What’s The Difference Between Varicose and Thread Veins?

veins video

New Video

Expert Vein Doctor Explains Varicose vs Thread Veins

Dr Ross Perry, GP and founder of The London Vein Centre, has created a short new video to explain the difference between varicose and thread veins. 

Many patients are not sure whether they have varicose veins or just thread veins.

It is important to diagnose vein problems correctly in order to arrange the most appropriate treatment.

Varicose veins tend to look different to thread veins

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.”

How to get the best diagnosis of vein problems

“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.

Venous Lake Blood Vessel Treatment

‘Venous Lake’ is a condition where patients have a broken blood vessel, normally on the lower lip, where the skin has been exposed to the sun.

The medical term for this is ‘Phlebectasis’.

The venous lake looks like a blue/black/purple coloured spot on the lip, usually between 2mm – 1cm diameter.  and is caused by a problem in the blood vessel which causes blood to pool rather than flowing away. It may be slightly raised to the touch, and is usually soft and compressible to the touch.

Venous lakes are caused by a blood vessel (vein) in the skin, which over time has become enlarged and wider (or dilated).

These are more common as patients get older and they’re nothing to worry about in medical terms, but it should definitely be checked and properly diagnosed by a doctor just in case there is something more sinister.

Venous Lake Appearance

Venous Lake Blood Blister

Venous Lake Treatment

The NHS tends not to treat venous lake, as it is classed as a ‘cosmetic issue’ in that it is not medically harmful. However, many patients dislike the look of them and would like to get rid of them.

The good news is that private clinics like The London Vein Centre can offer treatment which can be quite effective.

Laser treatment for venous lake

Most venous lake can be treated with laser. While one session should make a difference, 2-3 sessions are generally advisable for full results. This option works to gradually destroy the problematic blood vessel, leaving the skin looking clear and normal. There is no anaesthetic required and no scalpel or injections.

The London Vein Treatment Centre offers a variety of options, depending on the nature of the condition being treated:

  • Laser thread vein treatment using advanced Harmony XL Pro laser machine, which provides a gentle and effective treatment for spider veins on the face and smaller thread veins.
  • Micro-cautery laser is also available at all of the company’s skin treatment centres

These treatments target the problem capillaries, vessels or veins in order to damage and destroy them, so that the veins shrink, shrivel up and then disappear. The blood flows through deeper, healthier vessels and veins and is not visible at the skin’s surface.

Surgical treatment for venous lake

Occasionally surgical removal is the best approach. This is a bit more invasive, but is completed very quickly and normally can be carried out in the same session as the consultation. The London Vein Centre doctors and surgeons use local anaesthetic to ensure that the treatment is painless and this option requires no further treatment sessions.

The London Vein Treatment Centre specialises in all types of thread veins on the face and body using the latest techniques for best results.

The team are highly skilled and experienced in treating vein problems. Patients can feel confident in a swift and accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations.

Facial Thread Veins

London Vein Treatment Centre

Established in 2003, Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer treatment for thread veins on the face or body using the latest techniques with GMC-registered doctors and surgeons.

They also offer advanced laser varicose vein treatment at the London Vein Treatment Centre at a choice of two highly equipped London Vein Treatment Centres.

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

The most popular option is EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) laser varicose vein removal with a vascular surgeon with prices starting at £1,650 per leg (1 vein).

For more information, please complete the form to the right hand side or call 020 7386 0464. Our friendly team would be happy to help.

Varicose Vein Treatment Available This Month

As the country enters its second lockdown, The London Vein Centre has confirmed that varicose vein removal treatment will remain available at its London clinics for the foreseeable future.

This comes as welcome news for patients who are looking to get their varicose veins removed.

Unlike the previous lockdown, clinics offering medical procedures are able to continue their business during the November 2020 lockdown period. This includes varicose vein removal and thread vein treatment, which are available at The London Vein Centre’s clinics, based in Harley Street and Putney. Both clinics are CQC-registered and highly equipped with a variety of treatment options to get rid of lumpy and uncomfortable varicose veins, as well as unsightly thread veins.

