Varicose veins, a condition affecting one in three people, have long been a source of self-consciousness and physical discomfort. While often associated with aging, they can appear as early as the late twenties, with genetics playing a significant role. Historically, treatment involved invasive surgery, including vein stripping under general anesthesia, leading to lengthy and painful recovery periods. However, advancements in medical technology have introduced less invasive and more effective options.
Claire, who will be turning 60 this year, first noticed varicose veins in her late twenties. She describes them as "wriggly varicose veins" that caused her to feel self-conscious and hide her legs for decades. She recalls that a common misconception is that varicose veins are caused by crossing legs or being overweight; in reality, genetics and hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, are more likely culprits. The veins appear when they lose elasticity, bulge with blood, and their internal valves weaken, causing blood to flow backward. This condition, while affecting many, is often not openly discussed, leading to embarrassment.
Claire's first experience with treatment was in her early thirties. At that time, the procedure involved a hospital stay and general anesthesia, where veins were physically stripped from the leg. This resulted in extensive bandaging and a difficult recovery, requiring assistance from her then-boyfriend. She had 16 veins removed from behind her knee. Despite the success in removing the visible veins, the condition is progressive, and new ones can develop. By her mid-forties, new veins had appeared, this time predominantly on her right leg.
Her second treatment, which was covered by the NHS due to the severity of the veins after the birth of her second child, also involved vein stripping under general anesthesia. While she could go home the same day, the recovery with young children demanding attention made the experience challenging. Claire understood that this was not a permanent fix, and the veins inevitably returned.
In her late fifties, the veins had become severe enough to impact her quality of life. They throbbed and itched at night, keeping her awake and requiring her to sleep with an ice pack. Access to NHS treatment was then restricted to cases with urgent medical needs, such as bleeding or ulcers, which did not apply to her situation. Unwilling to endure the discomfort and appearance any longer, Claire explored private treatment options.
She consulted with Mr. Matthew Button, who introduced her to modern treatment methods. These included a venous duplex scan, a procedure that uses ultrasound to map the faulty veins and identify the source of the problem, often a defective valve. Claire found this diagnostic step remarkable, as previous treatments relied on simpler marking of the leg. The scan revealed a faulty valve at the top of her right thigh, causing blood to pool and surface veins to bulge.
Mr. Button recommended a combination of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and foam sclerotherapy. The RFA procedure involved inserting a catheter into the vein to deliver thermal energy, collapsing and sealing it from within under local anesthesia. The vein was drained of blood using gravity by tilting the treatment couch. For smaller veins, a chemical foam was injected, which displaced the blood, caused the vein to spasm, and sealed it shut. The entire procedure was painless and completed in 90 minutes.
Unlike previous surgeries, Claire felt relaxed during the treatment and was able to walk immediately afterward, a crucial step to prevent blood pooling. Although she had to wear a compression stocking during an unexpected heatwave, she was cleared to drive herself the next day and returned to work from home soon after. Within three weeks, the treated veins had settled, leaving the area smooth and flat. Claire was fortunate to have the cost covered by private healthcare, which would have otherwise amounted to £3,700. She now expresses delight at the smooth appearance of her legs, stating they look "20 years younger" and that she can finally enjoy wearing shorts and feeling confident in her own skin.