Ulrika Jonsson has revealed she underwent a “painful” procedure to remove her varicose veins.
The 58-year-old television presenter shared photos from the treatment on Friday, telling her 236,000 Instagram followers it had been “successful”, though “not the sexiest thing in the world”.
Jonsson did not specify the type of procedure but said it was the third time she had undergone treatment.
According to the NHS, varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that appear under the skin, most commonly on the legs. They are common and not usually serious, but treatment is available if they cause discomfort or other problems.
“Under strict instruction from my occasional therapist who told me I needed to get out of my comfort zone, I decided on a day out to get my varicose veins done,” the star wrote.
“I’m somewhat of a veteran in this field - this was the third (and final) time. Last visit was 21yrs ago. Nowadays they not only hook the swines out but 'microwave' and 'foam' the blighters.
“It was complex but successful and aside from my legs being suffocated by surgical stockings and bleeding like vertical colanders, having someone make me a cheese and ham toastie, was a bit of a treat.
“It’s painful, uncomfortable and not the sexiest thing in the world but grateful for my amazing Consultant, Mr Northeast.
“(Back in Oct I had a pioneering treatment to try to stem the flow of blood to the legs by going in through my jugular vein - while I was awake - and passing a wire down to the pelvic area to embolise the veins that are feeding the legs. Had this done 21yrs ago first time, too. Bonkers).”
Jonsson then said she would have to rest for the next few days, and joked her followers should send well wishes and treats.
“So that's me for the next 8 days, strapped in blood soaked stockings and trying my hardest to sit on my fat ar5e and take it easy,” she added. “Fat chance. Send healing vibes and baked goods.”
Last year, Jonsson made a bold statement on social media, telling trolls to stop “judging women’s appearances”.
The TV star took to her Instagram to issue a statement, following nasty comments after appearing on Spencer Matthews’ Untapped podcast, where she spoke about being sober for a year.
While Jonsson said she received a lot of positivity, she says many of the comments criticised her appearance.
“I understand that an over-tanned, imperfect and ageing face offends you,” she wrote.
“But try to listen to the words rather than constantly judging women’s appearance. You might learn something. And making people feel s*** doesn’t make you a hero.”
