NICE Clinical Guideline
Varicose veins, diagnosis and management (CG168).
NICE, July 2013
Varicose Vein Treatment
Varicose vein treatment at KONCEPT® is performed by a Consultant Vascular Surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register, under local anaesthetic, as a walk-in day case. We offer the full range of minimally invasive techniques used in modern private vein practice, EVLA, RFA, VenaSeal, ClariVein, foam sclerotherapy and ambulatory phlebectomy. Every procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so there is no overnight stay and no separate anaesthetist invoice.
Both consultants, Mr Magdy Moawad and Mr Abdullah Jibawi, are Platinum BUPA Consultants and see private patients here on a practice-privileges basis, alongside their substantive NHS posts at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
At a glance
Techniques offered
6 modern
First visit imaging
Same-day duplex
Self-pay from
£1,995 / leg
Theatre package includes
1 follow-up + scan
Verified statistics
Drawn from NICE clinical guidelines, peer-reviewed randomised trials and Cochrane systematic reviews. Every figure links to its citation in the References section at the bottom of this page.
How common varicose veins are
Outcomes after modern endovenous treatment
Most varicose veins are not dangerous, but they are a sign of underlying venous reflux, which over time can lead to skin damage, venous ulcers and recurrent superficial phlebitis. Treatment removes the symptoms and reduces the long-term risk to the skin.
Assessment
Your first appointment is a 30 to 45-minute consultation with a Consultant Vascular Surgeon, including a duplex ultrasound scan of the leg(s) on the same visit where clinically indicated. The scan maps the great and small saphenous veins, identifies where reflux is happening, checks the deep veins, and informs the treatment plan.
You leave with a written summary of findings, a clear diagnosis, the treatment options that apply to your case, and either a written self-pay quote or, for insured patients, the next step on the insurance pathway. Initial venous consultation with duplex ultrasound is £325 (one leg) or £495 (both legs).
Treatment options
Laser energy is delivered through a thin fibre passed inside the affected truncal vein under ultrasound guidance. The heat closes the vein, blood reroutes through healthy veins. EVLA is one of the most widely studied minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins, with long-term published outcomes.
From £2,650 per leg / £3,600 both legs (self-pay)
RFA uses controlled radiofrequency energy instead of laser to close the truncal vein. Outcomes are clinically comparable to EVLA. Some patients find post-procedure discomfort marginally lower with RFA, individual experience varies.
From £2,650 per leg / £3,600 both legs (self-pay)
VenaSeal closes the truncal vein with a small amount of medical-grade adhesive delivered through a catheter. There is no tumescent local anaesthetic, and compression stockings are not routinely required afterwards, the only commonly available technique that does not need post-procedure compression.
From £2,495 per leg / £3,995 both legs (self-pay)
ClariVein uses a rotating catheter to deliver a sclerosant directly to the inner wall of the truncal vein, mechanically and chemically closing it. No heat is used, no tumescent anaesthetic is needed, which can make it more comfortable for patients who would otherwise need extensive tumescent infiltration.
From £1,995 per leg / £3,195 both legs (self-pay)
A foamed sclerosant is injected into smaller varicose veins and tributaries under ultrasound guidance. The foam irritates the vein lining and closes the vein. Foam sclerotherapy is most often used as a complementary treatment alongside a truncal closure (EVLA, RFA, VenaSeal or ClariVein), to treat residual branches in the same session.
From £795 per session standalone, £398 as a complementary procedure in the same session
Small incisions, typically 1 to 2 mm, are made along a bulging surface vein to remove it. The incisions are so small they usually do not need stitches. Phlebectomy is most often combined with a truncal procedure in the same session for patients with both an underlying reflux problem and visible surface veins.
From £895 per leg standalone, £448 as a complementary procedure in the same session
See full self-pay pricing for every vascular procedure →
See all patient pre-care & post-care instructions →
Process
You can normally drive after 48 hours if comfortable. We recommend you arrange a lift home for your procedure day. Follow-up appointment with a repeat duplex scan is included in the theatre package.
Recovery
Most patients return to office work within 24 to 48 hours. Walking is encouraged from the day of the procedure. Heavy lifting and gym exercise are avoided for around 7 to 14 days depending on the technique. Long-haul flights are avoided for two weeks. Detailed aftercare is given in writing at discharge.
