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
What are the risks, signs and symptoms of venous leg ulcers? Mr Michael gaunt offers his top tips on how to combat infection and the treatments available.
Venous ulcers are painful open sores that appear around the lower leg and ankles. Many sufferers do not realise that they can be caused by varicose veins and poor circulation. Damaged vein valves cause sustained venous hypertension when blood pressure inside your legs isn’t regulated, toxins build up and poison the skin.
“Swelling and ulceration can be caused by venous abnormalities in the leg veins such as leaky valves” – Michael Gaunt
High venous blood pressure causes inflammation and swelling. Persistent inflammation due to varicose veins weakens the skin making it vulnerable to injury. Venous ulcers appear as skin breaks open as a sore. Venous eczema often precedes ulceration and is another complication of varicose veins where the lower leg skin becomes inflamed, itchy, flaky and discoloured in the affected area.
Venous leg ulcer symptoms
Painful, swollen skin on lower leg and ankles
Discoloured or hardened skin in the affected area
Open wound or sore that doesn’t heal
Heavy feeling in your legs
Bumpy enlarged varicose veins on your legs and ankles
Chronic venous insufficiency: Poor circulation allowing blood to collect in lower legs causing swelling and discomfort.
High venous blood pressure in your legs: Skin becomes fragile and thin, breaking open to form a sore.
Poor venous circulation: When damaged vein valves struggle to pump the blood back to your heart.
Inactivity: Lack of movement promotes poor circulation and blood flow.
Risk factors
Certain factors increase your chances of developing venous leg ulcers, including surgery, and following a fracture or break to the leg.
Varicose veins: Leaky malfunctioning vein valves.
Post-surgery: Replacement knee, leg or hip surgery.
Post trauma: Following a break or fracture to leg, ankle, knee or hip.
DVT: Previous history of deep vein thrombosis.
Poor mobility: Inactivity impacts your blood circulation.
Overweight: being overweight increases leg blood pressure.
How long does a leg venous ulcer take to heal?
A leg venous ulcer typically takes months, sometimes years, to heal and is open to infection. A small number may never heal completely and unless the underlying venous problems are addressed you may become susceptible to repeated leg sores and ulcers.
What is the best treatment for venous leg ulcers?
The main treatments for chronic leg ulcers are compression bandages or stockings to improve circulation and Keyhole endovenous ablation treatment to treat any leaky varicose veins. read more>
“I perform a thorough vascular assessment utilising Duplex ultrasound scan and other specialised tests to diagnose the condition and apply the correct treatment”
Leg ulcers resistant to standard compression treatment require more specialised therapy with Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD).read more>
Michael Gaunt works in conjunction with specialist therapists to provide effective relief and treatment of lymphoedema co-ordinating MLD massage and specialised medications.
How do I manage a sore leg ulcer?
Regular care will help prevent infection and promote healing. An open sore must be kept clean. It’s important you contact your GP for regular specialist treatment and you may need prescribed antibiotics to prevent or treat an infection.
Keep the wound clean.
Regularly apply a clean dressing to the ulcer.
Wear compression stockings or bandages to improve circulation.
Remain as active as possible to encourage good blood flow.
Complications associated with leg ulcers
Chronic leg ulcers can result in additional health risks including localised infection and damaged lymph vessels causing a build-up of fluid and swelling.
Leg ulcer infection
Leg lymphoedema
Signs and symptoms of venous leg ulcer infection
Infected leg ulcers are a serious health concern. You will need immediate treatment to fight the infection.
Red, hard swelling around the ulcer.
Weeping sore.
Hot skin in affected area.
Painful inflammation.
Generalised flu-like symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of lymphoedema
Lymphoedema develops when damaged lymph vessels cause a build up of fluid. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) can help promote circulation and clear toxins. Early MLD treatment can help prevent it getting worse.
Generalised swelling of toes, foot and leg.
Pitting oedema: swelling becomes indented with your finger.
A feeling of heaviness in the affected limb.
Tight swollen skin.
Aching or tingling feeling.
I want to treat my varicose veins before I develop a leg ulcer
If you have varicose veins and are concerned about your skin and developing leg ulcers, contact consultant vascular surgeon Mr Michael Gaunt for professional advice and a thorough vascular assessment.
A consultation with Mr Michael Gaunt
Mr Michael Gaunt will review your medical history, and any underlying medical conditions before assessing your varicose veins using a Duplex ultrasound scan. He will talk you through the assessment, highlighting any issues and recommending a personal treatment plan; explaining any procedures needed.
Book a consultation at a clinic near you
Book a consultation with leading vascular surgeon Mr Michael Gaunt for expert advice and treatment contact us>
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 .
Don’t neglect your legs! Consultant vascular surgeon Michael Gaunt is no stranger to treating Varicose and Thread Veins that impact on active lifestyles and sporting performance.
There’s no doubt feeling good and looking good certainly go hand in hand. Whether you are keen to maintain intensive aerobic sports or enjoy low impact exercise, such as swimming and yoga, Michael Gaunt can help improve your vascular health and wellbeing. Exercise is of primary importance to maintain a healthy lifestyle and has beneficial effects on varicose veins supporting good blood flow.
Michael Gaunt specialises in the treatment of varicose, thread and facial spider veins and is one of the most experienced and respected surgeons in the UK. He performs personal and minimally invasive treatment of veins using Endovenous Laser ablation (EVLA), VNUS Closure and ClariVein. He also performs ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy, microsclerotherapy and VeinWave techniques.
“Many of my sporting patients complain of heavy and tired legs. They’ve often noticed a gradual decline in their performance, taking longer to recover after training”
Varicose veins are not commonly thought of as a condition that can affect sporting performance but they can. Veins are responsible for removing the waste products of muscle metabolism, such as lactic acid, out of the legs. Varicose veins are veins that are not working properly. Varicose veins impair the function of the normal veins in the legs.
Treating varicose veins immediately improves the venous function of the leg, advancing the clearance of toxic waste products and naturally helps to improve activity.
“I have successfully performed over 4000 minimally invasive techniques with amazing results. People are back on their feet immediately”
Stay Active
Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is something we all strive to do yet many of us neglect our varicose veins. The condition can be painful and if untreated can lead to leg swelling, pigmentation of the skin of the lower leg and ulcers. Unsightly varicose veins may affect your confidence. Many patients complain of having to cover up during the summer months.
The truth is, even athletes and active people can have varicose and spider veins. There are many variations of varicose veins and it’s always worth getting a personal consultation to access what your treatment options are. Proper vascular assessment is necessary prior to treatment to exclude any underlying conditions.
“Recent advances mean that the underlying causes of varicose and spider veins may be easily identified and the correct personalised treatment plan offered”
Book a consultation and receive Michael Gaunt’s expert opinion and a tailored treatment plan including information on treatment options available.
“I was surprised at how easy it was to get my varicose veins treated. I made a local appointment and had a personal consultation followed by successful treatment with Michael Gaunt”
Consultations with Michael Gaunt are available at Harley Street London, BMI Bury St. Edmunds, Spire Norwich, Nuffield Health Cambridge or Spire Lea Cambridge . 01223 305858.
