Varicose Vein Treatment
Laser treatment for varicose veins
Endovenous laser treatment (EVL) is a new minimally invasive way to treat varicose veins. Here at the Chelmsford Medical Centre we have state of the art equipment and fully trained, highly experienced vascular surgeons. We receive excellent patient satisfaction ratings and 99% of those that visit us would recommend us. Due to our facilities being set up for day case procedures only, we are able to offer extremely competitive pricing. We offer all our treatments at our modern clinic based in the heart of Chelmsford.
To find out more or book your consultation please call 0800 0432210. Or to request a call back please use our online enquiry form.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that are visible just below the skin surface and are surprisingly common. Smaller veins in the skin itself are sometimes called 'thread veins' or 'spider veins' and require a different type of treatment (which is also available at Chelmsford Medical Centre).
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins are caused by a fault in the valves inside the veins. If the valves leak, then blood can flow backwards and is assisted in doing so by gravity. This increases the pressure in the surface veins which causes them to become swollen. Valve leakage could be caused by a variety of reasons:
• Weak vein structure - varicose veins often run in the family and become more likely as you get older
• Pregnancy/ weight gain - as these both increase the pressure on your deep veins
• Fauty valves - which are more evident during exercise
• Post-thrombotic varices - previous episodes of deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot) can increase the chances of varicose veins
How does the laser treatment work?
This treatment uses the heat of the laser to eliminate the vein that supplies blood to the varicose area. It is able to do so without the incisions associated with classic surgery for varicose veins. The laser fibre is positioned at the correct point using ultrasound guidance and is locked in place to effectively destroy the vein.
Which types of varicose veins are suitable for laser treatment?
The vast majority of cases are treatable with a laser fibre and you will be guided by the advice of your surgeon. The main deciding factor is whether there is a long and straight part of the major vein to allow treatment to take place.
Will it hurt?
Laser treatment is far less painful than traditional types of varicose vein surgery. There is some discomfort but this is easily treatable with oral medication. Bruising is much less likely with modern techniques than it used to be with older methods. In most cases there are no scars as this technique rarely requires incisions to be made.
When can I go back to work?
Everybody heals at different speeds so recovery times vary from person to person but return to full activities can be from 1-5 days after treatment. This is partially dependant on the type of activates you are attempting to return to.
How long does the procedure take?
Again, this will vary depending on your symptoms and condition but most procedures are less than an hour per leg.
Will the varicose veins come back?
Recurrence of varicosities following laser is dramatically less than with traditional methods. Recurrence used to occur before scanning but with the advent of modern scanning techniques, all the veins can be mapped, and hence recurrence is unlikely.
General or local anaesthetic?
Most varicose veins can be treated under local anaesthetic although general anaesthetic is also available.
To find out more or book your consultation please call 0800 0432210. Or to request a call back please use our online enquiry form.
Below are the consultants specialising in Varicose Vein Treatment at Chelmsford Medical Centre.
Mr Tom Browne Mr Yannis PanayiotopoulosTo find out more or book your consultation please call 08452570456. Or to request a call back please use our online enquiry form.