your face, then we’re here to help you understand why they occur and how to correct the damage with treatment that is safe and effective for delicate facial skin.

What Causes Broken Capillaries?

6 potential causes of facial thread veins

There are a number of potential causes of the tiny little vessels that can appear on the face:

  1. Trauma/injury
    Even minor injuries can cause damage to the delicate blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface. Broken capillaries can occur due to the pressure of wearing glasses (spectacles), accidental knocks and bumps, or during surgical or non-surgical procedures.
  2. Ageing process
    Older skin is more susceptible to broken capillaries. This is because collagen and elastin in the skin are diminished over time. The result is that the skin becomes thinner and therefore veins are more noticeable.
  3. Genetic predisposition
    A tendency to visible facial veins can run in the family, so if your parents or grandparents suffered from broken capillaries, then you may have inherited them.
  4. Hormones
    Major hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause can lead to the development of broken capillaries.
  5. Environmental factors
    External conditions such as the weather – wind, sunburn or extreme cold – can cause broken capillaries
  6. Lifestyle
    Exposure to hot baths, showers or saunas can cause the blood capillary walls to contract and expand very quickly. This can lead to damage in the vein wall, allowing the blood to seep through or leaving the capillaries permanently dilated.

Broken Capillary Treatment London

Cosmedics Skin Clinics offers spider vein and facial thread vein removal treatment at two London Vein Treatment Centres.

  • 4 Disraeli Road, Putney, London, SW15 2DS
  • 41 Harley Street, London, W1G 8QH

All thread vein treatments are carried out by skilled and experienced doctors.

Laser Treatment

The sophisticated Harmony XL Pro Laser treatment is available at both London Vein Treatment Centres in Harley Street and Putney. As well as destroying the thread veins, the advanced laser energy also works to stimulate healing and cell renewal in the treated area for clearer-looking skin. It is a gentle and effective treatment for facial thread veins on the face.

Laser Vein Treatment

Microcautery Treatment

The company also offer micro-cautery treatment, which uses a special probe to deliver a short burst of intense heat in a very precise way in order to destroy thread veins.

Microcautery Treatment

Injectable Treatment

Microsclerotherapy injections are an option that is generally considered to be more suitable for larger thread veins (e.g. those on legs). This treatment is available in all of the London Vein Treatment centres.

Sclerotherapy Injections

Contact London Vein Treatment Centre

For more information, please complete the form to the right hand side or call 020 7386 0464.

Could Warfarin Help With Varicose Veins?

Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication (commonly known as blood thinner) which is designed to improve circulation and help to prevent the formation of dangerous blood clots.

If you are suffering with varicose veins and are then prescribed warfarin treatment to improve your circulation, it is natural to hope that taking warfarin might also help to improve varicose veins in the legs.

It would be fabulous if you could take something that helped to relieve the symptoms and appearance of varicose veins, but unfortunately, that is not the case.

Although varicose veins is a vascular condition, it is not generally one that can be helped by medication. The reason is that varicose veins occur due to a breakdown in the veins themselves, rather than a failing in the condition and makeup of the blood that flows through them.

Varicose veins form when the valves within the vein become impaired. As vascular valves become inefficient, they’re unable to pump the blood back up the legs, so it starts to pool and back up within the vein. This becomes a cyclical issue as the  build up of blood within the leg vein causes additional pressure, which in turn makes it even more difficult for the inefficient valve, creating further damage and deterioration to the system.

This is why unfortunately, once varicose veins have started to appear, they’re not going to be cured by blood thinning medication, as that treats the blood not the valves. The medication may give some light relief such as easing the discomfort, but the underlying condition is likely to only get worse with time.

Varicose Veins

Can you have varicose vein surgery while on warfarin?

Some patients have been advised that they should not have varicose vein surgery if they’re taking warfarin.

However, the good news is that EVLA is a laser treatment which involves just one tiny incision. Studies have proven that Endovenous Laser Ablation is safe and effective in patients taking warfarin https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19577490/.

