Vein stripping | Mumsnet

NovelFarmer · 2023-04-06T14:44:57+00:00

Anyone regret it? How big and noticeable are the scars. I live regionally and this was the only method offered to fix my varicose veins which I wanting treated for cosmetic reasons. Does Endovenous Laser Ablation really leave no scars? (This is not the procedure I’m having. I would have to travel for this). The vein stripping surgery will be free which sounds nice but further complicates matters. Im not sure what to do.

BarrelOfOtters · 06/04/2023 15:50

Following because I want to know similar.

BlueJay12 · 06/04/2023 15:58

I've had both procedures; the Endovenous Laser Ablation didn't leave scars although it did leave me with a patch of thread veins but didn't actually resolve the varicose veins themselves. Apparently it has a 1 in 10 chance of not working and I was the 1. I then went for the vein stripping which worked brilliantly and the scars such as they are are tiny little dots/depressions on my inner knee and inner ankle. Worth doing, certainly in my experience. I had mine done due to discomfort (the NHS wouldn't/won't do it for cosmetic reasons) but it was a win-win for me because they were uncomfortable and looked awful. Hope that helps!

Original poster

NovelFarmer · 06/04/2023 16:11

Thank you for responding. That makes me feel much better about the whole thing.
(and sorry about the grammar in my post!)

OP posts:

Squirrelsnut · 06/04/2023 17:03

I had it done 25 years ago; one tiny faint scar.

Dontthinkthrice · 27/04/2023 15:34

I’ve just had mine lasered in my thigh and stripped from my calf. I’m in quite a lot of pain (2 days post op) and it’s so hard to walk with this daft bandage but my mother in law had hers done a couple of years ago and keeps sending me encouraging messages that it will be worth it. And I’m sure it will, her legs look amazing and she’s 66!

DOBARDAN · 27/04/2023 16:43

I've had vein stripping, for some reason it didn't work on several veins, only a couple could be removed successfully, the scars are very small, but I feel it is hardly worth the pain in recovery afterwards for such a small result.

GreatBigBeautifulTommorow · 27/04/2023 16:45

Tiny scars but 10 years on veins have reappeared.

Cantthinkofaname2203 · 27/04/2023 16:48

I live regionally and this was the only method offered to fix my varicose veins

what do you mean by you “live regionally”?

can you afford to travel for the other procedure if it’s preferable for you?

Guineasrule · 27/04/2023 16:58

I had my veins stripped (lower leg, big tangled lump of them beneath the knee). Hardly any scaring at all. No regrets.

the doctors were impressed at the quantity of vein they pulled out, but the scars are tiny little & ones no one notices unless they know they are there. My lower leg was very bruised for a week or two but 100% recovered.

Original poster

NovelFarmer · 28/04/2023 03:15

It’s good to hear everyone’s experiences with vein stripping. They have started to become a bit painful so happy to be going ahead with the surgery.
Also not sure that the other options sound any better.

I could afford to travel but it would be a big inconvenience to my family. We would need to book a hotel and our kids are young.

OP posts:

Morestrangerthings · 28/04/2023 04:34

i had vein stripping years ago and the pain went away. Prior to the vein operation, I had quite a bit of pain - it would go right up to my groin. I always knew when my periods were going to arrive as 2 days before, the pain would ramp up.

After the stripping there was no more pain for over 2 decades when, after menopause they started to come back. I started to get a bit of pain again (but it's nothing like before).

I have some tiny little scars on my ankle, my calf, and in my groin. They've stretched a bit over the years, but aren't very noticeable. A little whiter than my skin colour.

After the op, when they came and got me on my feet, I felt like the stitches were going to burst on standing. But that feeling went away in a day or so.

Good luck OP, and wishing you well

Sabadellmum · 07/02/2025 23:16

BlueJay12 · 06/04/2023 15:58

I've had both procedures; the Endovenous Laser Ablation didn't leave scars although it did leave me with a patch of thread veins but didn't actually resolve the varicose veins themselves. Apparently it has a 1 in 10 chance of not working and I was the 1. I then went for the vein stripping which worked brilliantly and the scars such as they are are tiny little dots/depressions on my inner knee and inner ankle. Worth doing, certainly in my experience. I had mine done due to discomfort (the NHS wouldn't/won't do it for cosmetic reasons) but it was a win-win for me because they were uncomfortable and looked awful. Hope that helps!

Hi! I had laser ablation in August and it's done nothing. My big varicose vein is still there and it's uncomfortable as it used to be.
Doctor offered foam sclerotherapy but he said not near the feet as too many nerves. Well that is the bit that hurts. I have been wondering if striping would be the solution. I saw a surgeon in Spain two years ago and she suggested striping but as I as able to have laser ablation on the NHS thought I would try that first.
I don't really know what to do now. Read your comment and thought I may ask what procedure you had. Was it a phlebectomy? Has it removed it completely? Pain gone? Thanks!