Varicose Veins

No. of Treatments

1-3

Recovery Time

1-2 Days

Procedure Time

20-30 minutes

Discomfort Level

Minimal

Longevity of results

Long Lasting

Anaesthetic

Local Anaesthetic

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, dilated veins which can affect men and women normally from age 50, most commonly in the legs and feet.  They affect up to a third of people, particularly those who stand for long periods on a daily basis.  They often run in families and can become worse during pregnancy.   Varicose veins can be cosmetically unattractive but can also cause pain and lead to varicose eczema and varicose ulcers

What Causes Varicose Veins?

To return blood to the heart, veins in the legs must work against gravity.  Small valves in the veins open to allow blood to flow toward the heart and close to stop it flowing backwards. With age, veins lose elasticity and the valves in the veins can become weak, resulting in the blood that should move towards the heart to flow backward. Blood pools in the veins and the veins enlarge and become varicose.

Signs and Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Symptoms of varicose veins vary in severity. Some don’t have any symptoms at all, while others experience aching, throbbing itchy legs, swollen feet and ankles or muscle cramp.  Pain often worsens after sitting or standing for a prolonged time.  Signs with varicose veins include prominent veins that are dark purple or blue in colour and veins that appear twisted and bulging.  Varicose veins can also bleed.

Varicose Vein Treatment

There are a number of techniques used to treat varicose veins non-surgically. These involve closing the veins using injected foam(sclerotherapy) or applied heat energy through a small skin incision (endovenous ablation).

Sclerotherapy involves injecting sclerosant through a small needle into the veins superficially, causing the lining of the vein to swell and clot. This treatment is quick, causes minimal discomfort and most people can resume normal activities the same day.

The veins can become more prominent for a few weeks following treatment but this is common and will resolve with time.  It is also possible further treatments may be required.  Some patients require 2 to 6 treatments at 4-8 week intervals.

Endovenous ablation uses radiofrequency energy to cauterise and close varicose veins in the legs. It is most commonly used to help ease varicose vein related symptoms such as aching, swelling, skin itching and discolouration.  During the procedure ultrasound is used to visualise the varicose vein and a radiofrequency electrode is advanced to the desired location within the vein.  Local anaesthesia is injected and radiofrequency energy is applied, heating the vessel and causing it to close. This causes the vein to shrink and scar down. 

Endovenous ablation is very safe and less invasive than surgery. Most patients are able to walk immediately after treatment and resume normal activities in 1 to 2 days.

Choosing Varicose Veins Treatments  

Selecting the appropriate technique depends on the size and depth of the vein, whether venous reflux is present, and the wider vascular picture identified on ultrasound. Smaller surface veins typically respond well to microsclerotherapy, while larger or deeper veins may call for foam sclerotherapy or radiofrequency ablation. Treatment is always directed at the source rather than the surface alone. This consultant-led pathway is led by Ms Gemma McKevitt, GMC 6144036, the first trainee in Northern Ireland to complete training solely in vascular surgery. 

Varicose Vein Treatments vs. Other Treatments 

Traditional vein stripping has largely been replaced by minimally invasive techniques. Modern vein care using sclerotherapy or radiofrequency ablation involves no incision, no general anaesthetic, and a fraction of the downtime once associated with open surgery. Compression stockings can ease day-to-day symptoms but leave the underlying vein untreated. Cosmetic injectables, lasers, and topical preparations address concerns of the skin, not the vascular system. A specialist pathway ensures that the technique chosen reflects the vein, the symptoms, and the long-term outcome. 

Complementary Treatments 

Patients addressing varicose veins often combine techniques to refine the results. Microsclerotherapy and foam sclerotherapy can be staged within a single plan to manage veins of differing sizes. Radiofrequency ablation is sometimes followed by targeted sclerotherapy once the source vein has been closed, refining smaller surface veins in turn. Where residual superficial vessels remain following treatment of the underlying reflux, additional sclerotherapy can be incorporated into the wider plan. Combined planning is confirmed during consultation. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who performs varicose vein treatment at Array Aesthetics?

Varicose vein treatment at Array is led by Ms Gemma McKevitt, Consultant Vascular Surgeon (GMC 6144036). She holds a substantive consultant post at the Royal Victoria Hospital and assesses every patient personally before any treatment is agreed.

How do I know if my varicose veins need treating?

Some varicose veins are purely cosmetic, while others cause aching, swelling, itching, or skin changes that warrant intervention. A consultation with Ms McKevitt establishes whether treatment is appropriate. Where it is not clinically indicated, that will be explained openly.

What is the difference between sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation?

Sclerotherapy uses an injected solution to close smaller superficial veins. Radiofrequency ablation uses ultrasound-guided heat energy to close larger underlying veins. The right approach, or a planned combination, is decided at consultation.

Is there any downtime after varicose vein treatment?

Both treatments are walk-in, walk-out procedures. Most patients return to normal activities the same day after sclerotherapy and within one to two days after radiofrequency ablation. Compression stockings may be advised, and full aftercare instructions are provided in writing.

How many treatments will I need?

Sclerotherapy patients typically need two to six sessions spaced four to eight weeks apart. Radiofrequency ablation often resolves a treated vein in a single session. A treatment plan and total cost is confirmed at your consultation.