By using the latest techniques, treatment at our vein clinics offer:

  • Day case ‘walk in walk out’ treatment – no overnight stay
  • No general anaesthetic – faster recovery and lower risks

Coronavirus information

Cosmedics Skin Clinics is committed to keeping our staff and clients as safe as possible during the ongoing COVID-19 health situation

As CQC registered clinics, high standards of hygiene apply throughout. We have specific social distancing guidelines in place and all staff will be wearing appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Clients will be screened prior to attending and cannot attend if they have any symptoms or have been asked to self-isolate. They will be asked to arrive wearing a mask and attend alone. Hand washing facilities and hand gel are readily available. Further advice will be given prior to attending.

Can I get varicose veins treated on the NHS?

Even prior to the pandemic, the NHS only treated very few varicose vein cases with varicose vein removal surgery. They were classed as a ‘cosmetic’ issue a couple of years ago; and since then even fewer patients have been able to get varicose veins removed on the NHS.

The last few months have seen further issues, with thousands of NHS procedures delayed due to the pandemic, causing even fewer varicose vein patients to get satisfactory treatment for the problem.

The private sector is an alternative option with readily available treatment for anyone over the age of 18.

london varicose vein treatment before and after

The London Vein Centre

Established in 2003, Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer treatment for thread veins using the latest techniques with GMC-registered doctors and surgeons. They also offer advanced laser varicose vein treatment at The London Vein Centre at a choice of two highly equipped London Vein Treatment Centres.

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

The most popular option is EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) laser varicose vein removal with a vascular surgeon with prices starting at £1,650 per leg (1 vein).

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

Can I Get Varicose Veins Treated During Pregnancy?

Varicose veins are a common side effect of pregnancy that affect many women. 

There are a number of reasons why varicose veins can become a problem while pregnant:

  • One explanation is that they appear due to pressure from the uterus on the vein that carries blood back to the heart from your feet and legs (inferior vena cava).
  • Another cites the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the blood vessels, making them more susceptible to varicose veins.
  • A third theory is that pregnancy increases the volume of blood in the body overall to support the growing baby while flow of blood from the legs to the pelvis decreases, which puts pressure on the veins in the legs.

It can be a combination of factors that cause them to appear.

The good news is that they are medically harmless, but the bad news is that they can be quite unsightly, with swollen blue/purple veins typically appearing behind the knees or on the lower legs.  They can be uncomfortable too, feeling heavy or itchy, so that you end up feeling quite conscious of them all the time.

Many women are understandably keen to do something about varicose veins.

Can I Get Varicose Veins Treated While I’m Pregnant?

Unfortunately, varicose vein treatment during pregnancy is not advised. Your body is ‘different’ while you’re pregnant for a whole host of reasons and its main priority has to be nurturing your baby. Treatments and procedures that are not medically essential are generally postponed until after the baby is born.

Until then, it is best to try and do what you can to minimise the risk of varicose veins appearing and stop them from becoming too much of a problem.

10 Tips For 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 your legs when you’re sitting down
  6. Loose clothing – avoid tight fitting clothes such including socks, belts and underwear
  7. Maternity tights/compression legwear – while tight fitting clothing is to be avoided, maternity support tights can offer gentle compression to the leg muscle. Compression socks can also be helpful to 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

If you have concerns about varicose veins during pregnancy, ask your midwife for advice. If in doubt she/he will refer you to a doctor. See also NHS advice at https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/common-health-problems/.

Varicose Vein Treatments

Unfortunately, once they have appeared, varicose veins don’t tend to go away of their own accord. So if the varicose veins don’t improve a few months after the baby is born, then you can consider getting them treated.

Varicose Vein Removal Treatments

A choice of varicose vein treatment routes 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. 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
  • Tumescent Foam Sclerotherapy combines EVLA with Foam Sclerotherapy – exclusive to The London Vein Centre
  • Micro surgery for physical, surgical removal of the affected vein where necessary

London Vein Treatment Centre

Established in 2003, Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer treatment for thread 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 at a choice of two highly equipped London Vein Treatment Centres.

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

The most popular option is EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) laser varicose vein removal with a vascular surgeon with prices starting at £1,650 per leg (1 vein).

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

Could Lockdown Make Varicose Veins Worse?

For many, the lockdown is little more than an inconvenience. But those with varicose veins are wondering whether it could be making their condition worse and experts are expecting a rise in enquiries as restrictions start to ease.

