What does the varicose veins consultation involve?

varicose veins consultation

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.

Varicose veins recovery

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.

What is a colour duplex ultrasound scan?

The foundation of accurate diagnosis of varicose veins involves carrying out a detailed colour duplex ultrasound scan. This imaging procedure is quick to carry out and is completely non-invasive in nature with no pain or discomfort during or after the scan. The purpose of the ultrasound scan is to accurately map the structure and appearance of the veins and to understand their functioning in terms of the direction of blood flow in the veins. A properly performed ultrasound scan carried out by an expert vascular specialist will be able to identify retrograde blood flow in the leg veins which is also known as Venus reflux. If venous reflux is identified then this will demonstrate the veins to have valve dysfunction allowing the backflow of blood. Normally functioning veins with healthy valves allows the blood to flow back towards the heart. Diseased veins in the legs with faulty valves permit reverse blood flow away from the heart. The result is pulling an accumulation of blood in the veins of the leg which over time will result in the formation of prominent, bulging, and twisty veins also known as varicose veins.

It is vital to carry out a duplex ultrasound scan even when the vascular specialist is able to determine the site of retrograde blood flow without a scan. This is so that other areas of reflux in associated segments of the vein can be identified as well as identifying veins which may have slightly different structures to the normal textbook descriptions. These differences can mean adjustments may need to be made to the planned treatment. We would advise against having treatment at any vein clinic which does not carry out an in-depth colour duplex ultrasound scan. Some clinics may make use of older techniques such as handheld Doppler probes but these are substandard and are not the standard of care for the diagnosis of varicose veins.

FAQs

What is the cost of the varicose vein consultation?

A consultation with a vascular specialist at centre for surgery cost £150 and includes a complimentary colour duplex ultrasound scan worth more than £400.
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.

Julie Dyson

11:05 23 Jun 22

Everyone at the Centre for Surgery has exceeded my expectations by miles! From the moment I made contact and enquired about the procedures offered, all the way through to my post-operative aftercare, I have been blown away by the levels of customer service and empathy shown to me on my journey.At 62 years of age, some might question whether I was a bit old for a “mummy makeover” wanting both a bi-lateral breast reduction and an abdominoplasty. However, I was treated so kindly and with such respect that these thoughts were soon left behind. Lidia the Patient Coordinator allocated to me was great – she sent me loads of information to read and arranged a consultation with Mr Ertan Erel, the surgeon.When I met Mr Erel, he immediately made me feel at ease. We discussed performing the procedures in a staged format, to allow my body to recover in between surgeries. He also encouraged me to lose a few kilos before my surgery saying it would be of benefit health-wise and give better results. He walked me through both of the procedures, what to expect and likely outcomes. We agreed that I would have the breast reduction first, followed by the tummy-tuck 4 to 6 months after that. I was offered a follow-up consultation, but didn’t need one, I was so happy with the first.Lidia then helped me choose a date for the first op based on my personal commitment to lose the weight. The encouragement helped tremendously and in January 2022, I had my first surgery. On the day, the whole team were amazing, from the receptionist who greeted me, the entire theatre team – Mr Erel, the anaesthetist and all the theatre nurses couldn’t have looked after me any better. What was truly wonderful for me – I was able to go home the same day once Mr Erel and the nurses were happy for me to leave, no stay in hospital where you can’t sleep etc. – absolute bliss.The support team telephoned me the next day to ensure all was well and organised an appointment to see a perioperative nurse to check my wounds and re-dress. How lucky am I – Sophie Ship is just the best! Knowing that support team was always available together with regular check-ups in Sophie's very capable hands I was very soon on the mend.AT 6 weeks post-op, I had a review with both Mr Erel and Sophie. We were all delighted with the results and my recovery, it was agreed that the second operation could take place in May/June.Lidia, then sent me loads more information about the procedure, answering all my questions swiftly and booked the date. To ensure I was fit for surgery, Mr Erel saw me again two weeks before my surgery. All was agreed and the abdominoplasty performed on 25th May. Once again, everything went like clockwork and every member of the team were outstanding.I’m now 4 weeks post-op 2 and already delighted with the results. Mr Erel is a genius! I feel so privileged to have had both my surgeries performed by him. The swelling is already going down and I can’t wait to see how I look in a couple of months.I have given Centre for Surgery and Mr Erel permission to show my photographs to anyone considering the procedure(s) and am more than happy to provide more details/chat to anyone about any concerns they have. Please just ask Centre for Surgery/Mr Erel to arrange.

Jose Sasam

14:44 28 May 22

Absolutely fantastic! Highly recommended!

Rita W. Eversole

10:18 28 May 22

Highly recommend this clinic for anyone wanting a friendly, welcoming, professional and non judgmental approach to all your surgical and non surgical needs. I wouldn’t consider going anywhere else.

Jemes Rodreges

05:59 28 May 22

Staff are very helpful and friendly, nothing has ever been to much trouble. Definitely put me at ease before I had my surgery and gave great aftercare after my surgery

Colly Hazel

20:08 02 May 22

I made an enquiry with the Centre for Surgery after reading everyone's reviews on Google - and I am elated that I chose CfS.The website was easy to navigate and provided me with sufficient information and understanding of the consultation I wanted to have. Booking the appointment and paying the small consultation deposit was incredibly simple. The availability of appointments on offer was really good too.I received quick confirmation of my booking, and also an email reminder of my appointment one day prior which was really nice.The clinic, both interior and exterior, was well kept and clean.The consultant was Dr Alok Misra. I was really nervous but his bubbly and kind character quickly put me at ease. First he clarified the purpose of my visit (which shows that Dr Misra and the team are observant) and discussed my concerns. Dr Misra was honest and open. He carefully listened to everything I had to say, repeated what we discussed to ensure there was no misunderstanding (I really appreciated this), and then gave advice and guidance which neither me nor self Google-searches, would have ever considered.At the end of the consultation, his team brought me to a private office to discuss what was said and to ask how I'd like to proceed. I think this is an example of exemplar customer service.