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Varicose veins are a common problem, affecting up to 1 in 3 adults in their lifetime. They are usually a sign of an underlying venous insufficiency.
Thread veins can appear anywhere on the body but are mostly evidenced on the legs and face. They are more common than varicose veins, affecting up to 80% of adults.
Leg ulcers appear as broken skin in the lower leg or feet. We have been successfully treating venous leg ulcers for over 20 years.
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The below content has been medically reviewed and approved by Consultant Interventional Radiologist Dr. Mark Bratby (MBBS, MRCP, FRCR), Medical Director and Head of the Medical Advisory Committee at Veincentre.
Last reviewed 6th March 2025.
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Varicose veins (also known as varicosities) are a common condition affecting millions of people in the UK, typically, at least one in three people will encounter varicose veins in their lifetime. They occur when veins become enlarged and twisted, often appearing as raised lines that look blue in colour beneath the skin. While they can cause discomfort and impact confidence, the good news is that effective, minimally invasive varicose vein treatments are available to restore both your comfort and quality of life.
At Veincentre, we are proud to have helped tens of thousands of people regain their confidence. Here’s what makes us special:
Varicose veins are swollen veins that usually appear on the legs. They develop when the valves within the veins fail to function properly, causing blood to pool rather than flow back toward the heart. This underlying cause, known as venous insufficiency or reflux, can lead to symptoms such as aching, swelling, and visible bulging veins.
It’s natural to wonder how to spot varicose veins. Here are three common signs:
Recognising the symptoms early can help in seeking timely treatment. Common symptoms include:
You can find out more about varicose vein symptoms here.
Varicose veins are primarily triggered by underlying causes – specifically weakened vein walls and faulty valves. Contributing factors include:
Varicose veins can develop in several areas of the body, though they most commonly affect:
The increased pressure in veins due to standing or walking makes these areas the most susceptible.
Women may develop varicose veins in the pelvic area, particularly during or after pregnancy.
The only way to accurately determine the underlying cause of your varicose veins is by having a colour duplex ultrasound scan performed on your legs. Without this full and detailed scan, it is impossible to properly assess your veins or determine the exact treatment you require.
We believe it’s important for you to meet your consultant right from your first appointment. Your consultation lasts around 30 minutes and includes a detailed colour duplex ultrasound scan to assess the underlying cause of your vein concerns.
In most cases, varicose veins develop due to faulty valves in the leg veins, causing blood to flow in the wrong direction. This ‘reflux’ can lead to the lumps and bumps of varicose veins, as well as symptoms like aching, pain, and restless legs. Your consultant will explain everything clearly and provide a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
The best person to undertake the scan is the person who will carry out your treatment. Ensuring that you have your initial meeting with a dedicated vascular consultant is something that we pride ourselves on at Veincentre. Being able to build a rapport, and hear first-hand the wealth of expertise that our consultants have, is priceless and gives you immediate peace of mind.
You can meet our team of consultants here.
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While some risk factors, such as genetics, cannot be changed, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
At Veincentre, we specialise in minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins. Our expert vascular consultants provide care tailored to your individual needs, using techniques such as:
We specialise in the most effective, minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins, known as EVLA. This is a modern walk-in, walk-out procedure that avoids the need for general anaesthetic and means you’re up and about after only around an hour. All our treatments are endorsed by NICE.
Learn more about EVLA and its effectiveness for varicose veins on our EVLA treatment page.
A quick, effective option for treating smaller veins. Read about how Foam Sclerotherapy can help address varicose veins.
It’s always reassuring to see how others have benefited from varicose vein treatments. You can find several success stories in our Before & Afters Gallery.
You can also read about the experiences of others who have undergone varicose vein treatments in more detail. Our patients are our biggest advocates, and you can find a whole host of people who are happy to share their stories with you.
You are in safe hands. We have over 20 years of experience and thousands of 5* reviews.
All treatments are performed under local anaesthetic, allowing you to walk in and out of the clinic the same day with no lengthy recovery periods.
Get more information about varicose vein treatment costs and book a consultation today.
Yes, varicose veins can cause discomfort, including aching, throbbing, and a feeling of heaviness in the legs. In some cases, they may also result in cramps or itching around the affected area.
If left untreated, varicose veins can worsen over time, leading to complications such as skin damage, ulcers, and an increased risk of blood clots. Early treatment can help prevent these issues and improve your quality of life.
While certain lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and elevating your legs, can improve vein health, home remedies alone cannot treat varicose veins. Professional medical treatments are required to address the underlying causes effectively.
Veincentre offers minimally invasive treatments like Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), and Foam Sclerotherapy. These procedures are quick, effective, and performed under local anaesthetic.
While treatment is highly effective (EVLA has a 99% success rate), new varicose veins can develop over time due to factors like genetics or lifestyle.
No, varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic concern. They can sometimes cause discomfort and other symptoms. While they may not always lead to complications, seeking treatment can help improve both your comfort and overall vein health.
Varicose veins can occur at any age. It does tend to happen with older patients, but we do see patients presenting in their 20s with varicose veins as well.
To limit the progression of varicose veins, you could make a few lifestyle adjustments. Do sensible things like exercising and eating healthily. If you smoke, try to reduce or cut out as much as possible, and also reduce alcohol intake.
