Varicose veins are a health issue affecting a significant portion of the population—it’s estimated that 30–40% of adults suffer from this condition. The characteristic bluish, bulging veins, most often visible on the legs, are not only an aesthetic concern but can also cause discomfort, pain, and lead to more serious health complications. Many patients wonder: is it truly possible to eliminate varicose veins completely? With so much information available, it’s often difficult to separate fact from fiction. As the SW11 Clinic team in London, specializing in modern vascular treatments, we aim to provide reliable information about the possibilities of resolving this problem.
- What are varicose veins really, and why do they form?
- Facts and myths about completely curing varicose veins
- Completely getting rid of varicose veins – realistic expectations
What are varicose veins really, and why do they form?
Varicose veins (lat. varices) are enlarged, twisted veins that form as a result of venous valve insufficiency. In a healthy venous system, blood is transported from the lower limbs to the heart thanks to muscle contractions and a system of valves that prevent backflow. When the valves become damaged or weakened, blood begins to pool in the veins, causing them to gradually enlarge and deform.
Contrary to popular belief, treating varicose veins is not just about removing visible changes. To understand effective therapy options, it’s essential to first understand the causes of their development. Major risk factors include:
- Genetic predisposition – studies show that up to 80% of varicose vein patients have a family history
- Female gender – women suffer from varicose veins twice as often as men
- Pregnancy – hormonal changes and increased pressure on pelvic veins
- Prolonged standing or sitting
- Overweight and obesity
- Age – the risk increases with age due to natural weakening of vein walls
- History of deep vein thrombosis
Understanding the causes is key to determining whether complete elimination of varicose veins is possible. A vascular surgeon at our London clinic always conducts a thorough medical interview to identify the main contributing factors, which allows us to develop the most effective treatment strategy.
Facts and myths about completely curing varicose veins
There are many myths surrounding the topic of varicose veins, which can mislead patients. Let us explain the most important of them, confronting them with current medical knowledge.
Myth: Varicose veins always come back, regardless of the treatment method
Fact: Modern treatment methods are characterized by high long-term effectiveness. Scientific studies confirm that with a properly performed procedure and appropriate prevention, the risk of recurrence in the treated vessel is minimal (below 5% within 5 years).
It is worth noting, however, that the predisposition to venous insufficiency remains, meaning that in the future, varicose veins may appear in other vessels. This is not a recurrence in the strict sense of the word, but the development of new changes. Regular check-ups with a specialist allow early detection of new problems and intervention before they progress.
Myth: Removing varicose veins is only a cosmetic procedure
Fact: Varicose vein treatment is primarily a health-related procedure, not just an aesthetic one. Untreated venous insufficiency can lead to serious complications, such as thrombophlebitis, venous ulcers, and in extreme cases, even pulmonary embolism. A surgeon in London always emphasizes that early intervention in varicose veins prevents the development of more advanced stages of chronic venous insufficiency.
Myth: After removing varicose veins, there is no need for prevention
Fact: Even after successful varicose vein treatment, preventive actions are necessary to reduce the risk of developing new changes. The most important elements of prevention include:
- Regular physical activity, especially exercises engaging the calf muscles
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Avoiding prolonged standing or sitting in one position
- Using medical compression in high-risk situations (e.g., long flights)
- A proper diet rich in fiber and antioxidants
Facts and myths about varicose veins also often concern the effectiveness of natural methods and supplements. It should be emphasized that although some herbal preparations (e.g., containing diosmin, hesperidin, or horse chestnut extract) may alleviate symptoms of venous insufficiency, they are not able to replace proper treatment in cases of already developed varicose veins.
Completely getting rid of varicose veins – realistic expectations
Answering the title question: yes, it is possible to completely get rid of existing varicose veins using modern therapeutic methods. However, patients should have realistic expectations regarding long-term effects.
In individuals with a genetic predisposition to venous insufficiency, there is always a risk of new changes developing in the future. That is why a comprehensive approach is so important, which includes not only the treatment of existing varicose veins but also:
- Regular ultrasound diagnostics of the venous system
- Early intervention in case of the first signs of insufficiency
- Consistent adherence to preventive recommendations
- Lifestyle modifications to reduce risk factors
At SW11 Clinic, we offer our patients long-term care that goes beyond a one-time procedure. Varicose vein removal in London at our center is a process that begins with thorough diagnostics, through the selection of the optimal treatment method, to long-term monitoring and prevention.
It is worth emphasizing that early intervention gives the best results – the more advanced the varicose vein changes, the more difficult their complete elimination may be. That is why we encourage you to consult our specialists already at the first signs of venous insufficiency, such as a feeling of heaviness in the legs, swelling, or small vascular changes.
Unfortunately, developed varicose veins do not disappear on their own. This is related to anatomical changes in the veins – damaged valves do not regenerate by themselves, and dilated vessels do not return to their normal size without medical intervention. In the early stages of venous insufficiency, proper prevention (regular physical activity, compression, maintaining a healthy body weight) can slow the progression of the disease but will not reverse already existing changes. That is why early consultation with a surgeon in London and the implementation of appropriate treatment is so important before the changes become more advanced.
After a properly performed procedure, the risk of recurrence of varicose veins in the same vessel is low (below 5% within 5 years). Modern methods permanently eliminate the insufficient vessel. However, in individuals with a genetic predisposition to venous insufficiency, there is a risk of developing new varicose veins in other vessels. This is not a technical recurrence, but the appearance of new changes. Regular check-ups and consistent prevention (compression, physical activity, avoiding prolonged standing/sitting) significantly reduce this risk. Varicose vein treatment should always be combined with a long-term preventive strategy.
The first symptoms of venous insufficiency that should prompt medical consultation include a feeling of heaviness and fatigue in the legs, especially at the end of the day, nighttime calf cramps, ankle and foot swelling that disappears overnight, itching of the skin on the legs, and the appearance of small vascular “spider veins.” Symptoms often worsen in warm weather or during long periods of standing or sitting. It is important to remember that early intervention gives the best results and can prevent the development of more advanced stages of venous disease. At SW11 Clinic, we offer comprehensive venous system diagnostics, which allows the detection of venous insufficiency even at an early stage.
