At Kensington International Clinic, our vascular department is rooted in a specific clinical tradition: the French school of phlebology, recognised for more than half a century for the precision of its diagnostic approach and the rigour of its treatment protocols for venous disease. Located at 2 North Terrace, in the heart of London, our private clinic brings this expertise to London and international patients, whether for a preventive vascular check-up, an in-depth diagnosis or a specialist varicose vein treatment.
Our vascular service is led by two senior phlebologists: Dr Wissem Abdellaoui, a phlebologist trained at Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou in Paris, and Professor Usman Jaffer, a vascular surgeon at Imperial College NHS Trust. Together they cover the full vascular pathway, from non-invasive screening to advanced endovascular procedures.
The French school of phlebology: a tradition of clinical excellence
Modern phlebology owes a large part of its foundations to France. From the 1960s onwards, work carried out by the French school shaped today’s understanding of venous disease: clinical classification of varicose veins, ultrasound mapping of the superficial and deep venous systems, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy protocols, early development of endovenous ablation techniques. What sets this tradition apart is a very specific demand: to treat venous disease as a whole, not just the visible symptoms.
This is the legacy we carry forward at Kensington International Clinic. Our consultants rely on rigorous protocols, systematic duplex imaging before any treatment decision, and a patient approach that blends French clinical precision with the standards of British private medicine.
Our vascular consultants
Dr Wissem Abdellaoui, French-speaking phlebologist
Dr Wissem Abdellaoui is our lead phlebologist. Trained at Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou (AP-HP Paris), he is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC no. 7852217) and consults in French, English and Arabic. His expertise covers complete vascular diagnostics (venous and arterial duplex scans), the management of varicose and spider veins, and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy.
Dr Abdellaoui performs the majority of duplex scans and initial vascular consultations at the clinic. His approach prioritises thorough evaluation before any intervention: understanding each patient’s individual physiopathology before setting a treatment plan.
Professor Usman Jaffer, vascular surgeon
Professor Usman Jaffer brings world-class vascular surgical expertise to Kensington International Clinic. A consultant at Imperial College NHS Trust, a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and holder of a Masters in Medical Ultrasound, he practices at the clinic for advanced endovascular treatments, in particular endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for saphenous varicose veins. He consults in English, Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi.
His academic profile and NHS teaching-hospital experience give him particular authority on complex cases, recurrent varicose veins and non-standard surgical indications.
Our vascular services
Our vascular department offers three broad categories of services, designed to cover the complete diagnostic and therapeutic pathway.
Full vascular check-up (duplex scan)
The non-invasive gold-standard examination to assess the health of your venous and arterial system. Indicated for screening, pre-operative assessment, or when vascular symptoms (heaviness, swelling, leg pain) are present.
Performed by Dr Wissem Abdellaoui.
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA)
The reference treatment for saphenous varicose veins, performed under local anaesthesia on a day-case basis with rapid recovery. EVLA has replaced traditional surgical stripping in the vast majority of indications.
Performed by Professor Usman Jaffer.
Sclerotherapy and foam sclerotherapy for varicose veins
Injection-based treatment of truncal and collateral varicose veins, performed under ultrasound guidance by Dr Abdellaoui. Particularly suited to spider veins, collateral networks and small-calibre varicose veins.
When should you see a phlebologist in London?
A vascular consultation is recommended in several clinical situations:
- Visible varicose veins (bluish cords or raised veins on the legs), with or without functional discomfort
- Spider veins and thread veins (small red or blue surface veins)
- Symptoms of heavy legs, fatigue or swelling at the end of the day or in warm weather
- Family history of venous disease (parents, grandparents)
- Pregnancy or post-partum (hormonal changes accelerate venous disease)
- Before or after long-haul flights
- Post-operative follow-up of previous vascular treatment
- Preventive check-up in patients at high cardiovascular risk
Every patient starts with a complete duplex scan: no treatment is proposed without precise mapping of the venous system. It is the French school rule, and it is ours.
Private varicose vein treatment : your options
Private varicose vein treatment in London relies on three complementary approaches, chosen according to the location, calibre and anatomical configuration of the veins concerned.
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is the reference technique for saphenous varicose veins (great and small saphenous veins). A laser fibre is inserted into the diseased vein and thermally occludes it under local anaesthesia. Rapid recovery, durable results, near-invisible scarring.
Foam sclerotherapy involves injecting a sclerosing agent in foam form into the vein, causing its progressive closure. It is the treatment of choice for collateral varicose veins and small-to-medium calibre networks. Performed under ultrasound guidance for millimetre precision.
Standard sclerotherapy treats small spider veins and thread veins (superficial red or blue veins). Several spaced sessions are usually required for optimal results.
In most cases, a combined treatment (EVLA for the saphenous vein, followed by sclerotherapy for collaterals) delivers the best long-term clinical and aesthetic outcome.
Vascular consultation and treatment fees
Service | Duration | Fee |
|---|---|---|
Full vascular check-up (duplex scan)
| 45 min | £450
|
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), unilateral | Procedure | £2,600
|
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), bilateral
| Procedure | £4,900
|
Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (per session)
| 30 min | £390
|
Standard sclerotherapy (spider veins, per session)
| 30 min | £250
|
Vascular follow-up consultation
| 20 min | £175 |
Several private medical insurers (Bupa, Cigna, AXA, Allianz, WPA) may cover all or part of a vascular treatment. We recommend patients check their cover directly with their insurer before booking a consultation.
Book a consultation with a phlebologist in London
Kensington Clinic is located at 2 North Terrace, London SW3 2BA, six minutes’ walk from South Kensington station and eight minutes from Knightsbridge. We welcome patients from Greater London, across Europe and further afield, with consultations available in French, English, Arabic, Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi depending on the phlebologist.
To book a phlebology consultation, a full vascular check-up or an EVLA procedure, call us on 020 7589 9321, email contact@kic.london, or use our online booking system.