This means that professional vein treatment clinics such as Cosmedics’ London Vein Centre can offer the advanced laser treatment to patients who are on blood thinning medication such as warfarin.

EVLA Varicose Vein Treatment

At the London Vein Centre, there is no compromise on safety, all aspects of current and previous medication and treatment are fully discussed with the Vascular Surgeon at the consultation prior to treatment. What’s more, the London Vein Centre includes duplex scan for full and detailed diagnosis of the vein problem in order to establish the most appropriate form of treatment.

If you are on blood thinners or any other medication and want to get some advice on whether you’re able to have laser treatment for varicose veins, please contact our friendly and knowledgeable team.

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
  • 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. There’s nothing to lose but everything to gain in finding out more!

Vein Treatment Clinics

Cold Winter Could Cause Vein Problems

The current cold weather can be bad news for thread veins. It can also have a surprising impact on varicose veins too. 

There are a number of ways in which being exposed to intense cold temperatures can cause issues with veins.

Facial thread veins

Firstly, when it’s very cold outside, we can notice more thread veins on the face. These may be tiny little broken capillaries, sometimes referred to as spider veins due to the very fine web-like appearance of them. These are caused because of the way veins react to heat. The purpose of veins is to manage body temperature. They contract when it is cold in order to reduce heat loss through the skin; but when you go to a hotter environment, they dilate or expand in order to avoid the body overheating. If you are going in and out of cold/warm temperatures, this can put the veins under some element of strain, with repeated contracting and dilating.

If you are going outside, it’s important to wrap up warm, including hat and scarf. Try and think about protecting your face.

Try and think about avoiding rapid extremes of temperature change. Go outside gradually rather than stepping from a hot house to a freezing outdoors. Then when you come in again, try and acclimatise gradually. It may mean using a porch area or adjusting your clothing. Just being aware of the issue is the first step.

Varicose veins

The good news is that cold weather can actually help your circulation. The veins are less likely to dilate (normal response to heat) and therefore blood has less of a tendency to pool. If you suffer from varicose veins, then you may notice a reduction in the swelling and discomfort during winter.

However, the lifestyle adjustments we tend to make during winter can be bad news for varicose veins.

Many of us tend to adopt a less active lifestyle during the cooler months, which means that the veins are not getting the regular activity that is essential to their health by boosting circulation.

In addition, many of us gain a few pounds over winter. It could be due to comfort food, Christmas parties and generally eating and drinking a bit more. Yet any weight gain tends to put additional pressure on the venous system and the legs are under more stress to pump blood back to your heart. This is when the veins start to become inefficient and pool blood, causing varicose veins to develop.

Maintaining an active lifestyle and healthy diet can make a big difference – but you’re also facing external factors that impede circulation, such as lower atmospheric pressure and general slowing of metabolism in the cold. That’s why it’s important do do what you can to maintain a healthy weight and keep up regular exercise to boost your circulation.

Once varicose veins have started to develop, the veins are already damaged and very unlikely to heal. The only solution is intervention with varicose vein removal treatment. So it’s best to try and avoid varicose veins, but if they do occur, there is good news.

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.

When To Know It’s Time To Get Rid Of Varicose Veins

Time To Get Rid Of Varicose VeinsFrom itching varicose veins to skin complications, here is how to know when it’s time to get rid of varicose veins by having varicose vein removal treatment. 

There are many signs that you have varicose veins. Many of them are aesthetic – i.e. how the veins look. Varicose veins are often noticeable due to their swollen and lumpy appearance. They can look twisted or distorted and are often a blue or purple colour too.

However, it is equally important to think about how they feel. These are the symptoms to be aware of in working out whether it’s time to seek treatment for your varicose veins.

Inflammation

Should the area where your varicose veins exist become inflamed, this could be a sign that they need to be removed.

If varicose veins become inflamed and discoloured, it could even be a sign of a leg ulcer. This is a serious condition and a sign that the varicose veins are quite advanced. If this is the case, then you need to get the veins checked and treated as soon as possible.

