Leg Ulcer Treatment
The below content has been medically reviewed and approved by Consultant Interventional Radiologist Dr. Mark Bratby (MBBS, MRCP, FRCR), Medical Director and Head of the Medical Advisory Committee at VeinCentre.
Last reviewed 3rd November 2026.
At VeinCentre, we have almost 20 years’ experience treating venous leg ulcers. Rather than focusing only on the wound itself, our approach is to treat the underlying vein problem that is contributing to it, helping the ulcer to heal and reducing the chance of it returning.
For many patients, treatment involves Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), sometimes followed by foam sclerotherapy. These are minimally invasive, walk-in, walk-out treatments designed to close the faulty veins and redirect blood flow through healthier veins.
How are Leg Ulcers Treated?
Treating a venous leg ulcer means addressing the underlying vein problem as well as caring for the wound. When valves within the veins aren’t working properly, pressure can build in the lower leg and make it harder for an ulcer to heal.
At VeinCentre, we typically use Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) to close the faulty veins contributing to this pressure. Foam sclerotherapy may also be used alongside EVLA to treat visible veins on the legs.
By closing the affected veins, blood is redirected through healthier veins. This tackles the underlying problem and gives the ulcer a better opportunity to heal. In our experience, healing is often quicker and longer-lasting than when compression bandaging is used alone.
Alongside treatment, you may be advised to wear compression stockings and make small changes to your daily routine to support your recovery.
We have 6 specialist ulcer centres offering this service:
Your Leg Ulcer Treatment in 3 Simple Steps
Treating leg ulcers at VeinCentre is a straightforward and supportive process, designed to deliver long-term results while keeping your comfort front and centre. From your first consultation to your final check-up, we make every step of your journey clear and stress-free. Our expert Vascular Consultants will guide you through each stage, tailoring your treatment to target the root cause of your ulcer and promote faster healing. Here’s what you can expect.
Step 1 – The VeinCentre Consultation
Your treatment journey begins with a consultation at VeinCentre, where your Vascular Consultant will carry out a simple Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) test. This helps confirm whether the ulcer is venous in origin, as we exclusively treat venous leg ulcers. If the result indicates a venous cause, your Vascular Consultant will then carry out a colour duplex ultrasound scan. This scan shows the direction of blood flow in your veins and helps identify any varicose veins, that may be contributing to your ulcer.
We find that the majority of leg ulcers are caused by venous issues, and this scan is essential to understanding what’s going on beneath the surface. If the ulcer is found to be caused by something else, your Vascular Consultant will guide you on the next steps and where to go for further support. The results of your scan and tests will be discussed with you during the appointment, and you’ll leave with a clear, tailored treatment plan. The cost of this detailed consultation is £350.
Step 2 – Your Primary Treatment
If the scan confirms your leg ulcer is venous, your Vascular Consultant will recommend a suitable treatment to target the underlying cause. This is often Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) to treat the affected veins, sometimes followed by foam sclerotherapy. These minimally invasive procedures help improve circulation and allow your ulcer to begin healing more effectively.
Once the varicose veins have been treated, most ulcers begin to heal significantly faster. The skin will gradually repair, any eczema or inflammation should settle, and the affected area will become healthier and more comfortable. In some cases, depending on how long the ulcer has been present, there may be some residual pigmentation or scarring.
Step 3 – Follow Up Appointment
Six to eight weeks after your procedure, we’ll invite you back for a follow-up appointment. During this visit, your Vascular Consultant will perform another ultrasound scan to make sure the underlying problem has been successfully resolved.
If there are any residual surface veins, further treatment such as foam sclerotherapy may be recommended to enhance your final results. This ensures the best possible long-term outcome and helps reduce the chance of the ulcer returning.
Types of Leg Ulcer Treatment
The treatment used for a venous leg ulcer depends on the veins contributing to the problem. At VeinCentre, EVLA is commonly used to address the underlying faulty veins, with foam sclerotherapy used alongside it where needed.
Treatment Type: Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
EVLA uses laser energy to close the faulty veins contributing to the ulcer. Once the affected vein has been sealed, blood is redirected through healthier veins, helping to relieve the pressure that has been affecting the lower leg and allowing the ulcer to begin healing.
EVLA is carried out under local anaesthetic and is a minimally invasive, walk-in, walk-out procedure.
Treatment Type: Foam Sclerotherapy
Foam sclerotherapy is usually used alongside EVLA to target visible veins on the legs.
