Frequently Asked Questions
What are varicose veins and what causes them?
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted surface veins usually in the legs caused by failing one-way valves that allow blood to pool and the vein walls to stretch. They can cause aching, heaviness, swelling, skin changes, and rarely ulceration.
How are varicose veins diagnosed?
Diagnosis combines a clinical assessment with a duplex ultrasound scan that maps which veins are failing and guides treatment planning. This scan is standard practice before procedures such as EVLT or foam sclerotherapy.
What is EVLT and how does it work?
EVLT (endovenous laser therapy) uses a laser fibre inserted into the diseased saphenous vein under ultrasound guidance. Heat seals the vein closed so blood reroutes into healthy deep veins. The procedure is usually a local‑anaesthetic day case with a short recovery period.
What is ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy and when is it used?
Foam sclerotherapy injects a medical foam into target veins under ultrasound control to make the vein stick closed and be absorbed. It’s a valuable option for residual or tributary veins or when thermal ablation is not appropriate. Multiple sessions may be required.
Will treatment be painful and what anaesthesia is used?
Most endovenous procedures are performed under local anaesthetic around the vein. Patients typically report mild discomfort rather than severe pain, and many leave the clinic the same day.
What are the risks and complications I should know about?
Common short-term effects include bruising, tenderness, and temporary numbness. Procedure-specific risks include superficial thrombophlebitis and pigmentation after foam, and rare risks such as nerve injury or deep vein thrombosis. We discuss individual risk in consultation and provide written consent information.
How many treatment sessions are usually needed?
A single EVLT session typically treats the primary saphenous vein. Foam sclerotherapy occasionally needs one or more sessions depending on the number and size of residual veins. Your care plan will be customised after duplex mapping.
What should I expect on the day of treatment?
Expect a focused appointment with consent, ultrasound review, local anaesthetic, the procedure (often under 60 minutes), compression afterwards, and immediate mobilisation. You can usually go home the same day.
Do I need to wear compression stockings after treatment?
Compression is commonly recommended after treatment to reduce bruising and support healing. Duration varies by procedure and surgeon preference and will be specified in your post-procedure instructions.
Will the NHS fund my treatment?
NHS funding depends on clinical severity and local commissioning rules. These vary between region but reserve treatment for the most severe cases such as leg ulceration. Purely cosmetic cases are often treated within the private sector.