What does the varicose veins consultation involve?
The first step of the consultation involves our vascular specialist learning more about your symptoms and whether your varicose veins cause any functional symptoms such as pain, itchiness or aching. The specialist will also want to understand your goals for treatment and if there is a timeframe involved for achieving satisfactory clearance of the diseased veins. A detailed medical history will be taken and this will include any previous treatments for varicose veins which may have been undertaken in the past.
Comparing varicose veins with healthy veins
All varicose vein consultations will include a complimentary colour duplex ultrasound scan which will be undertaken on both of your legs and extends from the groin region all the way down to your feet. Carrying out a duplex ultrasound scan is considered to be the most precise method for accurate localisation of the varicose veins and any associated thread veins. The ultrasound scan of your legs is carried out whilst you are standing up to permit precise identification of any potentially disordered blood flow in the deep veins of the leg.
After undertaking the clinical assessment and ultrasound scan, the vascular specialist will be able to discuss with you the findings from the ultrasound scan and the potential treatments which are most appropriate for you. A full discussion of the potential risks and complications of treatment will happen along with the benefits of varicose vein treatment. You should take the opportunity to ask as many questions as possible to gain a full understanding of the EVLA treatment which allows you to become an active participant in the treatment process. Our experience has demonstrated better treatment outcomes when patients are fully informed of what the treatment involves and take active decisions about their treatment.
The majority of patients who have varicose vein treatment will most commonly have a combination of EVLA and foam sclerotherapy for effective clearance of both varicose veins and thread veins.
The treatment of varicose veins
At Centre for Surgery in London, we have designed our varicose vein treatments to be as accessible as possible to the widest possible group of patients. Our pricing structures are open and transparent and you’ll have a clear idea of the final costs of treatment at your initial vein consultation. You will receive a written quote for varicose vein removal before any potential treatment to allow you to make a considered decision on the most appropriate treatment option for you.
After you have had your varicose vein consultation, you may decide to defer treatment for a period of time. At our expert vein clinic in London, we consider your consultation and ultrasound scan to be clinically valid for up to 12 months. You may require a further follow-up consultation beyond this period as your varicose veins may have worsened over time. We would advise you to take as much time as you like to reflect on the treatment options before getting in contact with us to book your verrucous vein treatment. Our expert team of patient coordinators are knowledgeable in all aspects of leg vein treatments and will be able to act as your dedicated point of contact for any questions you may have about the treatment.
Varicose Vein Consultation: Step by Step
1. Initial Discussion
Our consultation process kicks off with a heart-to-heart discussion between you and the consultant. This stage is essential for understanding your vein issues, whether they’re merely cosmetic or symptomatic. We’re keen on knowing why you’ve decided to seek treatment and what you aim to achieve. It’s equally important to delve into your medical history, especially if you’ve had vein treatments before.
2. Comprehensive Leg Scan
After the initial chat, we move on to an in-depth colour duplex ultrasound scan. This non-invasive scan, akin to a pregnancy ultrasound but focused on your legs, covers the length of your legs from your feet right up to your groin. Undertaken while you stand, it helps us pinpoint the root cause behind those noticeable varicose and thread veins and any linked symptoms.
3. Personalised Treatment Strategy
Once we’ve garnered insights from the scan, we’ll sit down to discuss the findings with you. The consultant will walk you through potential treatment paths, highlighting the pros and cons of each. We encourage an open dialogue – ask away until you’re confident. Do note that a significant majority, over 95% of patients with varicose veins, often benefit from a combination of EVLA and Foam Sclerotherapy. These are treatments recommended by NICE specifically for varicose veins.
4. Transparent Treatment Pricing
We believe in complete transparency, especially when it comes to costs. Our fixed, upfront pricing ensures that there are no nasty surprises down the line. During the consultation, our consultant will discuss the expected costs based on your individualised treatment plan. Following the meeting, you’ll receive a written confirmation of the quote, along with a comprehensive consultation report.
5. Follow-Up & Scheduling
Remember, the results from the consultation and scan remain valid for half a year, giving you ample time to decide without any pressure. When you’re ready to schedule your treatment, our patient advisers will be on hand to assist. They’re also available to address any additional queries or to provide clarity on aspects of the consultant report or the quoted price.