Discomfort

If your varicose pains ever cause discomfort, then the first steps are to manage your lifestyle to ease the feeling.

For instance, wearing compression socks and exercising regularly can increase blood flow and reduce discomfort. You can also  get some relief when you elevate your legs, as this allows the blood to flow more easily back towards the heart and the rest of the body.

However, if the discomfort persists, then that’s a sign to seek medical assistance. See a GP or a vein specialists to get the varicose veins checked and, if appropriate, treated.

Pain

Alongside inflammation and discomfort, varicose veins can also cause pain. Again, pain can be managed by following the guidelines – more exercise, the right shoes/socks, and elevating the area.

You can take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve the pain. However, if the pain persists then your varicose veins could be causing an underlying issue and therefore, needs to be removed. Get painful veins seen as soon as possible to avoid health complications.

Some standard signs or symptoms may come and go – but should they be persistent, make sure to see a healthcare professional and get them treated before they cause medical complications.

When is it time to get rid of varicose veins?

Some standard signs or symptoms may come and go – but ultimately, varicose veins is not a condition that gets better on its own. Once the veins have become damaged, they don’t repair and the symptoms only get worse. When they become persistent, make sure to see a healthcare professional and get them treated before they cause medical complications.

London Vein Treatment Centre

Established in 2003, Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer treatment for varicose veins, thread veins and other vascular conditions using the latest techniques. All consultations and treatments are carried out with GMC-registered doctors and surgeons. Advanced ‘day case’ varicose vein treatment is available at specially equipped London Vein Treatment Centre locations:

  • 4 Disraeli Road, Putney, London, SW15 2DS
  • 41 Harley Street, London, W1G 8QH

Thread vein treatment is additionally available at:

  • The Smart Clinics, 30 Thurloe Place, South Kensington, London, SW7 2JE
  • City Walk in Clinic, Ground floor, Renown House, 33–34 Bury Street, London, EC3A 5AR

For more information, please complete the form to the right hand side or call 020 7386 0464.

ClariVein® Compared to Other Varicose Vein Treatments

ClariVein® is a unique combination treatment for getting rid of varicose veins which cleverly carries out a mechanical action to destroy problem veins as well as delivering a chemical for added efficacy.

There is no other treatment that combines a physical action with a chemical action in one quick process.

The mechanical action of Clarivein® by a combination of a rotating wire, which scratches the vein wall and at the same time a chemical sclerosant is injected. This combination works better than sclerosants alone. All of this is carried out through just one tiny skin puncture and is painless.

After the varicose vein has been destroyed, the blood is rerouted through normally functioning veins.

So how does ClariVein® compare to other varicose vein treatment methods?

ClariVein® compared to vein stripping

Many people think of traditional ‘vein stripping’ as being the main way of getting rid of varicose veins.

Vein stripping is a physical action which involves extracting problem veins from the leg through incisions in the groin and calf. It is an aggressive procedure which is normally carried out in hospital under general anaesthetic. In addition to recovery from the general anaesthetic, bruising and pain can be a problem.

By comparison, ClariVein® is a much simpler procedure. It does not require general anaesthetic or a hospital stay.

It is safe, effective and carried out as a day case in our London clinic. The procedure involves minimal discomfort and patients can return straight to normal activities and don’t even need to expect much bruising as the treatment is not invasive.

What’s more, ClariVein® has higher success rates too.

ClariVein® compared to radiofrequency

Tadiofrequency treatments involve heating the vein from within to damage it and shut it down. This can be uncomfortable and may involve multiple injections too.

By comparison, ClariVein® uses just one entry point for a thin catheter.

The procedure does not apply heat to the vein, but instead uses its unique combination of a rotating tip to damage the inside of the vein while delivering a sclerosant chemical which irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to collapse and stick together and the blood to clot.

