Vascular services

Changes in your veins can sometimes be visible, uncomfortable or both. You may notice veins becoming more prominent, aching in your legs or areas of swelling that develop over time. While some concerns are mainly cosmetic, others may indicate issues with blood circulation.

Affidea’s vascular service helps assess vein health and provide treatments tailored to your needs, improving both comfort and appearance.

Overview: Understanding vein and circulation concerns

Veins carry blood back to the heart, working against gravity, particularly in the legs. When the valves in your veins weaken or don’t function properly, blood can pool instead of flowing efficiently.

This may lead to conditions such as:

• Varicose veins – enlarged or twisted veins that may cause discomfort or heaviness or appear unsightly

• Thread veins – smaller veins closer to the skin’s surface, often a cosmetic concern

• Skin changes in the lower leg

• Swelling or heaviness

Understanding how your veins are functioning is an important step in deciding whether treatment is needed and which approach is most suitable.

At Affidea, we focus on uncovering the underlying cause of vein changes and guiding you towards the most suitable treatment options.

What happens during your appointment

During your consultation, we will take time to explore your symptoms, changes over time and any discomfort or swelling.

We will examine the area of concern in detail, using duplex ultrasound by our specialists, to assess function in varicose veins and the main veins that cause varicose veins.

We will discuss on treatment options, including ways to manage symptoms and monitor changes. Our specialists will be able to plan treatment and give you options at your initial consultation

Vein treatments and procedures we offer

Our vascular service provides treatments designed to address both symptoms and appearance.

Sclerotherapy

A treatment that involves injecting a solution into affected veins to close them and gradually fade them from view. It is commonly used for thread veins and smaller varicose veins.

The solution causes the vein walls to stick together, which stops blood flow and allows the vein to be reabsorbed by the body over time.

Foam sclerotherapy

A well established injection technique that uses a medical foam instead of liquid. This is often guided by ultrasound and can be used for larger veins. The foam fills the vein and helps it close, with results developing gradually over time. This usually takes place in the clinic and is a walk in walk out procedure.

Endovenous laser ablation

A technique used to seal larger varicose veins from within to redirect blood flow to healthier veins, easing symptoms and improving appearance.

This is usually performed using the newest laser device in Northern Ireland (Neolaser) to deliver controlled heat under local anaesthetic, which causes the veins to shrink and then close. This typically occurs in a theatre setting, you are awake throughout. It usually takes only 20 minutes to treat a leg and you walk out the door straight after.

Surgical treatment

In some cases, surgery may be recommended if other treatments are not suitable. This involves removing or tying off the affected vein to relieve symptoms and improve circulation. We can do this at the same time as laser treatment and can be done under local anaesthetic

When to see a vascular specialist

Vein concerns can develop gradually, and while some remain mild, others may begin to cause discomfort or become more noticeable over time.

You may benefit from assessment or treatment if you notice:

• Visible veins that have become more prominent or twisted

• Aching, heaviness or discomfort in the legs

• Swelling in the lower legs or ankles

• Skin changes around the veins or itch

• Concerns about the appearance of thread or varicose veins

Early attention can help improve comfort and reduce progression over time.

When it’s unclear if treatment is needed, our team can guide you according to your symptoms and preferences.