Can you get varicose veins treatment on the NHS? What can you do if not?
Treatment on the NHS
Varicose vein treatment is obtainable on the NHS, however, not all patients with varicose veins will be offered some of the treatments available. There are various treatment options available for varicose veins and they vary according to the severity of the condition. If the veins are only causing very mild pain, your doctor may advise you to sport compression stockings, which are rigid socks that increase circulation and reduce the risk of clotting. Compression stockings are available in different sizes, lengths and colours. Compression tights can also be worn, however, they are not available on the NHS, but can be inexpensively bought from pharmacies.
If you have large varicose veins, your doctor may advise you to consider surgery, which if privately can be carried out at The Private Clinic. There are various surgical procedures available and the most common is ligation and stripping. Ligation and stripping involves tying the vein off and removing it. The other procedure available on the NHS is sclerotherapy, which involves sealing the veins closed using a chemical, which is injected into the body. Other newer treatments, including endovenous laser treatment, radiofrequency ablation and transilluminated power phlebectomy, which are available at private clinics but their availability on the NHS may be limited.
Cosmetic varicose vein treatment
If you have varicose veins and they are not causing you any problems or pain, your doctor will probably advise against treatment, however, if you still want to have treatment for aesthetic reasons, this is possible, but it will not be funded by the NHS. If you want to have varicose vein removal for purely cosmetic reasons, you will be expected to attend a private hospital or clinic for treatment and fund the treatment yourself.
If you have varicose veins and you would like to have treatment, your GP will be able to tell you whether or not your treatment would be provided by the NHS. If treatment is not accessible on the NHS, you can visit a private hospital or consider going abroad for treatment, where costs are significantly lower. If you do decide to go abroad, it is essential that you carry out sufficient investigation in advance and choose an approved clinic and a doctor who has the related qualifications and experience.
Tags: NHS varicose vein treatment, private varicose vein treatment, varicose vein removal, varicose vein treatment, varicose veins