FAQ’s

If you have any question's for which you don't see the answer to on this page then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Do I need referred by a GP?

No. You can self refer to the clinic at any time or even just walk in off the street. If you happen to walk in off the street, you will be seen by one of the trained clinic nurses. The clinic nurse will take a brief history and examination, following which they will give you all the information regarding the treatments we offer. Should you then wish to proceed, the clinic nurse will book you in for a consultation with one of the vascular surgeons (see - what will happen at my first consultation)

What will happen at my first consultation?

If you self refer you will see one of the consultant vascular surgeons for an initial consultation. The surgeon will take your full medical history and he will then examine your legs. Following this you will undergo an ultrasound scan by a trained vascular sonographer with extensive experience in venous and arterial imaging to assess your deep venous system and of course your varicose veins. Upon completion of the ultrasound, you will see the consultant vascular surgeon to discuss the results of the ultrasound and to plan an individual treatment strategy for you. The initial consultation, the initial ultrasound scan and a single follow up appointment (including follow up ultrasound scan) are all included in the price of the initial consultation.

Will you inform my GP?

We will only inform your GP should you wish.

Will I need to take time off work following treatment?

Immediately following the procedure once your compression stocking is applied, you will be required to go for a brisk 15 min walk and then twice daily walks for 2 weeks.

Avoid hard physical activity (aerobics and weight lifting) for the first 48 hours.

Following foam sclerotherapy you are able to return to work almost immediately.

Following radio frequency ablation most patients resume normal activities within a few days.

Can I fly before and after treatment?

If you are flying or have major surgery planned for within 6 weeks of your treatment, it is very important that you notify your doctor before the procedure. We recommend no flying 4 weeks prior to treatment and for 4 weeks after treatment.

Can I take an oral contraceptive pill before or during treatment?

If you are taking an oestrogen based contraceptive pill, we would advise stopping this 4-6 weeks prior to treatment to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Can I drive following treatment?

Yes, as long as you are on not on sedative painkillers.

Once you have had a brisk 15 minute walk, you are able to drive immediately following foam sclerotherapy.

Following radio frequency ablation we advise that you arrange for someone to pick you up. You should be able to return to driving within 48hrs of the treatment.

We recommend that if the car journey home is in excess of 1 HR, to take regular breaks and have brisk walks.