Could all that sitting around be causing veins to protrude further and causing even more damage?

The Lockdown Is Reducing Physical Activity

Science seems to paint a dire picture. Evidence suggests that varicose, lumpy veins are not merely passive byproducts of the ageing process, but a condition we may be able to modify through lifestyle change. Diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and so on, could all significantly reduce the chances that they form, perhaps by encouraging cells in our cardiovascular system to take better care of themselves.

Common sense, therefore, seems to suggest that COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown could be making varicose veins worse.

People stuck indoors don’t move around as much as those going about their pre-coronavirus routine. And those working from home only have to roll out of bed and walk a few feet to their office chairs, cutting out all the walking they would normally do as part of their daily commute. It all points to less exercise, fewer trips out with friends, and more time for sedentary habits to do their damage.

Lockdown May Increase The Chances Of Developing Varicose Veins, But May Not Exacerbate Symptoms

You should not forget, though, that researchers consider exercising a preventive measure for varicose veins. The more physical activity people get, the more internal shearing forces their blood vessels receive, and the better their condition becomes. This action may help keep the valves that supply the legs healthy and supple.

Interestingly, though, exercise cannot reverse varicose veins. Only surgical intervention can do that. Furthermore, activity may cause pain or make the wiggles worse. So a lack of exercise during lockdown may actually lead to temporary improvements if you already have the condition and are placing less strain on the veins.

Like exercise, dietary choices may also help to prevent varicose veins from forming by increasing the elasticity of blood vessels, reducing blood pressure and improving the robustness of leg valves.  Again, though, improvements in diet – even dramatic ones – cannot reverse varicose veins that exist already. Only surgery can do that.

Interestingly, people seem to be eating better as a result of the lockdown. Early indications suggest that COVID-19 may actually be improving diets across the board by encouraging people to cook more home-cooked food and avoid high-fat, high-sugar, high-calorie restaurant meals.

Further reading https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-8468849/Shh-Anti-agers-no-one-need-know-varicose-veins-away.html

Wrapping Up

You can, therefore, make a good case that the lockdown is making varicose veins better for people who already have them. Existing patients are, on average, eating higher quality food and may also be standing less due to lifestyle changes; both of which may help to reduce the visual appearance and pain associated with varicose veins in the short term.

The lockdown, however, may be increasing the chance of people who don’t have the condition yet developing it. Sitting down all day long in, cooped over laptops is not a recipe for long-term health. Thus, the picture is mixed.

The solution is to do regular, simple, short bursts of exercise to keep everything moving. Even simple stretches can help.

And if you are concerned about the appearance of lumpy twisted veins, seek advice from a company that specialise in this condition.

Varicose Vein Treatment

The London Vein Treatment Centre offers a variety of options, depending on the nature of the condition being treated:

Varicose Vein Removal Treatments

A choice of varicose vein treatment routes 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. 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
  • Tumescent Foam Sclerotherapy combines EVLA with Foam Sclerotherapy – exclusive to The London Vein Centre
  • Micro surgery for physical, surgical removal of the affected vein where necessary

London Vein Treatment Centre

Established in 2003, Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer treatment for thread 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 at a choice of two highly equipped London Vein Treatment Centres.

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

The most popular option is EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) laser varicose vein removal with a vascular surgeon with prices starting at £1,650 per leg (1 vein).

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

Coronavirus COVID19 – Temporary Closure

Due to the COVID outbreak and in line with the governmental guidelines, Cosmedics Skin Clinics are now closed temporarily for face to face treatments and consultations.

However, our call centre remains open and is operating within safe guidelines for staff.

  • Worried about a skin lesion? Any clients who are concerned about worrying skin lesions or blemishes are encouraged to get in touch. We are happy to provide advice and can assess photos by email. This does not replace a consultation but can provide some initial helpful information
  • Can I make a booking? We are provisionally taking bookings from the end of April, when we hope current guidelines may be relaxed for at least some of our treatments
  • What about aftercare? If you’ve already had a treatment and have aftercare queries, please do get in touch. We are running occasional clinics for stitch removal and are able to advise on any concerns the best course of action in case of any concerns

We will keep our website and social media updated with further information should the position change.

