If you’re considering treatment for varicose veins or thread veins, you likely have questions about the options, procedures, recovery, and long-term results. With advancements in vein treatments like Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy (UGFS), effective solutions are more accessible than ever.
In this blog, we answer the 10 most common questions people ask before starting treatment, from how the procedures work and what recovery looks like to insurance coverage and the chance of recurrence.
Here’s everything you need to know…
1. What are the main types of varicose vein treatments available, and which do you use?
Radiofrequency Ablation is a form of Endothermal Ablation and may be used to treat large varicose veins in the thigh and in the back of the calf. Generally, RFA is preferred over Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) as it causes less pain. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends Endothermal Ablation as the first line of treatment for varicose veins.
During treatment, your surgeon will use an ultrasound probe to determine the best place in the vein to insert the fine RFA catheter which will be used to transmit heat waves; this causes the vein walls to collapse and seal shut. As a result, blood flow naturally redirects through other healthy veins. Cold local anaesthetic is injected around the vein before starting the treatment. Finally, the RFA catheter is removed, the puncture site is dressed, and a bandage and compression stocking are applied.
Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy (UGFS) is used to treat more tortuous varicose veins. During treatment, your surgeon will use an ultrasound probe to make on average 3 – 4 small punctures into the vein in order to insert tiny tubes through them similar to what people have inserted into the back of their hands if they are in hospital. Subsequently, a clever foam mixture is injected into the tubes which causes the vein walls to collapse and seal shut. As a result, blood flow naturally redirects through other healthy veins. Finally, the tubes are removed, and a bandage and a compression stocking are applied.
Here’s the link to our treatment page for more information.
2. Will I need anaesthesia during the procedure, and if so, what type?
For the majority of cases, your treatment will only require a small amount of local anaesthetic in the skin to allow the RFA catheter or tiny tubes to be inserted into the varicose veins. Your consultant will discuss this with you in your initial consultation.
3. Does varicose vein treatment hurt?
Gone are the days when varicose vein treatment meant painful surgery with long recovery times. In almost every case, you can elect to have non-surgical walk-in-walk-out treatments that use minimally invasive techniques, have fast recovery times and provide long-lasting relief.
4. What is the recovery time like, and are there any restrictions on activities?
You can return home immediately after treatment. Your varicose veins symptoms should improve very quickly while the cosmetic results may take several months while the body heals and removes the veins.
You may experience some mild discomfort, bruising and swelling following treatment, for which your surgeon may recommend paracetamol or ibuprofen. Depending on the treatment, you may need to keep the bandage and compression stocking on for 2 – 3 days. The bandages can then be removed, but the stocking must be worn day and night for one week (except for washing) and then only during the day for another 1-2 weeks. Generally, a follow-up appointment is arranged for three months post-procedure.
- Working – You can return to work straight away provided your job isn’t too active.
- Driving – You cannot drive on the same day as your treatment, and it is recommended to avoid driving while the bandage is in place (2 – 3 days), as this will hamper your ability to perform an emergency stop. After that, you can drive as soon as you can make an emergency stop.
- Walking and running – 5 to 10 minutes of walking is recommended every hour you are awake, to help encourage blood circulation in your legs, which prevents blood clots and promotes the healing process. It is best to avoid more vigorous exercise such as jogging, aerobics or gym work-outs for 2-3 weeks.
- Swimming and cycling – Light, low-impact exercises such as swimming and cycling are good for vein health. Swimming is fine once the bandages have been removed, so long as you wear your stocking. The same applies to cycling but please avoid more strenuous rides until after 2-3 weeks.
- Rest – It is important to keep your leg elevated whilst resting to help promote blood flow.
- Hydration – Water and clear fluids are highly advised post-procedure.
- Flying – Avoid flying for 4-6 weeks after treatment, particularly if you plan to fly long haul (over 8 hours).
Like any surgical procedures, RFA and UGFS do come with side effects and risks, HOWEVER, these tend to be minor or extremely rare. Your surgeon will discuss these with you before treatment, and you can also find out more information about RFA here, and UGFS here.
5. Are the results of the treatment immediate, or does it take time for veins to disappear?
After treatments like Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy (UGFS) for varicose veins, results are not usually immediate. Initially, veins may appear darker or feel firmer before gradually fading and disappearing over several weeks to months as the body absorbs the treated veins. Full results can take time, depending on individual healing processes and vein size.
6. Will I need multiple treatment sessions, or is one treatment enough?
The number of sessions needed for varicose vein treatment depends on the extent and severity of the veins. While some patients see results with a single session, others may require additional treatments to address all affected veins thoroughly.
7. Are there any specific lifestyle changes I need to make before or after the procedure?
Before and after RFA or UGFS procedures, some lifestyle adjustments may help with healing and vein health. Before treatment, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and avoiding long periods of standing or sitting can prepare your body for recovery. Post-treatment, gentle exercise like walking promotes circulation, while wearing compression stockings may support healing and reduce swelling. Avoid strenuous activities for a period, per your doctor’s advice, to ensure optimal results.
8. Is there a chance my varicose veins will return even after treatment?
Yes, there is a possibility that varicose veins can recur even after treatment but any veins we treat with RFA or UGFS are covered by a 12-month guarantee.
While RFA and UGFS are effective for closing or collapsing the treated veins, other veins may become varicose over time due to factors like genetics and lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular follow-ups can help manage and monitor vein health.
9. How much does vein treatment cost, and does insurance typically cover it?
Our fixed-price treatment packages include the cost of initial consultation and duplex ultrasound scan, treatment, follow-up, scans and compression hosiery. This means that you will know the exact cost of your package as soon as we agree on your treatment plan.
We are recognised by all major insurers, and prices for insured patients are charged in line with the individual company’s Schedule of Procedures.
For further information, please get in touch with a member of our friendly patient advisor team.
10. Are there any long-term follow-up appointments or additional treatments needed?
We recommend having a follow-up appointment after varicose vein treatments like RFA or UGFS to ensure your veins have responded well and to monitor for recurrence. All of our treatment plans include a follow-up consultation.
The same vascular consultant will review you in the clinic to make sure that you are satisfied with your treatment. We will check your legs with a duplex ultrasound scan to confirm that your varicose veins have been treated as planned and that your deep veins are healthy.
Our varicose veins treatment plans come with a 12-month guarantee meaning that we will re-treat your varicose veins for FREE if they appear within 12 months of receiving treatment from us.
Still have questions about your vein treatment?
If you want to find out more about our varicose vein treatment before paying for an initial consultation, we offer a FREE, no-obligation consultation to discuss treatment options. The consultation will provide you with an opportunity to:
- Meet the team of varicose vein experts who will be carrying out your treatment;
- Discuss our highly effective, minimally invasive, walk-in-walk-out treatments and all-inclusive pricing plans with no hidden fees that are tailored to your vein condition, lifestyle, and goals; and
- Ask any questions you may have about our award-winning service.
We can usually arrange your treatment package so that your next visit after a free consultation is for treatment. Book your free consultation today.