Unsightly veins
Most people who wish to have veins removed are suffering from either the thread or varicose variety. Thread veins are usually seen on the cheeks, nose and legs. With some people they appear to clump together and have a red or purple appearance.

Varicose veins, meanwhile, are particularly purplish and lumpy under the skin. They are usually the result of weak vein valves that allow blood to collect rather than be transported around the body.

Types of vein removal
With thread vein removal the most common treatment is known as sclerotherapy which involves the injection of chemicals to make the veins shrink from sight. Laser treatment can also be applied and is particularly common for reducing facial threads. When the veins absorb laser light they are dramatically reduced in a similar way to schlerotherapy.

Similar treatments may be applied to varicose veins to shrink the vein. However, the commonest method is called ligation which involves the removal of the vein. This is achieved by making an incision in your leg, sealing the vein and then removing it through the cut.

Realistic expectations
You must have realistic expectations about what vein removal can achieve for you. Everyone is individual and surgery will not transform you into someone else. It is critical that you spend time thinking about what you want to achieve from surgery and talk about your hopes with your surgeon.

It is also unrealistic to believe that all the veins will be removed as a result of a specific treatment. Every person is different and each vein is individual. The success of a treatment may be linked to factors such as age and general health. Your surgeon will be able to discuss how these will impact on your treatment.

What happens during consultation?
The surgeon will discuss your medical history and aim to gain a complete understanding of what you want to achieve. It is important that you are completely honest and your expectations are realistic. Your surgeon will then discuss the different options available to you.

Getting the most out of your consultancy
Often in cases where clients are unhappy with the results of surgery it is because they did not discuss their expectations thoroughly or were afraid to talk about the outcome or risks.

You have to make an informed decision before signing the consent form so make sure you ask plenty of questions. You want to feel relaxed and confident and completely understand what will happen during surgery.

You may want to know:

• About the surgeon’s qualifications.
• How many operations of your procedure are carried out each year.
• How you prepare for the treatment.
• What realistic results can be expected and when.
• How long the results will last.
• About the side-effects and possible complications.
• How long it will take to recover.
• About the extent of scarring and how it will change in time.
• What happens if anything goes wrong.

After treatment

• Depending on the extent of your surgery you may be in a recovery room for a few hours or a day being cared for by nursing staff.
• Your surgeon will visit you and advise you when you can leave.
• After varicose vein removal through ligation your legs will be tightly bandaged and you may need to wear pressure stockings for a week or so.
• You may suffer some cramping in your legs after treatment.
• In most cases your veins treated with sclerotherapy are likely to look worse then before due to the injection sites. However the bruising will subside within a month or so.
• You will be encouraged to take regular exercise to help prevent potential clots in your veins.
• In cases of schlerotherapy remember that the treatment will not stop new veins occurring in the future. You may require return treatments.

All surgery carries an element of risk
Before you sign the surgery consent form you should be aware of any possible complications and side effects.

Complications associated with any type of surgery include problems healing, the danger of infection and the potential formation of clots that may be life-threatening. Complications with vein surgery are extremely rare as they are very common operations. They also depend greatly on individual circumstances such a person’s health, age and the extent of the procedure. Your surgeon will be able to explain how the risks apply in your circumstances.