Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Shanti Das

Scars and ulcers among risks from boom in beauticians treating varicose veins

Ulcer
An injection in the leg.
Sclerotherapy is generally considered a safe treatment for varicose veins when delivered by a qualified medical practitioner. Photograph: Phanie/Alamy

The adverts promise beautiful legs, zero risk, and treatment in as little as 15 minutes. But unregulated injections to “eliminate” varicose veins are putting clients at risk of serious health complications, surgeons have warned.

Vein removal treatments costing as little as £90 a session are being offered by beauticians without medical supervision across the UK, Observer analysis has found.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Washington family’s Victorian doll Michael and its eerie dinner tradition
A Victorian doll named Michael occupies a unique place in Washington, DC’s history, not simply as an antique kept in a museum but as part of a family tradition shaped by superstition, grief and spiritualism. Displayed at the Heurich House Museum , Michael was reportedly seated at the dinner table…
The Times of India
The Times of India
Christian group tries to preach to women at Texas Roadhouse; the women respond with their own kind of blessing, leading to police intervention
They certainly weren't expecting that.
We Got This Covered
We Got This Covered
SNL stars and alum weigh in on Shane Gillis’ sexist monologue
Gillis’s comments on the late night sketch comedy show have sparked intense backlash
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Claude Lalanne’s bronze monkey armchair with ostrich leather seat sold for $1.079 million
Sotheby’s auction in December 2025 saw the sale of a remarkable gilt-bronze armchair by Claude Lalanne, which captured attention with its elaborate vines and monkey embellishments. This particular design, created in 1998, was the pioneer among Lalanne’s 'Singerie' armchairs to attract a successful sale. The high demand for Lalanne's artistry…
The Times of India
The Times of India
Jimmy Kimmel on Trump’s Nobel prize ‘snub’: ‘Thanks a lot, Norway. You made our baby cry’
The host discussed being called a ‘loser’ by Trump and the appointment of the new White House press secretary
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
5 Coffee Creamers That Add More Sugar Than You May Realize
Coffee creamer can make a morning cup taste like a coffeehouse treat, but a little splash can add more sugar than you might expect. Many popular flavored creamers contain around 5 grams of sugar per tablespoon, even when their sweetness doesn’t seem especially strong. The serving size is also smaller…
Grocery Coupon Guide
Grocery Coupon Guide
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play