Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral?
No. You can contact us directly to arrange an appointment with Mr Prionidis, Consultant Vascular Surgeon. If you are using private medical insurance, check with your insurer first, as some require a GP referral and a pre-authorisation number before your consultation.
How do I book an assessment?
Call us on 01245 241 340 or email info@avclinic.co.uk and our team will arrange an appointment at the location most convenient for you.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We accept all major UK private medical insurers. We also see self-funding patients, and our partner hospitals offer finance options.
How much does treatment cost?
Consultations start from £250. Treatment costs depend on what the consultation and scan show, for example, whether one or both legs need treatment and which procedure is most suitable. Once your assessment is complete, you will receive a full quotation before committing to anything.
How are varicose veins diagnosed?
With a duplex ultrasound scan, which is painless and non-invasive. Our vascular scientist moves a probe over the skin to show the veins and the direction of blood flow inside them, revealing which valves are faulty. We also scan the deep veins to make sure they are healthy. Mr Prionidis reviews the scan with you and uses it to map out the best treatment for your veins.
What treatments do you offer for varicose veins?
The main treatments are endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Both seal the faulty vein from the inside using heat, are performed under local or general anaesthesia as day cases, and are recommended by NICE as first-line treatment for most patients with varicose veins. Sclerotherapy may also be used, either on its own or alongside ablation, to treat remaining branch veins.
How do EVLA and RFA work?
After numbing the skin, a thin catheter is passed into the faulty vein through a needle puncture, usually near the knee or lower leg, and guided along the vein under ultrasound. Local anaesthetic fluid is then injected around the vein. This numbs the area and protects the surrounding tissue. As the catheter is slowly withdrawn, laser or radiofrequency energy heats and seals the vein wall. Blood is naturally redirected into healthy veins, and over the next few months the treated vein shrinks, and the body absorbs it. You can remove visible varicose branches at the same time through tiny nicks in the skin (phlebectomy), or treat them later with sclerotherapy.
Which is better, EVLA or RFA?
Both are highly effective with very similar results. The choice depends on the size and course of your veins, and Mr Prionidis will recommend the most suitable option after reviewing your scan.
How effective is the treatment?
Large clinical trials show that endothermal ablation (EVLA and RFA) successfully closes the treated vein in the great majority of patients. Compared with traditional surgical stripping under general anaesthetic, it causes less pain and bruising, and patients return to normal activities sooner. As with any treatment, new varicose veins can develop over time, as the underlying tendency remains.
Does it hurt?
Most patients find it very tolerable. You will feel a few needle pricks when the local anaesthetic is given and when the catheter is inserted. Once the vein is numb, you shouldn't feel pain during treatment. Afterwards, a tender, tight or "pulling" feeling along the treated vein is common for a week or two and usually responds well to simple painkillers.
How long does treatment take?
The procedure itself usually takes 45 to 60 minutes per leg, but allow a few hours at the hospital for admission, preparation and recovery. You will go home the same day.
How should I prepare?
Wear loose, comfortable trousers or a skirt, as your leg will be bandaged and fitted with a compression stocking afterwards. You can eat and drink normally and take your usual medication. Please tell us in advance if you take blood thinners, the contraceptive pill or HRT, or have had a previous blood clot, as these may need to be planned for.
Can I drive home afterwards?
We recommend arranging for someone to drive you home on the day of treatment. You can usually drive again within a day or two, once you can comfortably perform an emergency stop.
What is recovery like?
You will be encouraged to walk right away, and regular walking is one of the most important parts of recovery. Most people return to normal daily activities and office work within one to two days. You will wear a compression stocking for a short period, and you should avoid strenuous exercise and long-haul flights for a few weeks. We provide full aftercare instructions before the procedure and on the day.
What are the possible side effects or complications?
Side effects are usually mild and temporary. They include bruising and tenderness along the treated vein, a tight or "pulling" feeling in the thigh or calf, inflammation of surface veins (phlebitis), brown skin discolouration over treated veins, and patches of numbness or tingling from irritation of small skin nerves, which usually settle over weeks to months. Wound infection is uncommon. Serious complications are rare: a blood clot in the deep veins (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) occurs in between 1 in 100 and 1 in 300 patients after endovenous ablation, and a clot travelling to the lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE) is rarer still. Please discuss any existing medical conditions with Mr Prionidis before treatment.
What is a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
A blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg, that can cause pain and swelling in the calf or thigh. There is a small risk of DVT with any procedure. If you notice new calf pain or swelling after treatment, contact us or seek medical advice promptly.
What is a pulmonary embolism (PE)?
A blood clot that has travelled to the lungs, usually from a DVT. It can cause sudden breathlessness or chest pain and needs emergency treatment, so call 999 if this happens.
What are spider veins?
Spider veins (thread veins) are tiny, dilated veins just beneath the skin, usually red, purple or blue, forming fine lines or web-like patterns. Slightly larger blue-green veins just under the skin are called reticular veins. Both are common on the legs.
What causes spider veins?
They are often hereditary and may be influenced by hormonal changes such as pregnancy, by prolonged standing, or by local injury. They can also be a sign of underlying varicose veins that are not visible on the surface. For this reason, we recommend an ultrasound scan when appropriate, because if you don't treat the underlying problem first, spider veins tend to return quickly.
How are spider veins treated?
With microsclerotherapy. A very fine needle injects a solution into the veins, which irritates the vein lining so it seals and gradually fades. Several sessions are usually needed, spaced a few weeks apart, and improvement continues over several months. You will need to wear a compression stocking for a short time after each session.
Are there side effects from sclerotherapy?
Bruising and small red marks at the injection sites are common and settle within days to weeks. Some patients develop brown staining along treated veins, which usually fades over months but can occasionally persist. Less commonly, a fine blush of new tiny vessels can appear near treated areas (matting). Rare complications include a small skin ulcer at an injection site or an allergic reaction.
Contact us
info@avclinic.co.uk | 01245 241 340