EVLA Varicose Vein Treatment (1 Leg) in Turkey
Modern laser treatment for varicose veins, no hospital stay, walk-in and walk-out. from £2,148 with 4 nights 5-star hotel, transfers, and aftercare.
Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic concern, they can cause aching, heaviness, swelling, and skin changes that affect your daily life. If you have been living with uncomfortable varicose veins and want a modern, effective solution, endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is the gold standard treatment recommended by vascular specialists worldwide.
EVLA uses laser energy to seal the faulty vein from the inside, redirecting blood flow to healthy veins. It is performed as a walk-in, walk-out procedure under local anaesthesia, no hospital stay, no general anaesthetic, and you can walk immediately afterwards.
NHS waiting times for varicose vein treatment can be 6-12 months, and many NHS trusts have restricted access to treatment. A private EVLA procedure in the UK costs between £2,500 and £4,500. Your all-inclusive package starts from just £2,148.
What Is EVLA Varicose Vein Treatment (1 Leg)?
EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) treats the great saphenous vein (GSV) or small saphenous vein (SSV), the main superficial veins that run along your leg. When the valves in these veins stop working properly, blood pools and flows backwards (venous reflux), causing the visible, bulging varicose veins you can see on the surface.
Rather than physically removing the faulty vein, EVLA seals it shut from the inside using laser energy. A thin laser fibre is inserted into the vein through a tiny needle puncture (usually near the knee), guided into position using ultrasound. The laser is then activated as the fibre is slowly withdrawn, delivering precise energy that causes the vein wall to collapse and seal.
Once the faulty vein is sealed, blood naturally redirects through the many other healthy veins in your leg. Over the following weeks, the sealed vein is gradually absorbed by your body. The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes per leg.
EVLA has a success rate of over 95% and is recommended by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) as a first-line treatment for varicose veins.
This package covers treatment for one leg.
Am I Suitable?
You may be suitable for this treatment if you have symptomatic varicose veins that are affecting your quality of life.
You may be a good candidate if:
- You have visible varicose veins causing aching, heaviness, or swelling
- Your legs feel tired and uncomfortable, particularly after standing
- You have skin changes (discoloration, eczema, thickening) around the ankles
- You have had a duplex ultrasound confirming venous reflux
- Conservative measures (compression stockings, exercise) have not provided sufficient relief
- You have been on an NHS waiting list and want to proceed sooner
You may not be suitable if:
- You have significant deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the affected leg
- You are pregnant (treatment is deferred until after delivery)
- You have peripheral arterial disease affecting blood supply to your legs
- Your varicose veins are purely cosmetic with no symptoms or reflux
What Happens During the Procedure?
Before your procedure
A free consultation reviews your symptoms and any previous ultrasound findings. A duplex ultrasound scan is performed in Turkey to map your veins and confirm the treatment plan. This scan shows exactly which veins are faulty and guides the treatment approach.
On the day
You are driven from your 5-star hotel to the clinic. Your personal translator accompanies you. The veins to be treated are marked on your skin. Local anaesthetic is injected around the treatment area to ensure you are comfortable throughout.
The laser fibre is inserted through a tiny needle puncture and guided into the vein under ultrasound. The laser is activated as the fibre is slowly withdrawn, sealing the vein. The procedure takes 30-60 minutes per leg.
After the procedure
Compression stockings are applied immediately. You can walk out of the clinic and are encouraged to walk regularly. You return to your hotel the same day. Follow-up appointments and ultrasound checks are scheduled during your stay.
Hotel recovery
Your hotel stay allows time for follow-up scans, graduated compression wear, and comfortable recovery before travelling home.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery from EVLA is generally quick, and most patients are walking on the same day.
Day of treatment: Walk for 30-40 minutes after the procedure. Mild discomfort and tightness in the treated leg is normal. Wear your compression stockings continuously (day and night) for the first 48 hours.
Days 1-7: Continue wearing compression stockings during the day. Walk daily, at least 30 minutes. Some bruising along the treated vein is normal. Mild to moderate discomfort managed with paracetamol and ibuprofen. Avoid hot baths, saunas, and prolonged standing.