We thank you for your support during these difficult days and wish you and your families well.

Instagram Updates

During this unsettling time we will be regularly updating our social media.

Dr Ross Perry will be sharing his expert advice on simple measures to help with skin conditions that can arise from constant hand washing with alcohol gels and soap.

We know certain people particularly with sensitive skin or eczema sufferers the constant hand washing can make the skin quite irritated and sore. Dr Perry will give some advice on our Instagram page about your best options to not only keep your hands clean but also reduce the chances of any irritation and what to do if you are getting some irritation.

Follow us on Instagram.

Queries

If you have any queries or concerns regarding your appointment at Cosmedics Skin clinics, please call 0208 246 4861 or email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk for further information.

Coronavirus COVID19: We Are OPEN

** UPDATE 23-3-20**

Cosmedics Skin Clinics continues to remain open across all our clinics during the ongoing coronavirus situation and are doing all we can to keep our staff and clients safe and well during this time.

We have very high standards in our clinics. Antibacterial handwash/gels are widely available to clients and staff to use on a regular basis.

We have additional booking checks in place and we ask all clients not to attend an appointment if they are showing any signs of virus including high temperature, cough or are generally unwell or still in a period of self isolation. Please do call 0207 386 0464 or email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk if you need to cancel at short notice.

We are running a slightly reduced service and after Easter may have to change the regular rota for a period of time. On occasion we may have to cancel at short notice due to the changing governmental guidelines or staff illness.

We thank you for your support during these difficult days and wish you and your families well.

Queries

If you have any queries or concerns regarding your appointment at Cosmedics Skin clinics, please call 0208 246 4861 or email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk for further information.

Woman’s Own: How to Handle Varicose Veins

Expert Advice on Varicose Veins from Dr Ross Perry

Woman’s Own looked into the issue of varicose veins with expert Dr Ross Perry, founder of The London Vein Centre. 

As the article explained, varicose veins affect a great many people. It’s estimated that 30% of the adult population have them in the UK,. The NHS carries out around 35,000 varicose vein removal procedures a year, which leaves many people untreated, yet the issue is not just cosmetic, it could cause pain and other health issues.

Dr Ross Perry was asked to explain what to expect from a visit to the GP:

“Your GP will assess the veins to see how extensive they are.

“They will be looking to see if the leg veins have signs of ulceration, pain, bleeding or skin colour changes – these are the signs the veins are moderate to severe – and whether you can be seen under the NHS or need to find a private clinic.

“In most cases, your GP will advise either compression stockings to help manage symptoms (usually for six months) or to go private.

“The criteria for referral to an NHS hospital is very strict, so you won’t be able to have them removed for purely cosmetic reasons on the NHS.”

womans own varicose veins

Woman’s Own

Private Varicose Vein Treatment

For those clients who cannot gain treatment on the NHS, the private sector offers treatments that have high success rates at eliminating unsightly vein problems.

The London Vein Treatment Centre offers a variety of options, depending on the nature of the condition being treated:

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. 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
  • Tumescent Foam Sclerotherapy combines EVLA with Foam Sclerotherapy – exclusive to The London Vein Centre
  • Micro surgery for physical, surgical removal of the affected vein where necessary

London Vein Treatment Centre

Established in 2003, Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer treatment for thread 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 at a choice of two highly equipped London Vein Treatment Centres.

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

The most popular option is EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) laser varicose vein removal with a vascular surgeon with prices starting at £1,650 per leg (1 vein).

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

Express: Which Veins Are Dangerous?

Expert Advice from Dr Ross Perry

The Express explored the issues of veins, asking our expert Dr Ross Perry how you know which ones are dangerous and what to look for. 

Veins have an essential function of carrying blood containing oxygen and nutrients around the body; but some people have pronounced veins and may wonder whether this is normal or worrying. Writer Jessica Knibbs asks:

“How do you know when your veins are signalling something dangerous?”

The Express spoke exclusively to Dr Ross Perry for expert medical advice on the matter. Dr Ross Perry founded The London Vein Centre, part of Cosmedics Skin Clinics. He explained first of all why some veins seem to be more obvious than others, saying:

“It depends on the natural size and position of the vein.

