The Sunday Times showcased the top 10 health and wellbeing experts to boost your body and mind. Renowned varicose vein consultant and vascular surgeon Michael Gaunt was featured highlighting “nagging health issues that often get overlooked – like uncomfortable varicose veins”
Varicose vein and thread vein treatments
” It was an honour to be promoted alongside fellow leading surgeons, helping readers find the expert help they need “
Varicose vein clinics
Michael Gaunt offers individual consultations at any one of his renowned varicose vein clinics in Harley Street, London, or his Cambridge varicose vein clinics: The Spire Lee and Nuffield Health. Experience bespoke treatment plans and minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins. Michael Gaunt specialises in Endovenous Laser and ClariVein techniques. For many patients, these procedures can be performed under local anaesthetic as walk-in, walk-out treatments.
Making the most of our health and wellbeing, keeping active and eating well has a direct impact on our vascular health. As we age many of us notice small thread veins on our ankles, knees and legs. Starting as a thin red or purple line thread veins quickly develop to form a fine web-like pattern that deepens in colour and spreads across the skin.
Thread veins may be the first visible indication that there is an underlying vascular problem. Varicose veins may not be visible but cause discomfort, pain, itching and irritation.
Restless, painful legs
Varicose vein symptoms are often overlooked. It’s a gradual process but If you notice thread veins and suffer with restless legs it’s worth seeking expert treatment.
“Many of my patients first experience discomfort at the end of the day. Relieving initial symptoms by raising their legs to alleviate pain and increase blood flow.”
Varicose vein symptoms
So, what do we need to look out for? If you notice any changes in your skin on your legs, especially around the ankles, develop thread veins or suffer with raised veins book a consultation.
Raised bulging veins
Thread veins and discoloured skin
Swollen feet and ankles
Aching, heavy and tired legs
Varicose vein treatment in London and Cambridge
Appointments are available in London or Cambridge. During your consultation Michael Gaunt will discuss your concerns, symptoms and medical history. You will be asked about any medications you take and if there are any medications you are allergic to.
Assessment includes a full examination of your legs, including a Duplex Ultrasound scan, to identify the pattern and distribution of abnormal deep veins. Michael Gaunt will record any skin discolouration or swelling; considering your risk of developing venous eczema or venous ulceration.
Booking a consultation with Michael Gaunt is easy, call or email us today.
Tel: 01223 305858
Email: megsecretaries@michaelgaunt.com
Why am I susceptible to varicose veins during pregnancy?
Many women first notice varicose veins during pregnancy, when significant weight fluctuations and hormone changes impact on the development and symptoms of varicose veins. Unfortunately, broken veins and spider veins may also develop, with some mothers-to-be experiencing uncomfortable swollen ankles and suffering from poor circulation.
With the increase of blood during pregnancy, progesterone levels rise, prompting the walls of your blood vessels to relax. Your body has to work harder to return blood back to your heart, significantly increasing the risks of developing varicose veins in your legs.
Will varicose veins affect my pregnancy?
The good news is that varicose veins do not affect your baby and most certainly do not put your unborn child at risk. However, they can be troublesome, with on-going symptoms, often worse at night and increasing as the pregnancy reaches full term.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins are caused by weaknesses in veins’ valves which prevent blood flowing properly between each of the vessels. If a one-way valve fails, the blood refluxes and gets stored in the veins near the surface of the skin. This makes the vein expand, causing it to twist and protrude, presenting as a lumpy raised vein, either deep blue or red in appearance.
Top symptoms of varicose veins
Aching or heavy feeling in your legs
Painful throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in your lower legs
Swollen ankles
Worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time
Restless legs, especially at night
Persistent leg itching
Skin discolouration around the ankles
How can I reduce varicose vein discomfort?
Move around as much as possible and take frequent breaks if you have to stand or sit for long periods of time
Wear maternity support or compression tights
What varicose vein treatments are available?
Successful treatment depends on careful pre-operative assessment. Reviewing visible swollen veins are just the tip of the iceberg. Mr Michael Gaunt assesses the underlying vascular condition before deciding upon the most suitable treatment for each patient.
“I perform a full diagnostic assessment with a Duplex ultrasound scan to identify the problematic veins and underlying problem before recommending the best procedure and treatment plan for you”
As one of the most experienced and respected surgeons in the UK, Michael Gaunt takes pride in delivering the highest quality of award-winning patient service and he specialises in minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins using:
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
VNUS Closure
ClariVein
Sclerotherapy
Microsclerotherapy
VeinWave
Recommended after the birth, these procedures can be performed under local anaesthetic as walk in / walk out treatments, allowing you time to enjoy your new family with little impact on your busy lifestyle.
To learn more or to book an appointment with Mr Michael Gaunt call his specialist team on 01223 305858
Leading consultant vascular surgeon Mr Michael Gaunt offers his advice:
Varicose veins are very common, affecting at least 20% of the adult UK population. Symptoms can vary from unsightly, raised bulging veins to chronic leg pain and daily discomfort.