ClariVein® Information

ClariVein® Information

Find out more about ClariVein® by downloading a leaflet. clarivein leaflet

Click the image to the right hand side or the button below to download a copy.

Find out more about ClariVein® by downloading their patient leaflet, which also includes the answers to some FAQ (frequently asked questions).

Download ClariVein® Treatment Leaflet

London Vein Treatment Centre

Varicose & Thread Vein Treatment

ClariVein® treatment is available at Cosmedics Skin Clinics’ London Vein Treatment Centres on Harley Street and also in the Putney clinic in South London. Prices start at £1,895 per leg (1 vein).

Their 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).

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

Consultations include varicose vein ultrasound scanning for proper diagnosis of any ‘underlying’ vein problems and the vascular surgeon will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on this thorough assessment of your veins.

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.

Vein Treatment Clinics

Are Itching Varicose Veins A Bad Sign?

Itching varicose veinsItching varicose veins is a symptom of  that indicates that the condition is quite advanced, as vascular insufficiency is affecting the health and condition of the skin as well.

The most commonly recognised symptoms of varicose veins is their appearance. Patients can often be seen with enlarged, twisted and lumpy blue or purple coloured veins. They look – and feel – increasingly uncomfortable.

However, the appearance is not the only symptom.

The condition venous stasis dermatitis or venous eczema involves irritated skin. Initially the area probably feels quite itchy, but then will start to develop abrasions which get worse with scratching. This can develop so  the skin becomes red and scaly – which is noticeable to others as well as the patient themselves. In the worst cases, the condition worsens to the extent that sores and ulcers start to be an issue, with risk of infection.

You may even experiencing itching varicose veins before they’re really visible, as some patients experience ‘hidden varicose veins‘.

Why do I have itching varicose veins?

For patients with varicose veins, the blood circulation is inefficient. This means that the blood is not being returned efficiently back up the legs to the heart. It causes build up of pressure in the veins.

As the condition worsens, the skin can be affected, as it is not able to get enough fresh blood and oxygen to maintain a healthy balance.

Another factor is that pressure in the veins causes some of the blood to leak out into your skin, which can cause swelling, especially around the ankles.

Are itchy varicose veins a bad sign?

Itchy skin is not usually one of the early signs of varicose veins, so if your skin is affected, then that usually is a sign that the problem is getting worse.

Unfortunately, varicose veins is a condition that won’t get better without intervention to remove the insufficient veins. However, there are things that you can do to make the condition more bearable.

What can I do about itching varicose veins?

It’s important to remember that itchy skin is a symptom of varicose veins. So while moisturising creams may provide some relief, the key is to manage the varicose veins themselves.

  1. Wear compression stockings to relieve the pressure on your legs
  2. Avoid standing for too long
  3. Keep active with regular exercise/walks to boost your circulation
  4. Raise your feet whenever you can to relieve the pressure on difficult veins
  5. A GP can prescribe steroid or other prescription-only creams to tackle severe itching
  6. Enquire about varicose vein treatment. For patients who are struggling with itching, ulcers, bleeding, eczema, pain, discomfort and difficulty sleeping; then it’s recommended to seek treatment.

5 Varicose Vein Treatments

The latest treatment techniques are highly effective and available on a ‘walk in walk out’ basis at our London clinics with no general anaesthetic or overnight stay required. We offer a suite of options to get rid of varicose veins:

  1. EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) treatment from £1,650 – laser treatment to destroy the veins from the inside – the gold-standard solution for varicose veins
  2. Tumescent Foam Sclerotherapy – exclusively developed by our Vascular Surgeon, this combines EVLA with Foam Sclerotherapy
  3. ClariVein® treatment from £1,895 – a mechanical action combines with a special chemical to seal the vein for fast and effective relief
  4. Micro surgery from £500 – most often used alongside other treatments, physically removing the troublesome veins after laser/injections
  5. Foam sclerotherapy from £500 – injectable treatment which uses a special chemical to destroy the varicose vein