Weeks 1-2: Bruising fades. Discomfort reduces. Most patients return to desk work within 2-3 days. Avoid heavy exercise for 2 weeks.
Weeks 2-4: Compression stockings can usually be stopped after 2 weeks (your specialist will advise). Gradually return to all normal activities including exercise.
Months 1-3: The treated vein is gradually absorbed by the body. Visible improvement continues. Any residual lumps or firm areas along the treated vein soften and resolve.
Long-term: Results are typically permanent for the treated veins. However, new varicose veins can develop in other veins over time. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and wearing compression stockings during prolonged standing can help prevent new veins developing.
Risks & Considerations
This is a safe, well-established procedure with a strong track record. Understanding the possible side effects helps you feel fully informed.
Common and temporary effects:
- Bruising along the treated vein (resolves in 1-2 weeks)
- Mild to moderate discomfort or tightness in the leg
- Firmness or a cord-like feeling along the treated vein (this is the sealed vein, it softens over weeks)
- Slight skin discolouration along the treatment area (usually fades)
- Temporary numbness near the treatment area
Less common risks:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), rare, minimised by walking and compression stockings
- Nerve damage causing numbness (usually temporary, rarely permanent)
- Skin burns (rare with modern equipment and experienced operators)
- Phlebitis (inflammation of the vein, managed with anti-inflammatories)
- Need for additional treatment sessions (some patients need touch-up treatments)
Your treatment is performed by an experienced vascular specialist in a government-licensed facility. Follow-up ultrasound scans during your stay confirm successful treatment.
UK vs Turkey: What You Save
UK prices are indicative ranges based on private healthcare providers. Your THST price is confirmed during your free consultation.
UK Aftercare: We Are Here When You Get Home
Unlike other medical tourism companies, we do not leave you on your own once you are back in the UK. We have two dedicated aftercare clinics staffed by NHS-registered wound care specialists, so you can see a professional face-to-face for wound checks, dressing changes, and recovery support.
Medical disclaimer: Results of any surgical or interventional procedure may vary from person to person. You are advised to consult your physician for detailed information before undergoing any procedure. The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. See our Medical Disclaimer for full details.
What Our Patients Say
Real reviews from real patients. Their words, not ours.
"If you are looking for the personal touch, this is it. The experience was like being in a 5-star hotel. True compassion."
"Perfect from arrival to discharge. Professional and life changing. The results have transformed my confidence."
"They discovered severe hypertension during my pre-op testing and additional tests ensured my safety. They genuinely put patient health first."
Frequently Asked Questions
The treated vein is permanently sealed, it will not come back. However, new varicose veins can develop in other veins over time, as the underlying tendency toward venous valve weakness remains. Studies show that approximately 80-90% of patients are still free of significant varicose veins 5 years after EVLA. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and wearing compression stockings during prolonged standing all help prevent new veins developing.
The local anaesthetic injections can cause brief stinging, but once the area is numb, most patients feel only mild pressure or warmth during the procedure. Many patients describe it as much less uncomfortable than they expected. After the procedure, you may feel tightness or a pulling sensation in the treated leg for a few days, this is normal and managed with standard painkillers.
You will notice some improvement within the first week as the treated vein begins to collapse. However, the full cosmetic result takes 2-3 months as the body absorbs the sealed vein and any bruising and discolouration fades. The improvement in symptoms (aching, heaviness, swelling) is often noticeable within the first few days.
EVLA is now recommended by NICE as the first-line treatment for varicose veins, ahead of traditional stripping. Advantages include local anaesthesia (no general anaesthetic), no hospital stay, faster recovery, less pain, lower risk of wound complications, and equally high success rates. Stripping may still be appropriate for certain vein anatomies, but for most patients, EVLA is the better option.
Most patients can fly comfortably after a few days. Your 4-night hotel stay provides adequate recovery time. Wear your compression stockings during the flight, stay hydrated, and walk around the cabin regularly. Your specialist will confirm you are fit to travel before you leave.
Combine Treatments and Save
Many patients combine procedures in a single trip, reducing recovery time and overall cost. Build your personalised package and get a free quote.
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