insideKENT Magazine Issue 62 - May 2017 | Page 125

HEALTH+WELLNESS
HOW TO HIDE YOUR LEGS
IN SUMMER
SUMMER IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER AND FOR MANY OF US THAT MEANS
GARDEN PARTIES, BARBEQUES AND WEDDINGS. SUMMERY SOCIAL OCCASIONS
ARE A CHANCE TO DRESS UP – PERHAPS EVEN BUY A NEW FROCK!
But what do you wear if you are self-conscious
about your legs? A common source of anxiety
is varicose veins. These are swollen veins that
appear lumpy, bulging or twisted in
appearance. They are usually dark blue or
purple and can be quite prominent.
It’s easier to deal with varicose veins in the
winter as you can keep your legs legitimately
under wraps in the colder months, but when
it’s warm and sunny, thick black tights aren’t
the best complement to a summer dress. If
you want to keep your legs hidden, maxi
dresses and flowing cotton or linen trousers
are good options. They have the added benefit
of protecting you from midge bites during al
fresco evenings.
But if you would rather not have to worry
about what to wear then you may want to
investigate having your varicose veins
permanently removed. This used to be a fairly
major procedure involving a general
anaesthetic and a spell in hospital. However
these days, the procedure is much more
efficient and effective than it used to be thanks
to the development of a technique called
endovenous laser ablation or EVLA for short.
This procedure works by destroying the veins
by laser from the inside so that none of the
surrounding tissues are damaged. You don’t
need a general anaesthetic and it can be
carried out at a clinic by a vascular
interventional radiologist or surgeon (doctors
who specialise in procedures such as
treatments for problematic veins).
Recovering from the treatment doesn’t take
long at all, and you will be able to walk out of
the door minutes after the treatment is
completed. You may find your legs are a bit
sore and bruised initially but there is no need
to put your feet up for a week – in fact it’s
recommended that you do as much walking
as you can after your treatment as this seems
to help the recovery process.
choose to undergo treatment feel it’s
worthwhile. If you decide to go ahead then
make sure you research the different options
and facilities before making any decisions. Go
online and look at reviews and ask your friends
and relatives for recommendations.
Once you’ve made a shortlist, make an
appointment for a visit or if there’s an
opportunity, attend an open event. Reputable
clinics will always recommend you visit them
to have a look around and meet the clinician
who performs the procedure. It’s really
important that you feel comfortable with your
choice of clinic and the team who will be
looking after you. Finally, before you go make
a list of questions as it’s sometimes difficult to
remember everything you wanted to ask.
For further information visit
www.coodenmedicalgroup.com
Varicose vein treatment is not normally
available on the NHS as it is considered a
cosmetic procedure but most people who
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