London Vein Treatment Centre

Established in 2003, Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer treatment for varicose veins, thread veins and other vascular conditions using the latest techniques. All consultations and treatments are carried out with GMC-registered doctors and surgeons. Advanced ‘day case’ varicose vein treatment is available at specially equipped London Vein Treatment Centre locations:

  • 4 Disraeli Road, Putney, London, SW15 2DS
  • 41 Harley Street, London, W1G 8QH

Thread vein treatment is additionally available at:

  • The Smart Clinics, 30 Thurloe Place, South Kensington, London, SW7 2JE
  • City Walk in Clinic, Ground floor, Renown House, 33–34 Bury Street, London, EC3A 5AR

For more information, please complete the form to the right hand side or call 020 7386 0464.

Can Thread Veins Turn Into Varicose Veins?

thread vein legsIf you have developed thread veins on your legs, you may be wondering whether they are likely to turn into something worse – i.e. lumpy/twisted varicose veins. 

The good news is that thread veins do not directly cause or develop into varicose veins. They are two different conditions. They look different and affect different types of veins.

Thread veins develop in the small to medium size veins near the surface of the skin, while varicose veins affect the larger veins deeper in the legs.

Thread veins tend to be a cosmetic issue – they are noticeable, but don’t cause pain, itching, discomfort or irritation.

On the other hand, varicose veins can be very uncomfortable, painful and itchy. They can cause skin conditions and ulcers too.

However, if you do have thread veins, it is an indication that your circulation is deficient and therefore you may also be predisposed to developing varicose veins in the future.

What’s more, if you have varicose veins, then there is a risk of developing thread veins as well, due to the pressure on the smaller veins and vessels surrounding the larger varicose veins.

Thread veins vs varicose veins appearance

GP and founder of the London Vein Centre, Dr Ross Perry explains:

“Varicose veins are often the big, bulgy blue veins that you see in people on the lower parts of the legs.

“Thread veins tend to be much thinner, reddy purpley veins, which are often on the surface of the skin.”

Varicose veins are deeper than thread veins

“The major difference between the two veins is the depth of where they are.

“Varicose veins are often a problem with the underlying veins, which are your deeper veins and the valves that are with those; and often what happens is the valves mean that the blood doesn’t flow back to the heart as well as it should do.

“As a result of this you get pooling of the blood and stretching of the veins. This then causes them to ache and swell. Those are the varicose veins that can then often potentially have a knock-on effect on causing thread veins further up in the skin; but not always.”

Preventing vein problems

The best way to try and prevent or slow the progression of venous disease is to keep healthy and active:

  • Exercise regularly, e.g. walking, jogging, swimming, biking
  • Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit/veg and low fat
  • Keep an appropriate weight

Diagnosing vein problems

Dr Ross Perry explains that it is not always easy to tell the difference between thread veins and varicose veins:

“So unfortunately, trying to decide whether or not somebody’s got varicose veins and thread veins often requires an ultrasound scan; which not only is able to determine whether or not somebody has deep underlying problems that could potentially cause varicose veins and ultimately to thread veins higher up; or whether or not the varicose veins themselves are in fact not working properly and causing symptoms such as aching in the lower legs.

“This is a very simple procedure that is done in-house with our vascular surgeon and so they were able to tell you and give you the results there and then.”

London Vein Treatment Centre

Established in 2003, Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer treatment for varicose veins, thread veins and other vascular conditions using the latest techniques. All consultations and treatments are carried out with GMC-registered doctors and surgeons. Advanced ‘day case’ varicose vein treatment is available at specially equipped London Vein Treatment Centre locations:

  • 4 Disraeli Road, Putney, London, SW15 2DS
  • 41 Harley Street, London, W1G 8QH

Thread vein treatment is additionally available at:

  • The Smart Clinics, 30 Thurloe Place, South Kensington, London, SW7 2JE
  • City Walk in Clinic, Ground floor, Renown House, 33–34 Bury Street, London, EC3A 5AR

For more information, please complete the form to the right hand side or call 020 7386 0464.

