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.