Bruising, tightness along the treated vein and a feeling of tugging or pulling are normal in the first two weeks. Significant pain not controlled by paracetamol or ibuprofen, increasing redness, swelling, hot tender areas in the calf, or breathlessness are all reasons to call us promptly.
Safety
Varicose vein procedures performed under local anaesthetic at KONCEPT® are minimally invasive and low-risk, but no procedure is risk-free. The risk descriptors below follow the Royal College of Surgeons of England consent framework[7]. At consent we discuss:
The risk of DVT after modern endovenous thermal ablation is reported at approximately 0.3 to 1.0% across published meta-analyses[3]. This is minimised by walking from the day of the procedure, well-fitted compression where applicable, and clinical follow-up, in line with NICE CG168[1] and ESVS guidelines[4].
The risk of significant neurological complications after ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (including transient visual disturbance and stroke) is rare. ESVS guidelines[4] report transient visual disturbance in around 1.4% and stroke-like events in less than 0.1% of cases, almost always associated with very large foam volumes.
How much does varicose vein treatment cost? Theatre procedures at KONCEPT® range from £1,995 per leg (ClariVein) to £2,650 per leg (EVLA / RFA), bilateral from £3,195 to £3,995. Every theatre package includes consultant fee, local anaesthetic, theatre time, nursing, consumables, dressings, compression stockings where indicated, and one follow-up with a repeat duplex scan. See full pricing →
Most major UK private medical insurers cover varicose vein treatment where there is a clinical indication, aching, swelling, skin changes, ulceration, recurrent phlebitis, or venous reflux confirmed on duplex ultrasound. Cosmetic-only treatment is not usually covered.
Recognition is at both clinic level and consultant level, and cover is expanding. Call 020 8129 1011 with your insurer and policy details and we’ll come back to you within one working day with confirmation, before any appointment is booked.
Both consultants are on the GMC Specialist Register for Vascular Surgery and hold substantive NHS consultant posts at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. They see private patients at KONCEPT® on a practice-privileges basis.
Mr Magdy Moawad
GMC: 4668576
Consultant Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon. In clinic: Tuesdays · English / Arabic. Platinum BUPA Consultant. GHP Vascular Surgeon of the Year 2021.
Mr Abdullah Jibawi
GMC: 6036704
Consultant Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon · Lipoedema lead. In clinic: alternate Mondays. Platinum BUPA Consultant. Author, Oxford Handbook of Current Surgical Guidelines.
FAQs
Private varicose vein treatment costs vary widely across the UK depending on the technique, what is included in the package, and the clinic. At KONCEPT® in Kingston, EVLA and RFA are from £2,650 per leg or £3,600 for both legs, VenaSeal from £2,495 per leg or £3,995 for both, ClariVein from £1,995 per leg or £3,195 for both, foam sclerotherapy from £795 per session, and ambulatory phlebectomy from £895 per leg. Every package includes consultant fee, theatre time, nursing, consumables, dressings, compression stockings and one follow-up with a repeat duplex scan.
Most major UK insurers cover varicose vein treatment when there is a clinical indication, symptoms such as aching, swelling, skin changes or ulceration, or venous reflux confirmed on duplex ultrasound. Cosmetic-only varicose vein treatment is not typically covered. Call 020 8129 1011 with your insurer name and policy number for a recognition check.
NHS varicose vein treatment is available in some areas with strict eligibility criteria, often requiring documented skin changes, ulceration, recurrent phlebitis or significant symptoms. Many patients choose private treatment for faster access or because they fall outside NHS eligibility thresholds. Our consultants work both within the NHS and privately.
Treated truncal veins stay closed in most patients long term. The Rasmussen 4-arm randomised trial[2], the van der Velden 5-year RCT[11] and the Cochrane systematic review of endovenous ablation versus surgery[8] all report truncal closure rates of approximately 92 to 95% at 5 years after EVLA and RFA. New varicose veins can develop in untreated branches or new vessels, which is why a repeat duplex scan at follow-up is included in every theatre package.
EVLA closure rates in peer-reviewed studies are typically 92 to 95% at one to five years, comparable to RFA. This figure is supported by the Rasmussen 4-arm RCT[2], the van der Velden 5-year RCT[11], and the Cochrane review[8]. ESVS guidelines[4] recommend endovenous thermal ablation as first-line treatment for great saphenous vein incompetence. Effectiveness depends on accurate duplex mapping before treatment, correct technique, and treating residual branches with foam sclerotherapy or phlebectomy where indicated.