CEAP – How Bad Are Your Varicose Veins?

If you have varicose veins and are hoping to get some kind of treatment, then it helps to understand how bad your veins are.

Varicose veins are classified according to CEAP classification. This is the official way of classifying the severity of varicose veins; which in turn, helps to determine what sort of treatment is most appropriate.

CEAP System for Varicose Veins

The CEAP system was created by a committee of the American Venous Forum in 1994  The objective was to standardise the reporting of varicose veins so that diagnosis and treatment can be more uniform. The classifications were updated in 2004 and revised again in 2020 to improve the system.

The classification offers clinicians a choice of 7 stages of varicose vein and some of these also have sub-stages. The severity of varicose veins helps to establish the best treatment option.

Stage Description Treatment
C0 No visible or palpable signs of venous disease Lifestyle advice i.e. diet/exercise, to slow progression of varicose veins. This is sensible at all stages.
C1 Visible veins or blood vessels beneath the skin surface, which do not bulge. These may include red spider veins/telangiectasias as well as blue/purple veins Potentially compression stockings in addition to lifestyle advice
C2 Varicose veins are visible – raised/protruding May consider sclerotherapy injections at this stage in addition to above
C3 Swelling or swollen varicose veins (oedema) caused by water retention May consider treatments such as EVLA or ClariVein
C4 Changes to skin quality and appearance

  • C4a – surface skin conditions e.g. pigmentation, eczema
  • C4b – more severe associated skin conditions e.g. changes to skin texture
  • C4c – visible veins and vessels around the ankles
 Treatment of varicose veins here could help to avoid developing leg ulcers.
C5 Varicose veins with healed ulcers Treatment of varicose veins at this point could help to prevent further leg ulcers from developing
C6 Varicose veins with active/open ulcers, which can be very painful Once a leg ulcer has been present for two weeks or more, then a referral to a specialist vascular service is recommended

Lifestyle changes and compression stockings are intended to keep varicose veins at the lower stages and to slow down the progression. This reduces the risk of developing more serious complications, which can be uncomfortable and painful as well as unsightly.

How the NHS use CEAP Guidelines

Classifying your varicose veins according to the above system enables doctors to determine at what point a patient may be referred. The NHS guidelines  at https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg168/documents/varicose-veins-full-version-2 state:

1.2 Referral to a vascular service

1.2.1 Refer people with bleeding varicose veins to a vascular service immediately.

1.2.2 Refer people to a vascular service if they have any of the following.

    • Symptomatic primary or symptomatic recurrent varicose veins.
    • Lower‑limb skin changes, such as pigmentation or eczema, thought to be caused by chronic venous insufficiency.
    • Superficial vein thrombosis (characterised by the appearance of hard, painful veins) and suspected venous incompetence.
    • A venous leg ulcer (a break in the skin below the knee that has not healed within 2 weeks).
    • A healed venous leg ulcer.

Unfortunately, this means the NHS effectively waits for the condition to deteriorate before funding treatment. Earlier stages can be unpleasant, but they are not considered severe enough until there are advanced issues such as skin changes, bleeding or ulcers.

Varicose Vein Treatment UK

Varicose veins are not a condition that will go away without treatment, so many people are now turning to the private sector for treatment, to enjoy healthier skin and veins earlier and avoid the difficulties of the more advanced CVI (Chronic Vein Insufficiency) disease.

Varicose Vein Removal

The only really effective way to resolve varicose veins for good is with surgery. However, that doesn’t have to mean painful vein stripping with a long recovery. Modern varicose vein surgery is provided in private clinics on a day case basis using laser technology which offers excellent results and fast recovery.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer private 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). There is no general anaesthetic, no hospital stay and patients can walk out of the clinic with the varicose veins gone.

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 classes varicose veins as cosmetic

If you are developing varicose veins and assuming that the NHS will be able to sort them out for you, you may be surprised and somewhat disappointed to find out that NHS has classed varicose veins as a ‘cosmetic’ issue for all but the very worst cases. 

