Varicose Vein Surgery / Stripping
Varicose Vein Surgery
Micro Surgical Vein Removal
Laser treatment for varicose veins means the old version of surgical ‘stripping’ or pulling out of the veins is now rarely performed.
Micro or minimally invasive surgery has now superseded all the previous forms of vein surgery. This microsurgery is carried out in some cases at the same time as the endovenous laser treatment to help remove small areas that are simply too bulky to melt away. This procedure is known as phlebectomy and can also be used on its own for smaller veins if indicated.
By using micro incisions that are only 2mm in size the wounds heal very quickly and leave no marks, only super smooth legs.
Phlebectomy Procedure
Phlebectomy (surgical removal of veins) is done under local anaesthetic.
Firstly, the surgeon will make micro punctures or tiny incisions in the varicose vein. Then the varicose veins are removed using a special phlebectomy hook which is used to pull out each varicose vein in turn. The incisions are so small that no stitches are required.
Phlebectomy is included within our laser varicose vein removal procedure to ensure the best results and pricing. Microsurgical vein removal is also available on its own from £500. During your consultation, your vascular surgeon will explain your options to you and help you decide which treatment is best for you.
Vein Stripping
Vein stripping is a method in which the NHS traditionally tends to use for treating varicose veins.
However, it was associated with a high failure rate (50%) and painful long recovery. The NHS now do very little varicose vein removal. Vein stripping is no longer the first choice for varicose veins and we do not offer it at Cosmedics Skin Clinics.
The treatment has been superseded by EVLA (laser varicose vein treatment). Sometimes EVLA is done in conjunction with vein phlebectomy surgery, but this is not to be confused with vein stripping.
Treatment Time
Variable
Recovery Time
Variable
Results
Super smooth legs
Results Duration
Largely permanent
Varicose Vein Surgery Costs
| Varicose Vein Removal Surgery | |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation and ultrasound scan | £150 |
| Microsurgical vein removal (phlebectomy) | from £500 |
Varicose Vein Surgery Consultation Fee
Consultations with our Vascular Surgeon cost £150. This includes a free ultrasound scan at the same appointment. A treatment plan and associated costs can then be discussed once the scan results are known.
Prices are a guide and the exact cost of treatment can only be determined once the surgeon has examined you in person. Phlebectomy is also included within the price of EVLA laser varicose vein removal treatment, which may be a better treatment option. We also offer micro sclerotherapy for thread veins and foam sclerotherapy for smaller varicose veins.
Call 0207 386 0464 OR email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk for advice and help.
How Do I Book an Appointment?
Our medical advisors would be happy to make an appointment for you:
- Call 0207 386 0464
- Email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk
The consultation fee is payable on booking. We have a 48-hour cancellation policy.
Meet your medical team
MBBS, FRCS
Vascular Surgeon
Get In Touch
Please fill in your details and our skin advisors will call you back to give you more information.
You can also add an optional short message and photo of the treatment area.
Will I need generaI anaesthetic?
No – all varicose vein removal treatments are carried out using only local anaesthetic to numb the area.
The procedures are completely pain-free and there are none of the risks or unpleasantness associated with general anaesthetic.
Who carries out vein removal surgery?
All our varicose vein treatments are carried out by Mr Parameswaran Sridhar, a top London vascular surgeon who has performed 1000’s of vein procedures.
What is phlebectomy?
Phlebectomy is the medical term for surgical removal of veins.
This procedure is carried out in some cases at the same time as the endovenous laser treatment to help remove small areas that are simply too bulky to melt away.
It can also be done on its own for smaller veins where appropriate.
During your consultation, your vascular surgeon will explain your options to you and help you decide which treatment is best for you.
Why is EVLA better than surgery?
EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) tends to be our most recommended treatment for varicose vein removal. It is a safe and painless treatment that uses a specially designed laser to get rid of varicose veins:
- Same day walk in walk out treatment
- Removes the veins in your legs permanently
- Over a 95% success rate
- Available at our London Vein Treatment Centres
- NICE guidelines recognise that EVLA is the best way to remove the majority of varicose veins
Where do I go for a veins scan?
Our Vascular Surgeon can carry out Duplex ultrasounds scans on-site to enable immediate and accurate diagnosis of your veins. This means there are no referrals or extra appointments elsewhere. The cost of your scan is included within the consultation fee.
What do you mean by ‘walk in walk out’ treatment?
You can walk-in and walk-out of the clinic on the same day:
- No overnight stay required
- You can walk unaided after treatment
- No need for wheelchair/crutches
Where do I go for varicose vein surgery?
This is an ‘in-clinic’ procedure. Appointments and treatment are available at our clinics in:
Both clinics are fully registered with Care Quality Commission
Can I drive myself home?
We recommend that you don’t drive on the day of treatment. Ask someone to collect you, or else our receptionists can call a taxi when you’re ready.
Do I need to wear compression stockings?
Normally bandages are worn for a couple of days, then surgical support/compression stockings for 1-4 weeks after that.
We will give further advice on this during your consultation and will recommend suitable stockings for you to wear during your recovery.
Will I need time off work afterwards?
Our advanced varicose vein procedure don’t require any time off work to recover. This is a significant benefit over traditional NHS vein stripping procedures.
We will give further advice on what to expect during your consultation.
