Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged veins, usually in the legs
Treatment can improve symptoms and quality of life
Most modern treatments are quick, walk-in walk-out procedures
Compression stockings are generally only used if other treatments aren't suitable
Treatment isn't usually recommended during pregnancy, since symptoms often ease after birth
About Varicose Vein Treatment
Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged veins that most commonly appear in the legs, caused by faulty valves that allow blood to pool rather than flow properly back towards the heart. Treatment can genuinely help with symptoms such as aching, heaviness, or itching, and may also help prevent complications developing over time.
Most modern treatments are straightforward, walk-in walk-out procedures that don't require an overnight hospital stay. Compression stockings are generally only offered if other treatments aren't suitable for you, or if your veins don't need more active treatment — they help manage symptoms, but won't change the appearance of the veins themselves, and would need to be worn long-term if used as an ongoing treatment. If you develop varicose veins during pregnancy, active treatment isn't usually recommended until after the baby is born, since symptoms often improve on their own.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Varicose Veins · Options
Minimally Invasive Treatments
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
Modern Treatment Options
Endothermal ablation is a common approach, using heat — from radiofrequency energy or a laser — to seal the affected vein shut, usually carried out under local anaesthetic in around 30 minutes. Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is another option, where a foam or liquid medication is injected into the vein under ultrasound guidance, causing it to scar and close off. A newer technique uses a special medical adhesive, sometimes called "glue" ablation, injected into the vein to seal it, without needing heat.
These minimally invasive options are generally preferred where suitable, since they tend to involve a quicker, more comfortable recovery than traditional surgery.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Varicose Veins · Surgery
Surgical Treatment
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
When Surgery is Used
If less invasive treatments aren't suitable, surgery to remove the affected vein — known as ligation and stripping — may be offered instead. This is carried out under general anaesthetic, so you'll be asleep throughout. The surgeon ties off the top of the problem vein through a small cut, usually in the groin crease, then removes it through a further small cut, typically around the knee. Any remaining smaller varicose veins are often removed at the same time through a series of tiny cuts.
Afterwards, the leg is usually bandaged firmly from toe to groin. As with any surgery, there's a small risk of complications, and it's possible for new varicose veins to develop again in the future, even after successful treatment. Your surgeon will discuss which treatment option is most suitable for your particular veins and circumstances.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Hospital Consultants that specialise in General surgery
Local Providers :
Balaji Nagammapudur Senniappan
Nuffield Health, North Staffordshire Hospital, Newcastle Under Lyme