As such, treatment for varicose veins has become a lot less common on the NHS. Varicose veins may look ugly, but if they are not causing issues such as pain or ulcers, they are now unfortunately unlikely to meet the requirements for referral.

Yet frustratingly, varicose veins is a progressive condition, which means that they will continue to get worse without treatment.  It is a gradual process of watching them get thicker and lumpier with time.

NHS advice for living with varicose veins includes wearing compression stockings to reduce the pressure and alleviate discomfort, as well as staying active with a healthy diet to manage weight and keep circulation healthy. These actions can help for some patients, but ultimately lifestyle measures are not a ‘cure’ for varicose veins, just a way of managing to live with them.

Understandably, many patients are keen to get varicose veins treated as early as possible to stop them from getting worse. It’s natural to want to avoid the severe form of the problem as it is extremely unsightly and uncomfortable.

Private Sector Treatment

Essentially, categorising most varicose vein cases as ‘cosmetic’ means that treatment for varicose veins on the NHS has been the victim of cutbacks, so now patients who might previously have qualified are looking at the private sector to have treatment.

The good news is that for those who are willing and able to fund their own treatment, the private sector offers a range of superior treatments using advanced technology.

There are options suitable for mild, moderate or severe varicose veins, using the latest laser and surgical techniques.

At Cosmedics’ London Vein Centre, the following treatments are available with 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. Prices start at £1,650 per leg (1 vein)
  • 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
  • Micro surgery for physical, surgical removal of the affected vein where necessary

varicose veins ankles treatment

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

Vein Treatment Clinics

Foam Sclerotherapy Video; Expert Advice

Varicose Veins Treatment

Also Suitable for Thread Veins & Blue Leg Veins

vein expert videoDr Ross Perry, GP and founder of The London Vein Centre, has created a short new video to introduce foam sclerotherapy. 

This is a less well known treatment for varicose veins yet it offers enormous advantages for patients who have smaller varicose veins or blue thread veins on the legs.

Many assume that surgery is the only solution. If they are aware of alternatives, then they primarily tend to think of the more expensive laser options.

Yet foam sclerotherapy has the potential to banish unsightly leg veins in under half an hour.

Dr Ross Perry explains more in our new video.

Foam Sclerotherapy

Quick Injection Treatment for Varicose Veins

Foam Sclerotherapy Demonstration

Dr Ross Perry explains:

“Here we are showing our vascular surgeon doing a foam injection for varicose veins.

“This is a very short quick treatment that only takes about 20 minutes for smaller varicose veins and blue veins on the legs

“If you suffer with such things then please contact Cosmedics and we’ll be more than happy to help.”

This procedure is carried out using an ultrasound scan in order to guide the injection. This ensures that our Vascular Surgeon can deliver it precisely and accurately exactly where it is needed.

We use a special sclerosant foam which is injected into the affected veins. The foam causes an inflammatory reaction in the vein wall, which ultimately blocks the vein. This procedure is quite safe, as blood circulation is diverted through other, healthier veins. The aim is to stop the appearance of unsightly blue veins.

Compression bandages are applied after the procedure and are typically worn for between a week and a month.

Foam Sclerotherapy

London Vein Treatment Centre

Established in 2003, Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer treatment for varicose veins, thread veins and other vascular conditions using the latest techniques. All consultations and treatments are carried out with GMC-registered doctors and surgeons. Advanced ‘day case’ varicose vein treatment is available at specially equipped London Vein Treatment Centre locations:

  • 4 Disraeli Road, Putney, London, SW15 2DS
  • 41 Harley Street, London, W1G 8QH

Thread vein treatment is additionally available at:

  • The Smart Clinics, 30 Thurloe Place, South Kensington, London, SW7 2JE
  • City Walk in Clinic, Ground floor, Renown House, 33–34 Bury Street, London, EC3A 5AR

For more information, please complete the form to the right hand side or call 020 7386 0464.