EVLA is performed under local plus tumescent anaesthetic, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure. Some bruising and tightness along the treated vein are common in the first two weeks, usually controlled with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Significant pain is unusual and a reason to call us.
Walking is encouraged from the day of the procedure. Office work and most daily activity resume within 24 to 48 hours. Heavy lifting and gym exercise are typically avoided for 7 to 14 days depending on the technique. Detailed aftercare is provided in writing.
We advise avoiding long-haul flights for two weeks after any venous procedure to reduce the risk of DVT. Short domestic flights are usually acceptable after 5 to 7 days. Always speak with your consultant before flying.
Most patients can drive after 48 hours if they feel comfortable, can perform an emergency stop, and are off any sedating medication. For procedure day itself, arrange a lift home.
EVLA and RFA both use heat (laser and radiofrequency respectively) to close the truncal vein, and both require tumescent local anaesthetic. VenaSeal uses a medical adhesive instead of heat and does not need tumescent anaesthetic or routine post-procedure compression. ClariVein uses a rotating catheter to deliver a sclerosant mechanically and chemically, with no heat and no tumescent. Each has its own evidence base, your consultant will recommend the best fit for your anatomy and preferences.
Yes, bilateral varicose vein treatment is routinely performed in a single theatre session at KONCEPT®. Bilateral pricing is published on the pricing page.
Most patients walk out the same day. Office work resumes within 24 to 48 hours. Exercise resumes within 1 to 2 weeks depending on technique. Compression stockings (where indicated) are worn for up to two weeks. Bruising and mild tightness along the treated vein settle over 2 to 4 weeks.
See a vascular surgeon if you notice skin changes around the ankle (darkening, dryness, eczema), bleeding from a varicose vein, a non-healing ulcer, a tender hard lump along a vein (possible superficial phlebitis), or sudden one-sided calf swelling and pain (possible DVT, seek urgent assessment).
For self-pay, no, you can book directly. Most insurers also allow direct booking, a small number still require a GP referral letter. We confirm what your insurer needs when you enquire.
Our Kingston upon Thames clinic is the base for all vascular work. Patients travel to us from across South-West London and the wider Surrey catchment:
Surrey catchment also includes Esher, Cobham, Weybridge, Walton-on-Thames, Oxshott and Hampton.
Related vascular services
To book a varicose vein consultation with one of our Consultant Vascular Surgeons, or to discuss your case, get in touch.
Email info@konceptmedicalclinic.com · Visit 46-48 Wood Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1UW · See full self-pay pricing →
Regulation and standards
KONCEPT® Medical Clinic is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for the regulated activities provided at our Kingston upon Thames premises. All consultants are on the General Medical Council (GMC) Specialist Register for Vascular Surgery and remain personally accountable to the GMC under Good Medical Practice. Our public information is written to be factual and verifiable in line with the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) Code and Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) rules for medical advertising.
Statistical claims, effectiveness rates and risk frequencies on this page are drawn from peer-reviewed publications and national clinical guidelines. Each source is linked for verification.
Varicose veins, diagnosis and management (CG168).
NICE, July 2013
Randomized clinical trial comparing endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, foam sclerotherapy and surgical stripping for great saphenous varicose veins.
British Journal of Surgery 2011, 98(8),1079-1087
A systematic review and meta-analysis of thrombotic events following endovenous thermal ablation of the great saphenous vein.
European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery 2018, 56(3),410-424
Management of Chronic Venous Disease, Clinical Practice Guidelines of the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS).
European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery 2015, 49(6),678-737
Varicose veins, NHS patient information.
National Health Service
Patient information on varicose veins.
VSGBI
Consent, Supported Decision-Making, A Guide to Good Practice.
RCS England, 2018
Endovenous ablation (radiofrequency and laser) and foam sclerotherapy versus open surgery for great saphenous vein varices.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, (7),CD005624
Prevalence of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency in men and women in the general population, Edinburgh Vein Study.
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 1999, 53(3),149-153
Quality Standard QS67, Varicose veins.
NICE, August 2014, last updated 2019
Five-year results of a randomized clinical trial of conventional surgery, endovenous laser ablation and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy in patients with great saphenous varicose veins.
British Journal of Surgery 2015, 102(10),1184-1194
Last clinical review: Dr Maryam Attarzadeh, Medical Director (GMC 7193218), 2026-05-27. Next review due: 2026-11-27. Statistical claims are re-verified every 6 months, or sooner if peer-reviewed evidence changes.