A special foam is injected into the affected vein, irritating its lining and causing the vein to close. The sealed vein is then naturally absorbed by the body over time.
Using EVLA and foam sclerotherapy where needed allows treatment to be tailored to the veins contributing to your ulcer.
How Does Treatment Help a Leg Ulcer Heal?
The aim of treating a venous leg ulcer is to deal with the vein problem that is making it difficult for the wound to heal.
Once the affected veins have been closed and blood is redirected through healthier veins, the skin has the opportunity to repair. The ulcer can gradually close, while associated eczema and inflammation should begin to settle.
Most ulcers begin to heal significantly faster once the underlying vein problem has been treated. Some people may be left with pigmentation or scarring, particularly where an ulcer has been present for a long time.
Leg Ulcer Treatment Prices
As the UK’s largest network of specialist vein clinics, we pride ourselves on transparent, fixed pricing – no ‘from’ prices or hidden fees. You will get the full price of your treatment after the consultation. Please find our prices below, or view our leg ulcers treatment cost page.
1.
The VeinCentre Consultation
1-on-1 time with your Vascular Consultant
Comprehensive ultrasound scan
ABPI test
Personalised treatment plan
£350
2.
Treatment
EVLA addresses the root cause of varicose veins, while foam sclerotherapy targets visible veins, allowing the ulcer to start healing
NICE-endorsed as the treatment choice
Quick, walk-in, walk-out procedure with a 99% success rate
One Leg
£2,650
Both Legs
£3,600
3.
Follow Up
Includes another scan of your legs to check results
If needed, foam sclerotherapy to treat remaining visible veins
£250
Total
One Leg
£3,250
Both Legs
£4,200
Leg Ulcer Treatment – Before & After
Our before and after images show results from patients who have undergone treatment for venous leg ulcers at VeinCentre.
As the underlying vein problem is addressed, the ulcer can begin to heal and the surrounding skin can gradually recover. For some patients, this can also mean greater comfort and less reliance on the wound care that had previously been part of their daily routine.
Explore our before and after images below to see examples of results from VeinCentre patients treated by our Vascular Consultants.
Complete Quick Online Assessment
Are There Any Risks With Leg Ulcer Treatment?
All medical procedures come with some risk, and it’s important that you understand the possible side effects before deciding to go ahead.
EVLA is generally well tolerated, but you may experience some mild bruising, tenderness or tightness around the treated area afterwards. These effects usually settle within a few days.
Occasionally, temporary numbness, inflammation or changes in skin pigmentation can develop along the treated vein. Serious complications are rare.
Foam sclerotherapy also carries a small risk of side effects, including skin staining or inflammation around the injection site.
Your Consultant will explain the risks relevant to your treatment before you go ahead and give you clear guidance on what to expect afterwards.
Leg Ulcer Treatment Aftercare
Healing doesn’t stop when your procedure is finished. Once the underlying vein problem has been treated, the ulcer and surrounding skin still need time and care to recover.
It’s important to follow the aftercare guidance given by your Consultant. You may be advised to wear a compression stocking to support circulation while your leg heals.
During your recovery, you should:
- Keep the affected area clean and dry
- Wear compression if advised by your Consultant
- Walk regularly to keep your legs moving
- Elevate your leg when resting
- Avoid standing still for long periods
- Attend your follow-up appointments
Gentle daily movement can help support your recovery, while elevating your leg when resting can help with your ongoing care.
If you have any concerns during your recovery, contact the VeinCentre team for advice rather than waiting until your next appointment.
Leg Ulcer Treatment FAQs
How long does a leg ulcer take to heal after treatment?
Healing time will be different for everyone. At VeinCentre, we find that most venous leg ulcers begin to improve much faster once the underlying vein problem has been treated. Recovery can also depend on how long the ulcer has been present, and some people may notice some lasting pigmentation or scarring as the skin recovers.
Will I still need dressings after my leg ulcer treatment?
Once the underlying vein problem has been treated, the ulcer can begin to heal. The wound itself may still need ongoing care while the skin gradually repairs and recovers.
How soon can I return to normal activities after leg ulcer treatment?
Staying gently active can support your recovery after treatment. Regular walking helps keep the blood moving through your legs and is an easy way to introduce movement into your day while you recover.
Can a leg ulcer come back after treatment?
Treating the underlying vein problem can help reduce the chance of a venous leg ulcer coming back. As part of your follow-up care, your Consultant will check how your veins have responded to treatment and whether any further care is needed to support the best possible long-term result.