“They typically expand more when they are lower than the heart so leg veins are the most common as that is where the most effect of gravity has on them.”

Ross explained that there are known risk factors in developing thread veins and varicose veins, as the conditions are more likely to affect people who are pregnant, overweight or have a family history. He continued:

“It is rare for a vein to be dangerous until it gets blocked in which case the area would swell and become red which is called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and requires urgent medical care.

“If the veins ever get painful or one leg swells more than the other it’s advised to go see your GP.”

Thread Veins & Varicose Veins

The article explained that vein problems are caused by ‘venous insufficiency’ or weak veins. Blood can pool in the legs and cause swelling, pain, discolouration and wounds.

This is more common in those who are obese, pregnant or have a family history of vein problems. Other causes include high blood pressure in the leg veins, as a result of sitting or standing for long periods; sedentary lifestyle, smoking, or deep vein thrombosis.

Depending on the severity, treatments may range from medication to surgery.

Treatments for Vein Problems

Dr Ross suggested:

£Regular exercise and support stockings can help.

“These work best if a person is developing signs of thread veins.

“Exercise and the stockings also help prevent the veins from getting worse.”

To read more, please visit https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1236062/veins-varicose-thread-legs-pain-dangerous.

Thread Vein & Varicose Vein Treatment

As varicose veins are not generally considered to be serious, treatment on the NHS usually consists of lifestyle advice or compression stockings. Thread veins are treated as a cosmetic problem too.

However, for clients who wish to do something about it, there are now treatments that have high success rates at eliminating unsightly vein problems.

The London Vein Treatment Centre offers a variety of options, depending on the nature of the condition being treated

Thread Vein Treatments

  • Laser thread vein treatment provides a gentle and effective treatment for spider veins on the face and smaller thread veins
  • Micro-cautery laser is also available at all of the company’s skin treatment centres
  • Larger thread veins, such as those found on the legs or thighs, can be treated with sclerotherapy injections

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. 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
  • Tumescent Foam Sclerotherapy combines EVLA with Foam Sclerotherapy – exclusive to The London Vein Centre
  • Micro surgery for physical, surgical removal of the affected vein where necessary

London Vein Treatment Centre

Established in 2003, Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer treatment for thread 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 at a choice of two highly equipped London Vein Treatment Centres.

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

The most popular option is EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) laser varicose vein removal with a vascular surgeon with prices starting at £1,650 per leg (1 vein).

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

Do Varicose Veins Get Worse In Winter?

If you’ve noticed your varicose veins getting worse since the autumn, you’re not alone.

Varicose veins tend to deteriorate during the winter months, so it’s a difficult time for people who suffer with uncomfortable veins in their legs.

So why is the winter such a bad time for varicose vein sufferers? The main reason is that in the winter, we tend to be less physically active. Whether it’s due to the shorter days, darker nights, Christmas activity or great TV scheduling, most of us tend to be a lot more sedentary during the winter months. It’s naturally more appealing to curl up on the sofa with a box set rather than go out for a workout – or even a spot of gardening!

Less physical activity means that your circulation is decreased.

When circulation is poorer, the condition tends to deteriorate. The problem with varicose veins is that once they have become inefficient, the valves are damaged and it tends to be very much a one-way process which cannot get better without surgical intervention.

Is it too late?

Physical activity is rarely a bad thing – it has numerous benefits for your health and all adults are recommended to have at least 5 hours a week of exercise in order to keep fit and healthy.

However, if you’re hoping that a commitment to exercise will make varicose veins better, unfortunately that’s unlikely – although it could help to slow down further deterioration.

So get active, but if you’re struggling with physical symptoms of varicose veins such as itching, ulcers, bleeding, eczema; then it’s time to see a doctor and see about treatment. Equally pain, discomfort and difficulty sleeping are key indicators that you should seek attention.

Varicose vein treatment in winter

The good news is that the winter months are ideal for varicose vein treatment for 2 key reasons:

 

  1. Compression stockings (worn after varicose vein removal treatment) are quite cosy in winter and easily hidden by clothing. In summer, they can be hot and a lot harder to hide.
  2. Varicose vein treatment will cause bruising and redness. Again, this is much easier to hide during winter and should be healed in plenty of time for summer.

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

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.