A Guide To Varicose Vein Treatment Costs

In this guide to varicose vein treatment costs, we look at what the NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) consider to be best practice and what patients should consider when evaluating the relative costs of London providers.

Varicose vein treatment cost UK

At UK Vein Clinic, we ensure you understand all of the costs involved with your varicose veins before proceeding. We charge £250 to cover your diagnostic assessment which includes a duplex ultrasound scan with a vascular scientist and a consultation with a vascular doctor. 

From there, we will have a better understanding of the treatment you require, and our patient care team will be in touch to discuss the treatment packages that are best suited to your needs.

Our treatment packages are as follows: 

• Primary treatment for varicose veins using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with a vascular surgeon: £2,749 (one leg) or £3,699 (two legs)

Our all-inclusive packages include

• A comprehensive diagnostic assessment with a vascular scientist
• A treatment package delivered by our internationally renowned vascular consultants
• Round the clock aftercare support
• An RFA treatment guarantee that gives you peace of mind

These figures represent the total cost of varicose veins removal at UK Vein Clinic, with no hidden extras.

‍Varicose vein treatment: what “gold standard” care looks like

• Early treatment of varicose veins is strongly recommended to slow disease progression and reduce the risk of complications such as skin changes, bleeding, or ulcers.
• The first step in diagnosis should always include a duplex ultrasound scan, which allows clinicians to assess the level and location of reflux within the venous system.
• When it comes to treatment, endothermal ablation (including radiofrequency or laser methods) is now considered the gold standard. Traditional vein stripping is no longer recommended, as it is associated with more discomfort and longer recovery times.
• Among the modern techniques, endovenous radiofrequency ablation is often preferred. It is typically less painful, offers more consistent outcomes, and involves minimal downtime for patients.
• To support best practice, the NICE clinical guidelines for varicose vein management include three key quality statements that outline the ideal treatment pathway. These provide clear, evidence-based standards for both clinicians and patients to follow.

Quality Statement 1

Varicose veins should be assessed and treated by a specialist vascular clinic. If left untreated, symptoms like aching, swelling and heaviness are likely to continue. In some cases the condition can lead to more serious complications such as skin damage, bleeding or even leg ulcers.

Much like gum disease, vein disease is common, especially as we age. The good news is that treatment can reduce symptoms, improve your quality of life and slow down the progression of the condition.

Quality Statement 2

A consultation on its own isn't enough unless it includes a duplex ultrasound scan. This non-invasive scan is essential for accurately assessing blood flow and identifying any faulty valves that are causing your varicose veins.

A simple hand-held doppler doesn’t provide the level of detail needed for a proper diagnosis. That's why a trained vascular sonographer should always carry out this initial scan, which is an extremely important first step in creating an effective treatment plan.

Quality Statement 3

In the past, surgery (also known as vein stripping) combined with compression stockings was the default treatment for varicose veins. Today, this has largely been replaced with, endothermal ablation, a much less invasive option that allows for quicker recovery and fewer risks. If endothermal ablation isn't suitable, ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is often the next recommended approach. The use of glue is widely used in the United States but currently doesn’t appear in NICE's recommended treatment options.

Clinics will use either laser, known as EVLA, or radio frequency, known as EVRF, to close off the affected veins. The Rassmussen study, published in the British Journal of Surgery in 2011 considers the relative benefits of each technology.

The Rasmussen study concluded that “the failure rate was lowest for both EVRF and stripping (4.8%) at year one.  EVRF and foam sclerotherapy demonstrated faster recovery (normal activity and return to work) and less post-operative pain than EVLA and stripping."

Getting your varicose veins treated at a specialist clinic

There are many varicose vein providers in the London area to choose from. Many are clinic based, largely in and around Harley street, and some based within a hospital setting.  It is increasingly common to see procedures performed under local anaesthetic within a clinic environment.  This is arguably a more pleasant experience and significantly reduces the cost of treatment for patients.

What to expect from a high-quality varicose vein treatment provider

When choosing a clinic or consultant, there are a few important things to look out for:

• Specialist venous experience: Make sure the provider specialises in vein conditions specifically, not just general vascular work. Treating varicose veins requires targeted expertise.

• Clear treatment pathway: A good clinic should offer a straightforward process: a duplex ultrasound scan, a personalised treatment recommendation, the procedure itself, followed by aftercare and a follow-up appointment.

