Varicose veins: NHS or BUPA?

[MorrisZapp]

I've got really prominent, ugly blue veins on the largest part of my calves. They have become worse in pregnancy.

Do the NHS remove these, does anybody know? Does anybody know what kind of surgery is required?

I do have a limited BUPA policy through my work, but I'm not sure if this counts as cosmetic which I assume isn't covered.

You can have them removed on the NHS as long as they impact your quality of life. Provetely, you can get them lasered, for improved cosmetic results. You can also choose to accept that your body has done an amazing marvellous thing and it doesn't really matter about the odd bobbly vein here and there....

Sorry Provetely = Privately. Can't type today!

I was told the NHS do not operate on varicose veins any more, only if they are really bad and ulcerated.

My DS and mum had them 'removed' and both regret it! They just get worse 'cos the blood has to go somewhere. just wear good support tights and put yr legs up every day(really up).

Are you still pg? If so they should go down a little when baby is born.

Have a google of what can be done privately. You can have them lasered, or injected with foam, which makes the vein collapse. I know someone who had it done on BUPA, but had to say it hadn't been caused by pregnancy (which I suspect it had)

Thanks for the replies. I'm still pg but I've had these bad veins for about 10 years.

It would cost ca 2k to have them done privately, so I'd hope for a GPs referral but no doubt they only refer the worst cases which mine aren't.