General Surgery
Varicose Vein Treatment
Modern, walk-in walk-out treatment for varicose veins — no overnight stay, back to normal in days.
Walk-in Walk-out
Local anaesthetic
Minimally Invasive
No stripping
Day Case
Home the same day
About This Procedure
What is a Varicose Vein Treatment?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins — usually in the legs — caused by the small valves inside them failing. When the valves stop closing properly, blood pools in the vein and stretches it. The result is the visible bulging, ropey appearance, often alongside symptoms like aching, heaviness, swelling, restless legs, and itching. Modern varicose vein treatment is nothing like the old "stripping" surgery many people remember from a relative's experience years ago. At Optimised Care, we use endovenous techniques — laser (EVLA) or radiofrequency (RFA) ablation — to seal the faulty vein from the inside. For smaller veins and spider veins, foam sclerotherapy is used. Most patients walk in, have the procedure under local anaesthetic, and walk out the same day. Beyond cosmetics, treating varicose veins matters because untreated they can lead to skin changes, ulcers, and recurrent inflammation. NICE guidelines recommend treatment for symptomatic varicose veins.
Common Question
Is this the old "vein stripping" surgery?
No. Vein stripping is largely obsolete in modern practice. Today's endovenous techniques use a thin catheter inserted through a tiny puncture — no incisions, no general anaesthetic, no overnight stay. You walk out the same day with a compression stocking and are back to most normal activities within 24-48 hours.
Step by Step
What happens on the day?
01
Pre-procedure scan
On the day, a duplex ultrasound scan maps your vein anatomy. This guides your consultant to the exact veins that need treating and confirms the plan.
02
Local anaesthetic
A small amount of local anaesthetic is injected along the vein. There is no general anaesthetic — you stay awake and comfortable throughout.
03
The treatment
A thin catheter is inserted into the faulty vein through a tiny puncture in the leg, guided by ultrasound. Heat (laser or radiofrequency) is delivered through the catheter, sealing the vein closed. Smaller surface veins or branches are treated with foam sclerotherapy. The whole appointment takes 60 to 90 minutes.
04
Compression and discharge
A medical-grade compression stocking is fitted over the leg. You walk straight out and are encouraged to keep walking. The stocking stays on for 1 to 2 weeks.
Key Benefits
Why choose private varicose vein treatment?
→No general anaesthetic
→No incisions — just tiny punctures
→Walk-in walk-out
→Resume most activities within 24 hours
→Long-term symptom relief
Pricing
Transparent pricing.
From £2,200 per leg
Includes consultation, duplex ultrasound, endovenous laser or radiofrequency treatment, compression stockings, and follow-up scan.
Unlike many private hospitals, our price covers everything — surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital stay, and follow-up. No surprise bills.
Book a Consultation →No GP referral required
Using health insurance?
We accept Aviva, Bupa, Healix, Vitality, and WPA.
Contact us with your membership number — we handle pre-authorisation.
View insurance information →Your Outcomes
Most patients are back to normal in 24-48 hours
You can walk immediately after the procedure — in fact, walking is encouraged. Most patients return to desk work the following day and to all normal activities within 48 hours. You wear a compression stocking continuously for the first week, then during the day for a second week. Mild bruising or tightness along the treated vein is normal and settles over 2-4 weeks. Avoid hot baths, saunas, and long-haul flights for two weeks. Gentle exercise like walking is good. Heavy lifting and high-impact sport can resume after 2 weeks.
Immediately after
Walking encouraged. Compression stocking fitted.
24-48 hours
Back to desk work and normal daily activities.
1 week
Follow-up scan to confirm the vein has sealed. Stocking moves to daytime only.
2 weeks
Stocking removed. Full exercise resumes.
6 weeks
Final review. Any remaining surface veins can be treated with sclerotherapy.
Varicose Vein Treatment is a well-established procedure with a high success rate. As with all surgery, risks exist including infection, blood clots, and complications. Your consultant will discuss your individual risk profile before you proceed.
Your Questions
Your questions, answered.
Book a Consultation
Ready to take the next step?
Book an initial consultation for varicose vein treatment — a no-commitment chat with our clinical coordinator. Pick a date that suits you and we’ll call within 24 hours to arrange the exact time with your consultant.
June 2026
Pick a date that suits you
This is your preferred date. We’ll confirm the exact time when we call.
Prefer to speak with someone?
No GP referral required. Same-week appointments available.