Here at Electiva, we think there is beauty in everybody!
There are some many different skin conditions that we might find to be ’embarrassing’ or want to hide away. We’re talking about conditions like varicose veins that are completely normal, harmless and a lot of the time, much more common than you might think.
We are often taught that being body-positive means you must embrace your skin conditions and be proud of them and whilst this would be amazing, at the same time it can problematic as this isn’t always possible.
We are advocates for body positivity, always, but we understand that not everyone can be comfortable with their skin concerns and it’s completely okay to choose a non-surgical treatment for your varicose veins especially if they are causing you discomfort.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins that usually occur on the legs and feet. They may be blue or dark purple and are often lumpy, bulging or twisted in appearance. They are rarely a serious condition and don’t usually require medical attention.
If you’re concerned about varicose veins, you’re not alone. More and more people are turning to non-surgical treatments to permanently remove varicose veins, alleviate the discomfort and pain, and leave skin looking smoother.
Can varicose veins hurt or itch?
Sometimes! Inside your veins are tiny one-way valves that open to let the blood through, and then close to prevent it flowing backwards. If the walls of the veins become stretched and lose their elasticity, this can cause the valves to weaken.
If the valves don’t function properly, the blood can leak and flow backwards. If this happens, the blood collects in your veins, which become swollen and enlarged which can cause itching or discomfort.
Can varicose veins be dangerous?
Varicose veins are usually completely harmless, but we would advise you to make an appointment with your GP in the first instance if you are experiencing pain, cramping, swelling, and fatigue in the legs as this could lead to infections and sores if left untreated.
During your consultation with us, a review of your past and present medical history will be discussed. The practitioner will then choose the pre-operative tests considered to be appropriate, most of which are typically routine blood tests. If necessary, we may request further tests, before treatment commences.
Is there a treatment for varicose veins?
Yes! In most instances of varicose vein removal, surgery is not required. An ultrasound test is carried out to diagnose the actual cause of your varicose veins and once we have identified the cause, we will select one of three different non-surgical treatments:
- Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) uses laser light to seal the vein from the inside
- Radiofrequency VNUS Closure is similar to EVLA but uses heat instead of a laser to seal the vein from the inside
- Vein Avulsion removes the vein by making a small incision into the skin and removing the vein using a surgical hook.
One of our highly qualified consultant vascular surgeons will carry out the varicose vein removal procedure which generally involves a local anaesthetic to minimise any pain.
Our non-surgical treatments are offered by our sister company Transform.
We are proud to offer non-surgical treatments exclusively through Transform, a UK leading cosmetic & medical aesthetics provider with a network of 24 clinics throughout the country.
Their expert non-surgical team made up of experienced doctors, aesthetic practitioners and nurses will provide all the help, advice and care you need. Your treatment will be carried out in one of their CQC registered clinics throughout the UK, so you can always find somewhere convenient for you.
Non-surgical treatments
References: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/varicose-veins/
