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Can I have my veins treated on the National Health Service?

Sometimes. Varicose veins can cause significant symptoms or other health problems. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence has provided guidance on which veins can be treated in the NHS. If you have early  varicose veins which are not causing symptoms or complications then treatment is unlikely to be offered.

 

Can I have microsclerotherapy performed on the National Health Service?

No. This is a cosmetic treatment for spider veins and is only available on a private basis.

 

Can I have thermal ablation or foam sclerotherapy on the National Health Service?

Possibly. Access to more specialist procedures does depend on the expertise available in your local hospital. Varicose vein surgery is performed widely across the province, but availability of the keyhole procedures is more variable.

 

I have Private Health Insurance, will it cover my treatment?

All insurance companies will cover the cost of a private consultation. If your veins are causing symptoms or complications then your insurance company should also cover treatment. Most insurance companies will not cover cosmetic treatments. It is important to get approval from your company before attending your consultation.

 

I have varicose veins, am I going to get an ulcer?

The good news is that the risk of someone with varicose veins developing an ulcer is quite low. Conservative measures, such as weight loss, support stockings and exercise can keep this risk low. If you are very concerned, please arrange a consultation. A full clinical and ultrasound assessment of your veins will be performed and personalised advice offered.

 

I have swelling, excema or discolouration at my ankles, am I going to get an ulcer?

You may be developing Chronic Venous Insufficiency, prompt expert assessment is strongly recommended.

 

Will my veins come back after treatment?

The veins which have been removed do not come back, but unfortunately in the future, veins which are currently normal can become varicose in the future. Careful assessment and treatment by an expert can reduce the future risk of recurrences.

 

I have had varicose vein surgery in the past, can I still have treatment?

Yes you can. Often keyhole procedures work better in this situation, and re-do surgery is also an option. A detailed assessment of your varicose veins will look for the likely cause of recurrence and guide a personalised treatment plan.

 

Will Vitamin K cream help my spider veins?

No. This and other creams have become popular recently. These creams are expensive, and have no effect on the presence or appearance of thread veins.