Radiofrequency ablation
A fine catheter heats and seals the faulty vein from the inside. The standard treatment for the main trunk veins. Local anaesthetic, 30 to 45 minutes.
About varicose vein treatmentVaricose vein treatment · Consultant vascular surgeon assessment
Aching, heavy or bulging veins? Walk in, walk out treatment.
Assessed, scanned and treated by a consultant vascular surgeon, not a vein clinic. A proper diagnosis first, honest advice on whether your veins need treating at all, and keyhole treatment under local anaesthetic when they do.
- Consultant vascular surgeon at every visit
- A duplex ultrasound scan and a plan you understand
- Walk in, walk out. Home the same day
- Self-pay and insured. No GP referral needed
Prefer to call? 0800 020 9511, Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm.
Fellow & member of
- Vascular Society
How it works
Three steps. Assessment, scan, treatment.
01
Consultant assessment and scan
You see me, not a technician. I examine your legs and we talk through what is bothering you. A painless duplex ultrasound then maps your veins and we agree a plan together, which may be no treatment at all.
Same-visit scans are available at some clinics only and are not covered by insurers, who require a separate scan appointment.
Not sure you have varicose veins? Try the online varicose veins assessment tool02
Walk-in treatment
Radiofrequency and other keyhole techniques under local anaesthetic. No general anaesthetic to recover from, and a rapid return to normal life.
03
Home the same day
Treatment usually takes about an hour. You walk out shortly afterwards and return to normal activity quickly, with clear written aftercare.
Treatments
Chosen to suit your scan, not a menu.
Foam sclerotherapy
An injected foam closes smaller or recurrent veins. Often combined with ablation, sometimes used alone.
About foamPhlebectomy
Visible bulging veins removed through tiny incisions at the same session, so they do not need a second visit.
About phlebectomyThread and flare veins
Microsclerotherapy for fine surface veins, after a check that nothing deeper is feeding them.
Thread veinsNot sure what you have?
The free online varicose veins assessment tool takes two minutes and explains what your veins and symptoms may suggest and whether a scan is likely to be useful.
Try the assessment toolAftercare
Stockings, driving, flying, exercise and what to expect week by week. Written advice you can read before you decide.
Advice & aftercareWhat it costs
Guide fees, with no surprises.
A fixed quote follows the scan. Insured patients are billed to the insurer directly; check your policy for referral requirements.
Consultation
£—
With me, a consultant vascular surgeon, including examination.
Duplex ultrasound scan
£—
Maps the veins so the plan deals with the cause. Often arranged for the same visit for self-pay patients at some clinics; insurers require a separate scan appointment.
Radiofrequency ablation
from £— per leg
Includes phlebectomy or foam at the same session where needed, and follow-up.
Thread veins
from £— per session
Microsclerotherapy. Most people need two or three sessions.
Questions
Things patients ask before booking.
Does varicose vein treatment hurt?
The local anaesthetic injections sting briefly. The procedure itself is usually described as odd rather than painful, and most people drive themselves home afterwards.
How long until I am back to normal after varicose vein treatment?
You walk out of the clinic the same day and most people are back to desk work within a day or two. Strenuous exercise waits a little longer. The blog has a day-by-day recovery guide.
Can I fly after varicose vein treatment?
As a general guide, short-haul flights are best avoided for around two weeks and long-haul flights for around four weeks, because of the small clot risk. Advice is individual; the blog explains the reasoning.
Do I need a GP referral for a private varicose vein consultation?
Not for self-pay patients. Some insurers require a GP referral, so check your policy before booking.
Will varicose veins come back after treatment?
Treated veins do not reopen, but new ones can form over the years. A proper duplex scan first means the plan deals with the cause, not just the visible vein.
Should both legs be treated at once?
Often yes, if both legs need treatment. This is discussed at the scan.
Next step
Not sure whether your veins need treating?
Try the free online varicose veins assessment tool. It takes two minutes, explains what your veins and symptoms may suggest and whether a scan is likely to be useful, and you can bring the summary to your consultation.
Start the assessment toolReady to book?
Request an appointment and my secretary will get back to you within one working day.
Request an appointmentPrefer to call? 0800 020 9511, Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm.