Experts Say Skipping These 6 Steps Before Varicose Vein Removal Could Cost You In The Long Run

In case you missed it, vein health is trending. And just like any well-wishing trend, it can quickly turn into people spending their money in the wrong places.

Here at HuffPost, our goal is make sure you know how to spend your money well – and that’s even more important when it comes to your health. 

Although varicose veins are extremely common – roughly a third of the population has them – there are several reasons why you might want to have them removed.

Whether you’re experiencing bleeding, eczema, or ulcers as a result of varicose veins, or simply want them removed for cosmetic reasons, we consulted the experts at UK Vein Clinic for everything you need to consider before booking treatment.

1. Practitioner matters

Your surgeon’s title and qualifications are important when it comes to varicose vein removal.

Vascular surgeons are ideal, as they can diagnose and treat vascular conditions. However, interventional radiologists might also have experience with image-based vein procedures.

At UK Vein Clinic, for example, vascular surgeons work with vascular scientists to carry out specialist diagnostic mapping to find out the source and course of the vein problem before treatment.

Make sure you check your clinician’s qualifications before booking an appointment.

2. To vein scan or not to vein scan

Spoiler alert: the answer is to vein scan. Don’t be so surface level – the varicose veins you see on the outside won’t necessarily show what’s going on on the inside, so you’ll want to have a duplex ultrasound to check your blood flow and identify which veins are affected.

This will help your surgeons recommend the best treatment, but you’ll also want to ask ask whether scanning forms part of the diagnostic pathway, who performs it and how the findings will influence the treatment recommendation.

3. One size does not fit all

Before going ahead with treatment, ensure you have a diagnosis. Your treatment should be tailored to your anatomy, symptoms, and what veins are affected – and it’s especially important to get treatment right if the cause is more complex or you have a recurring problem.

4. Question the price

There’s nothing worse than paying for an appointment and being slapped with even more costs for scans, follow up treatment and appointments. 

Before paying for treatment, check what the costs covers to avoid extra charges.

5. Time is money

Just like hidden costs, you’ll want to question how much time you’ll need to dedicate to this treatment. 

On top of the time of the appointment, ask how long each appointment takes, what you can expect after the treatment, and whether you’ll be able to immediately return to work or daily life.

6. Aftercare matters

Speaking of after the appointment, follow up care matters; check who you can contact with follow up questions, whether a follow-up appointment is included, and what will happen if your symptoms return.

UK Vein Clinic, for example, offers a package with a six-week check up and a dedicated aftercare team. It also offers follow up treatment at no additional cost for veins that don’t close up following radiofrequency ablation for up to a year.