EVLA + High Ligation (1 Leg) in Turkey
Combined laser ablation and high ligation for complex varicose veins. from £2,488 with 4 nights 5-star hotel, transfers, and aftercare.
When varicose veins are particularly complex, especially where the saphenous vein junction is significantly enlarged, combining EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) with high ligation provides the most thorough treatment. This approach uses laser energy to seal the faulty vein while surgically tying off the junction where it meets the deep venous system.
High ligation addresses the root cause at the junction point, while EVLA seals the length of the faulty vein. This combination is recommended when ultrasound assessment shows that the vein junction is too large or complex for laser treatment alone.
A combined EVLA and high ligation procedure in the UK costs between £3,500 and £6,000. Your all-inclusive package starts from £2,488.
What Is EVLA + High Ligation (1 Leg)?
This combined approach uses two techniques together for complex varicose veins.
EVLA component: Laser energy seals the saphenous vein from the inside, exactly as in a standard EVLA procedure. A laser fibre is inserted through a tiny needle puncture and guided by ultrasound.
High ligation component: A small surgical incision (typically 2-3cm) is made in the groin (for the great saphenous vein) or behind the knee (for the small saphenous vein). The junction where the faulty saphenous vein meets the deep venous system is exposed and surgically tied off (ligated). This ensures that the junction is completely sealed, preventing any future reflux from the deep veins into the treated area.
High ligation is recommended when the saphenofemoral or saphenopopliteal junction is significantly dilated or has complex anatomy that laser alone may not adequately treat. Your vascular surgeon determines the need for ligation based on your pre-operative duplex ultrasound scan.
The combined procedure typically takes 60-90 minutes per leg.
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, with sedation available if preferred for additional comfort.
A small incision is made at the vein junction for the ligation, and the saphenous vein is then sealed using EVLA through a separate needle puncture. The combined procedure takes 60-90 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 with high ligation 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.
"From the airport pickup to the final follow-up call, the level of care was consistently excellent. The surgeon took time to explain everything. Worth every penny."
"I was hesitant about travelling abroad but THST removed all my worries. The clinical care was world class. My friends have already booked after seeing my experience."
"A thoroughly professional operation from start to finish. The medical team were experienced and reassuring, the facilities were modern and clean. I recommend without hesitation."
Frequently Asked Questions
The treated veins are permanently addressed, they will not return. However, new varicose veins can develop in other veins over time, as the underlying tendency remains. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and wearing compression stockings during prolonged standing all help prevent new veins developing. Studies show good long-term results with this technique.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during treatment. You may feel brief stinging from the anaesthetic injections and mild pressure during the procedure. After treatment, some discomfort, tightness, and bruising is normal for a few days, well-managed with standard painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Improvement in symptoms like aching and heaviness is often noticeable within the first few days. The full cosmetic improvement takes 2-3 months as bruising fades and treated veins are absorbed by the body. Patience during this period is important, the final result is worth the wait.
Most patients return to desk-based work within 2-3 days. If your job involves prolonged standing or heavy physical activity, you may need 1-2 weeks. Walking regularly from the day of treatment is encouraged and helps your recovery. Your specialist will advise based on your specific situation.
Yes, and that is what the bilateral package is designed for. Both legs can be treated in a single session, saving you from needing two separate trips. Recovery is similar whether one or both legs are treated. Your specialist will confirm that bilateral treatment is appropriate during your ultrasound assessment.
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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