Why you need a scan and consultation before treating your thread veins

Thread veins, also known as spider veins, can be unsightly and uncomfortable for some, and many people seek treatment to improve their appearance and alleviate symptoms. While you may be keen to go straight into treating these small, visible veins, taking a comprehensive approach is essential to ensure effective and long-lasting results. One of the most important steps before beginning any treatment for thread veins is to have a thorough scan and consultation appointment. In this article, we explain just why this step is so crucial for your overall vein health and success of your thread vein treatment.

Addressing underlying conditions

Thread veins may seem like a purely cosmetic issue, but they can sometimes be a sign of a deeper, underlying problem—varicose veins. Varicose veins occur when the valves in your veins fail to function properly, allowing blood to flow backward and pool, creating pressure. This increased pressure can lead to the development of visible thread veins on the surface of the skin. Sometimes, these varicose veins are not at the skin surface and, therefore, you won’t always know you have them without a comprehensive scan.

Without accurate assessment and diagnosis, treating thread veins in the legs without addressing any underlying varicose veins may lead to temporary results only. But more importantly, varicose veins is a progressive condition which can result in more serious symptoms such as pain, swelling, skin changes and in some rarer cases, leg ulcers. Having a timely scan can help you get to the root cause of your problems before starting your investing into your thread vein removal journey.

What to expect during your scan and consultation appointment

During your initial scan and consultation appointment with us, your vascular scientists will carry out a thorough diagnostic assessment of your veins. Using a duplex ultrasound scan, we’ll be able to visualise any faulty valves or venous insufficiency that could be contributing to your thread veins.

Following your scan, you’ll meet with your vascular doctor for your consultation to discuss your results and next steps. They’ll also take this opportunity to get a better understanding of your personal history and your priorities for treatment outcomes.

Your personalised treatment plan

Getting on the road to a vein-free life starts with your personalised treatment plan. Whether you have varicose veins or thread veins, our team will take you through your bespoke treatment plan designed to get you the best possible outcomes. Developed and led by Professor Stephen Black, one of the UK’s leading experts in vascular medicine, our gold-standard treatment pathways have been created to give you the safest and most effective treatment solutions.

Why treating varicose veins first is critical

If your scan reveals any underlying varicose veins, which can sometimes be hidden, addressing these before treating your thread veins will be essential. Not only will this help eliminate the source of the problem, it’ll also ensure that any thread vein treatment you have in the future will have lasting results that you’re happy with. Identifying and treating these varicose veins will make a big difference in finding a long-term fix for those unsightly thread veins.

So, whilst thread veins may seem like a small cosmetic concern, they can sometimes be a sign of deeper vein issues that need addressing. By having a scan and consultation appointment, you can feel sure about making the right decision that is medically sound and has a better chance of getting you those long-lasting results. Don’t skip this important step in your journey to a vein free life.

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