• Transparent pricing: Costs should be fixed based on your treatment plan, with no hidden fees or vague "from" prices.

• Gold-stardard treatments: Endothermal ablation (also called RFA or EVLA) is considered the gold standard for treating truncal veins.

• Guaranteed results: Reputable clinics will guarantee closure of the treated truncal veins as part of their care.

In the UK, all providers must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the official regulator for healthcare services. The CQC ensures that clinics follow strict standards for safety, procedures, and patient care.

Finally, look for a consultant with extensive hands-on experience in performing vein treatments. In healthcare, outcomes often depend on the skill and experience of the person carrying out the procedure, so it’s worth choosing someone highly qualified in this specific area.

At UK Vein Clinic, our scanning is undertaken under the leadership of Fabrizio D’Abate, a specialist Vascular Sonographer and award-winning Clinical Vascular Scientist. Usually based at St George’s hospital in London, he has tutored on several training courses in vascular ultrasound and holds prizes from the Society of Vascular Technology.  Professor Stephen Black leads the clinical team and is one of the country’s leading consultant vascular surgeons, responsible for training many of the surgeons in this field.  A fellow of the European Board of VascularSurgery, he’s usually based at London’s Guys and St Thomas’s hospital, where he leads the department.

Only UK Vein Clinic exclusively use Radio Frequency technology which has the lowest failure rate, post-operative pain and most speedy return to normal activity.

Transparent pricing for varicose vein treatment

Patients deserve to understand the full cost of their treatment before committing time and money to any provider. A trustworthy clinic should offer a fixed, all-inclusive price that covers the initial consultation, duplex ultrasound scan, treatment, and routine follow-up care, with no hidden charges or unexpected extras.

Fixed pricing for minimally invasive vein procedures has been standard in the industry for years. Opaque or overly complex pricing structures can be a red flag, especially for treatments that follow well-established care pathways.

Reputable providers, such as Veincentre and UK Vein Clinic, typically offer inclusive pricing that begins with a consultation and diagnostic scan, an important factor when comparing the varicose vein procedure cost across clinics. This scan is essential for confirming the most appropriate treatment plan based on the specific pattern of venous reflux.

Clinical outcomes can vary. The Rasmussen study showed recurrence rates of treated varicose veins ranging from 4.8% to 11.6%, highlighting the importance of technique and aftercare. Among UK clinics, only UK Vein Clinic currently offers a guarantee of truncal vein closure for up to one year following radiofrequency ablation (RFA), providing patients with added confidence in their treatment results. This level of post-treatment support adds significant value when considering the overall varicose veins treatment cost UK patients may face.

Does the NHS deal with varicose veins?

The NHS may treat varicose veins, but access is typically limited to cases with more serious symptoms or complications. These might include bleeding, skin changes, or leg ulcers caused by underlying venous disease. If your varicose veins are considered primarily cosmetic or cause only mild discomfort, it’s unlikely that treatment will be available through the NHS. In most cases, patients will be offered advice on lifestyle changes or compression stockings rather than medical procedures. For those seeking quicker access to diagnosis and modern treatment options like radiofrequency ablation or foam sclerotherapy, many choose to explore private vein clinics.

Is it worth getting your varicose veins done?

For many people, treating varicose veins is absolutely worth it, both medically and in terms of quality of life. While varicose veins are often seen as a cosmetic issue, they’re actually a sign of underlying vein disease. Left untreated, symptoms such as aching, heaviness, swelling, and itching can worsen over time and lead to long-term complications. Early treatment is always the best way forward.

Modern treatments like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or foam sclerotherapy are minimally invasive, quick to recover from, and highly effective. Many patients report immediate symptom relief, improved confidence, and better mobility after treatment.

So if your veins are affecting your comfort, appearance, or daily life, seeking treatment is not only worthwhile, it’s a proactive step toward protecting your long-term vascular health.

Ready to take the next step?

If your varicose veins are causing discomfort, affecting your confidence, or simply not improving, now is a great time to explore your treatment options. At UK Vein Clinic, our specialists offer clear, expert guidance and leading minimally invasive treatments, all tailored to your individual needs.

Whether you're comparing varicose veins treatment prices or simply want to understand the cost of varicose veins removal in the UK, we're here to help guide you through your options.

Get in touch today to book a diagnostic assessment or ask us a question on 0208 187 3999.