treatments

Varicose Veins

What are varicose veins?

Venous disease is a common problem nowadays. In varicose veins the valves inside the veins are incompetent, making the veins non-functional and no longer contributing to the circulation of the leg. The blood flow inside the veins reverses into the leg, instead of going back to the heart, resulting in an increased venous pressure. As a result people can suffer from unsightly thread veins to more troublesome varicose veins. These veins can give cosmetic concerns, but also painful & restless legs, sometimes developing into swollen legs with skin discolourations and ultimately leg ulcerations.

The good news is that these varicosed veins can be diagnosed with an ultrasound scan and they can be treated minimally invasive with quick and excellent results. Because of the minimally invasive surgical techniques, recovery is much quicker without a lengthy downtime. I offer several minimally invasive techniques like endovenous ablation (VNUS/EVLA), foam sclerotherapy and micro-sclerotherapy and will tailor a personalised treatment plan on your consultation.

Face to Face Consultation

Duplex Scan included

Treatment

Types of Treatment

Endovenous ablation (VNUS/EVLA)

With Ultrasound guidance a small catheter is inserted in the varicose vein. The catheter is heated up and the vein is sclerosed, reducing the high venous pressure. The procedure is performed completely under local anaesthetic and is very well tolerated. The procedure takes about 30-45min. Patients can return to normal activity in 24-48 hours and the success rates are 95-99%.

Foam
Sclerotherapy

Some visible varicose veins are too tortuous or superficial for endovenous treatment. Sometimes following a successful endovenous treatment, there are still some residual visible veins. There’s an option to treat these veins by injecting a substance under ultrasound guidance in the veins with a small needle that causes the vein to scar, so that they eventually harden, close up and eventually disappear.

Micro
sclerotherapy

This is a technique used for thread or spider veins. It involves injections with a very fine needle of a sclerosing drug which irritates the lining of the veins, causing the walls to stick together and the unsightly veins to disappear.

book an appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

+ What are varicose veins?

Venous disease is a common problem nowadays. In varicose veins the valves inside the veins are incompetent, making the veins non-functional and no longer contributing to the circulation of the leg. The blood flow inside the veins reverses into the leg, instead of going back to the heart, resulting in an increased venous pressure. As a result people can suffer from unsightly thread veins to more troublesome varicose veins. These veins can give cosmetic concerns, but also painful & restless legs, sometimes developing into swollen legs with skin discolorations and ultimately leg ulcerations.

+ What causes varicose veins?

The most common cause of varicose veins is an inherited weakness of the vein wall. Leg veins contain valves that facilitate the flow of blood back to the heart from the legs against the force of gravity. These valves become weak and blood pools in the legs, increasing the venous pressure, causing swelling and eventually varicose veins. Varicose veins can be visible on the skin, but the main underlying cause is a vein below the skin. Risk factors include pregnancy, increasing age, obesity and prolonged standing (very common). Early diagnosis by ultrasound is key to prevent permanent skin damage.

+ Are varicose veins dangerous for my health?

Varicose veins can cause many symptoms like achiness, swelling, itching, restless legs, heaviness, cramping pain, skin discoloration, eczema and eventually ulceration. The symptoms are worsening with time. Severe varicose veins can lead to inflamed veins or skin, dark staining of the skin, bleeding from a varicose vein and even ulcerations.

+ Do all varicose veins need treatment?

A person with varicose veins may have cosmetic or medical concerns, or both. I recommend that everyone with visible varicose veins will have a consultation to clarify the extent and source of the problem, as well as treatment options and prognosis. If diagnosed and treated in an early stage, skin discoloration and ulceration can be avoided.

+ Why should I have my treatment with Mr. Telgenkamp?

As a vascular surgeon I have extensive experience with the medical and surgical management of varicose veins. I offer a one stop consultation with a diagnostic ultrasound scan and can offer a tailor-made personalised treatment plan.

+ What is the best treatment for varicose veins?

The best treatment depends on the person’s goals and underlying venous problems. This can be established in a consultation where a personalised treatment plan will be made. The goal is to reduce the venous pressure in a varicose vein and then treat the visible veins. Endovenous ablation with radiofrequency or laser treats the non-visible underlying veins that are the main cause for the symptoms and visible varicose veins under the skin. Remaining visible varicose veins can then be treated with foam sclerotherapy, injecting the veins with a sclerosant that scars the vein and make them disappear. With micro sclerotherapy a tiny needle is used the make visible thread or spider veins disappear.

+ How quick will my recovery be after a procedure?

Microsclerotherapy has a very quick recovery and people mostly go back to work the same day. After foam sclerotherapy people can usually go back to work in 24-48hours, but have to wear compression stockings for 1 week. After endovenous ablation people have to wear compression stockings for 2 weeks and will feel bruised for about 2 weeks. They are advised to avoid strenuous activity for a week, but can walk around.

Happy Clients

Testimonials

On my first appointment with Mr Telgenkamp I was made to feel at ease and was able to explain my symptoms without feeling rushed. He listened and explained some possible reasons for my symptoms and answered questions on any concerns that I had. After the scan I had a follow up appointment with Mr Telgenkamp for the results which confirmed what he had expected. This gave me confidence to believe that I was in good hands and he knew what he was talking about Mr Telgenkamp advised me on what treatment was best for my condition and once again took the time to explain what would happen and be done during this procedure. I felt confident and trusted his advise. On the day of my procedure Mr Telgenkamp took the time to come and see me before I went to theatre. I could not fault Mr Telgenkamp’s manner, honesty professionalism and excellent care.

Mr Telgenkamp is a credit to the NHS. I am sure that his patient list is extensive but nevertheless he has assessed me, been decisive about my needs and referrals. As a result he has treated me for varicose veins. I am a person who has previously suffered severe trauma to a lower leg in the past. As a result of the trauma, I fear any further interference with it. Without being overbearing this man identified my requirements, listened to my concerns and left me in no doubt that his actions would be in my best interests. Under local aneasthetic he carried out the required treatment whilst he and his staff chatted to me in a relaxed manner. The only pain I felt was the initial needle to numb the area. Thank you very much. I appreciate your professionalism and your ability to talk to people at different levels.

Further to my appointment with Dr Telgenkamp I felt compelled to write and say what a caring and compassionate nature he had. He could see that I have religiously been wearing support stockings and that I genuinely am trying everything to improve my leg. I came away feeling very positive with regard to ongoing treatment. I cannot speak highly enough about my experience.

Mr Bjorn Telgenkamp clearly explained my condition and what options were open to me so I understood and could make an appropriate decision. There was no rush and he gave me the time needed.

I was very impressed by the high level of professionalism shown during my appointment.

I was pleased to be seen just before my appointment time, and although quite brief, the consultation covered all the main queries on my mind. Mr Telgenkamp listened sympathetically and gave me the advice I needed at that point. A forward medication plan was advised which was later confirmed in a letter to myself and my GP and ongoing surveillance of my condition is being put in place. I felt confidence in Mr Telgenkamp and that he will address my future needs with skill and consideration.

I was seen today by Mr Telgenkamp who was very kind and informative. I was totally reassured by the answers he gave to my list of questions and now fully understand what to expect from both a treatment point of view and expectations as to the growth of the abdominal aortic aneurysm I have which was only discovered last November when I had a bladder scan. Thank you Mr Telgenkamp, you could not have been nicer and thanks too to your nurse. Obviously a happy team.

Book a Consultation

I’ve helped over 1000 patients with their varicose veins.
Let me help you.

book a consultation