Has anyone had successful varicose vein surgery for lots of varicose veins?

[ferriswheel]

Just that. Single mum, going through a crap divorce. Recently lost about a stone. Feeling better, getting fit. Trying to embrace the world of self improvement. Has anyone now got really nice legs following this surgery?

Hi Ferris
I had this operation done about 10 years ago and for 6 years I had lovely varicose free legs! They started to surface about 4 years ago but nowhere near as bad as they were. They run in my family, my Dad also had the op and they came back, they don't come back for everyone though. I was around 25 when they started so was very self conscious about them and there was nothing like the feeling of not having them anymore.

Thanks for your reply.

Was it a really painful op? And can you really know wear short skirts in the summer? Did it take you a while to recover from the op?

The trust I live within does not do varicose vein surgery any more unless you are at risk of ulceration, so don't set your sights too high on getting this out of the NHS.

It is a reasonably priced thing to get done privately, as it is fairly quick and does not require an overnight stay.

I have watched it being done, both the 'stripping out' type and the lazer. Very little scarring with either option.

Sorry Ferris, I went straight in with my own experience and didn't say sorry for your divorce but well fucking done feeling good about yourself, as long as it makes you happy. You're amazing and I hope you realise it

It wasn't painful but you do need to rest for two weeks and I mean minimal moving about. I'm quite active so it was a struggle, if you have someone to stay with I'd recommend that.

Yes, I wore short skirts after the op, it really is amazing. The scarring was minimal, mostly around the bikini line and ankles and a few round my knees but they're about 6mm so not at all noticeable.

My late aunt had her varicose veins stripped and injected over the years. She was told that removing veins had put more pressure on the remaining ones. She end up with ulcers. Varicose veins run in our family and she advised me and my sis to hold off getting them done for as long as possible. Not sure what the current advice is.

Watching this with interest. Since taking up running and yoga, my legs are lovely and toned but the veins are really awful. There is a huge knotty one on back of one calf that doesn't even look like a vein - people have made sympathic noises and asked what happened. Other leg much worse.

Assume you thinking of going private?

I couldnt consider getting it done until ive lost a lot more weight but for the first time in a long time i really do feel good about being me.

They are gross and after my third baby they were awful, almost alive, so i do wonder if the nhs was a possibility. But this whole ulcer idea does scare me. The doctor says the varicose veins are doing nothing so i dont understand what causes the ulcer problem, but the idea of not hiding my legs certainly appeals.

I had mine lasered a few years back. Best thing ever.

I had both legs done about 9 years ago & they haven't come back & ive had no other problems since

I had mine done by EVLT laser treatment privately 2 years ago on what were horrendous, disfiguring veins on both legs, with bulges on my thighs and calves. I had it done on the Friday, back in work on the Tuesday (did it on a bank holiday weekend ) No side effects, review was a few weeks later where they zapped the last remaining bits. I have absolutely no scarring, no sign they were ever there. Best 2k ever spent.

Had surgery 12 yrs ago and legs were perfect afterwards. Then I had 3 kids. Now they're bad again and I'm booked in to have them done in may (private). Wasn't sore the last time - I was back at work the following week with no problem at all.

This is very, very encouraging. Thank you!

I am a vascular surgeon. You could have radio frequency ablation or laser therapy privately - cost would be £1500 to £2000. No need to wait until you lose weight. We don’t go into the groin area . We put a needle into the vein below the knee so weight not a problem. Go for it if it would improve your self esteem.

Wow. A vascular surgeon. Thank you for your reply. I cant afford it now but hopefully soon during divorce settlement.

The weight aspect of this worries me. So my weight fluctuating doesnt affect the work? Whilst i dont intend to put on the weight i intend to lose i dont want to sabotage a surgeon's efforts. But my legs really are ugly because of my veins and it is wonderful to imagine that i wouldnt need to hide them.

Have you any tips on how to find a surgeon?

Also, is there a limit to how many veins you can have done at once?