Varicose vein treatment and surgery

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted and unsightly veins (usually on the legs) that look lumpy and bluish through the skin. Varicose veins do not tend to get better without treatment, and usually get worse with time.

Surgical removal. The most effective treatment for many varicose veins is to have them surgically removed. A commonly performed technique, called ligation and stripping, involves tying off and removing the main vein affected in the leg. Ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy. Ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy is a new non-surgical option for treating varicose veins. The aim is to inject and destroy the main surface vein which is feeding the varicose vein.

Usually only one leg is treated per appointment and more than one treatment may be required. Endovenous Laser Treatment is another non-surgical option for treating varicose veins. It involves passing a probe into a vein to heat it up and seal it from within.