We’re here every step of the way, ensuring that your journey towards healthier veins is smooth and informed.
Understanding the Colour Duplex Ultrasound Scan for Veins
The colour duplex ultrasound scan is a cornerstone in diagnosing vein issues. But what is it, and why is it so vital?
What is a Colour Duplex Ultrasound Scan?
A colour duplex ultrasound scan is a non-invasive and painless diagnostic test. Drawing parallels with a baby scan, this test focuses on your legs. It serves two primary purposes:
- Anatomy Mapping: It provides a detailed look at the structure or anatomy of your veins – essentially, it shows what your veins look like.
- Physiology Analysis: It examines how your veins are functioning, notably the direction in which the blood is flowing.
Why is the Scan Essential?
The crux of vein issues often lies in ‘reflux’ – a term for reverse blood flow. In a healthy vein system, valves ensure that blood consistently travels back up to the heart. However, when these valves malfunction, blood takes a U-turn and flows down the leg. This backward flow, or reflux, often results in visible veins and other venous problems.
The colour duplex ultrasound scan is an invaluable tool in detecting this reflux, revealing whether any of the veins beneath your skin have these faulty valves.
Moreover, even if clinical observations suggest reflux at typical sites, the scan remains crucial. It goes a step further by detecting other essential aspects like additional refluxing segments or deviations from regular anatomy, all of which can inform the most effective treatment approach.
Ensure You Get the Right Scan
If you’re considering vein treatment, ensure that the initial diagnostic step involves a detailed colour duplex ultrasound scan. Some might suggest a simple handheld Doppler examination – but that just doesn’t cut it. It doesn’t provide the comprehensive insight that the colour duplex ultrasound does.
Always be cautious of treatment suggestions made without a thorough scan. The foundation of effective treatment lies in accurate diagnosis, and the colour duplex ultrasound scan is the gold standard in this regard.
Initial Consultation at Centre for Surgery
Considering seeking help for your venous concerns? Here’s what to expect at the Centre for Surgery during your initial consultation:
Comprehensive Assessment with a Consultant Vascular Specialist
When you come to the Centre for Surgery, you’ll be meeting one of our top Consultant Vascular Specialists. They possess vast experience and expertise in diagnosing and treating vein-related issues. The fee for this initial consultation is set at £250.
Inclusive Colour Duplex Ultrasound Scan
One of the highlights of the consultation is the Colour Duplex Ultrasound Scan of your legs. This advanced diagnostic tool provides a detailed visual and functional assessment of your veins. It’s invaluable in detecting any potential issues, and the best part? The cost of the scan is included in your consultation fee.
Why is this Important?
Having a detailed ultrasound scan ensures that any treatment suggestions are based on a comprehensive evaluation of your specific condition. The Centre for Surgery is committed to providing you with top-tier care, ensuring that you’re informed, comfortable, and confident in your treatment decisions.
By investing in the initial consultation, you’re taking a crucial step towards understanding the health of your veins and exploring the best possible treatment options tailored for you.
FAQs
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What is the cost of the varicose vein consultation?
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Can I have my consultation and EVLA treatment on the same day?In many cases, patients are able to have both the varicose veins consultation and DVLA treatment on the same day. If you are keen to have this option, please get in touch with us beforehand and send us any required information on your diagnosis which may involve photos. Patients who have varicose veins may be eligible for 'see and treat' at our London clinic.
It is important to remember that the precise treatment plan can only be provided once you have had the consultation and the vast majority of treatments will involve EVLA carried out under local anaesthetic as an outpatient. -
Can you treat me if I have had varicose veins treatment in the past?In a certain proportion of cases we see each year, patients may have had unsuccessful treatment for their varicose veins elsewhere. Most commonly patients will have had old-fashioned varicose vein surgery which involves 'ligation and stripping'. Many patients who have had surgery often notice their varicose veins reappearing sometimes as early as 12 months after treatment.
Other patients had their varicose vein treatment carried out at aesthetic clinics with no prior ultrasound scan being undertaken of the legs. There is therefore no precise diagnosis leading to a very high rate of varicose vein recurrence.
We focus on providing a detailed consultation involving a duplex ultrasound scan and only carrying out gold standard treatments approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
EVLA combined with foam sclerotherapy is the first-line treatment for the vast majority of patients who present with varicose veins.
