Vein Stripping and Why You Should Avoid It!

What Is Vein Stripping?

Bruising after varicose vein stripping treatment, a method that is not recommend by The Whiteley Clinic.

Stripping is the method by which a main vein in the leg is removed. This is usually the Great Saphenous Vein and the Small Saphenous Vein. An incision is made over the top of the vein, where it has a junction with a deeper vein, and the top of the vein is cut away and the stump tied. The vein then has a wire or ‘stripper’ passed down it, and this is brought to the surface lower down in the leg. The vein is tied to the stripper and, when the stripper is removed, the vein is stripped out.

Why Vein Stripping Should Not Be Performed

Surgeons have been stripping varicose veins as standard treatment for more than 30 years. Research has shown that this treatment approach does not work and therefore the technique should never be performed. Some of the problems with Vein Stripping include:

• There is a risk of the veins growing back again
• Unnecessary incisions are made
• There is unnecessary pain and bruising
• It requires a general anaesthetic which is not needed
• It leads it increased recovery time off work

What Are The Alternatives?

Endovenous Laser Ablation or EVLA is the best treatment method when performed under The Whiteley Clinic Protocol®. EVLA is performed under a local anaesthetic as a ‘Walk-in, Walk-out’ procedure. Using this method this means the veins are closed in a way that makes them shrivel away and never grow back again.

At The Whiteley Clinic we see a large number of patients who have previously had vein stripping surgery elsewhere. When, as they almost inevitably do, their varicose veins recur, we often find that the veins have grown back due to the stripping.

At The Whiteley Clinic we know that not everyone is the same so our patients are receive a bespoke treatment plan so that they get the best results possible. For more information on Vein Stripping click here or to book your first consultation please call 03300 581 850 or email info@thewhiteleyclinic.co.uk