Many varicose vein symptoms increase with age or a sedentary lifestyle. Most of us are familiar with the advice to exercise regularly to avoid health risks associated with poor circulation. Did you know poor posture and lack of movement can lead to muscular stiffness, aches, and pains as well as affect your venous circulation.
Poor venous circulation symptoms:
Aches and pains
Restless legs
Itching skin
Swelling in your lower leg
Varicose veins
Thread veins
Skin discolouration around the ankles
Leg ulcers
A healthy lifestyle, eating well and finding ways to stay active is important and even more so if you have varicose veins, as weight gain can make symptoms seem worse.
Get active and improve your vein health
Varicose veins impair circulation, that’s why they often appear raised or bobbly. Instead of all the blood from the legs returning to the heart, a proportion of blood refluxes back down the superficial veins impairing the venous circulation of the leg and giving rise to the symptoms of aching, swelling and night cramps.
Poor circulation occurs when the blood doesn’t flow freely through the body. Blood flow naturally improves with the onset of activity, it needn’t be high impact, but it does need to be consistent and frequent.
You don’t have to run a marathon to improve your circulation, little changes like taking regular breaks if sitting at a desk all day, will help, and may temporarily reduce varicose vein symptoms.
Can I prevent varicose veins?
Unfortunately, you can’t prevent varicose veins, however the best way to avoid complications is to seek professional treatment early and not ignore symptoms. In the developing stages, varicose veins and thread veins may be primarily a cosmetic problem but if left untreated the condition can deteriorate and a variety of complications can occur such as leg swelling, pigmentation of the skin around the ankles and leg ulcers.
Top Tips for good vein care
Vary your day to include movement
Stretch and change your posture regularly
Alternatively flex and extend your ankle in a pumping action
Monitor your skin and vein changes
Seek a professional consultation and treatment package (link)
Varicose vein complications
Enlarged varicose veins appear twisted and raised on the skin. If left untreated further venous health complications may develop :
Increased pain and discomfort
Swelling and inflammation
Skin changes: broken skin and discolouration
Venous ulceration
Looking for varicose vein treatment?
Book a consultation with internationally renowned Mr Michael Gaunt, specialising in varicose vein and thread vein treatments using Endovenous Laser (EVLA), ClariVein (MOCA), Ultrasound Foam Sclerotherapy (UGFS) and saline micro-injection sclerotherapy. with award winning patient satisfaction.
Helping you find effective professional treatment of varicose veins, spider veins and associated cosmetic problems.
‘The definitive online lifestyle guide for anyone wanting to find the best of everything’ Tatler Address book features the very best UK beauty and cosmetic surgeons. Mr Michael Gaunt, internationally renowned vascular surgeon, is featured for the third consecutive year.
As a specialist surgeon, Mr Michael Gaunt completely understands the psychological impact of unsightly veins. His private clinics in Harley Street, and Cambridge offer patients the latest technology and professional treatments.
Whether it’s a spidery blotch or raised leg veins that are bothering you, Mr Michael Gaunt insists on a full evaluation using a duplex ultrasound scan to ensure the exact source of the problematic veins. The scan will determine the correct individual treatment plan for you and Mr Michael Gaunt will talk you through the whole process.
‘Painful or unsightly veins? Mr Michael Gaunt will put the bounce back into your step’ – Tatler
Renowned Mr Michael Gaunt personally performs minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins using Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), VNUS Closure and ClariVein. He also performs ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, microsclerotherapy and VeinWave techniques.
Earlier this year, Mr Michael Gaunt enjoyed the Tatler Breakfast event celebrating the Tatler Address Book 2020. Hosted at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in London by Richard Dennen, Tatler’s editor, and Francesca White, Health and Beauty Editor-at-Large. Michael welcomed the opportunity to meet and talk to other leading health professionals and discuss his approach to the treatment of varicose veins, unsightly thread veins and spider veins as well as other conditions affecting the venous system.
Mr Michael Gaunt at Tatler Beauty & Cosmetic Guide launch
There’s a wide choice of treatments and procedures available to combat varicose veins and thread veins. An individual treatment plan, that’s specifically tailored for you and your lifestyle, is crucial to achieving the results you want.
Consultations with Mr Michael Gaunt are available at Harley Street London, BMI Bury St. Edmunds, Spire Norwich, Nuffield Health Cambridge or Spire Lea Cambridge .
Leading consultant vascular surgeon Michael Gaunt says modern treatment methods offer a quick and effective solution.
Most of us want to hold back the signs of ageing and reduce skin blemishes. Thread veins or spider veins are a familiar problem for men and women. The tiny red or purple broken veins are most commonly found on the face, around the cheeks and nose, but also appear on ankles and legs. They initially emerge as one or two tiny fine lines but develop a web like pattern, that enlarges across the skin; hence the term spider vein. Continue reading “Embarrassed by red thread veins? Do you long for clear unblemished skin?”
