Varicose Veins: Should I Have a Surgical Procedure?
Varicose Veins: Should I Have a Surgical Procedure?Skip to the navigationYou may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them. Varicose Veins: Should I Have a Surgical Procedure?Get the factsYour options- Have surgery or a procedure to close or remove your varicose
veins.
- Try home care to improve your symptoms. You can exercise,
prop up your legs when resting, wear support or compression stockings, and lose
weight if needed.
Key points to remember- You may want to first try some things at home to reduce pain or
other symptoms from varicose veins. You can wear
compression stockings, prop up your leg (or legs) on a
pillow or a chair when you can, get some exercise, and lose weight if needed.
If these steps don't help your symptoms, you may want to have surgery or a
procedure.
- Having surgery or a procedure is a better choice if you
care a lot about how your legs look. Home treatment won't change the look of
varicose veins. Surgery and other procedures also can reduce pain and other
symptoms.
- Surgery can leave tiny scars on your legs.
- The size of your varicose veins affects the type of treatment
you might have. If you have larger veins, you are likely to have surgery (ligation and stripping) or less invasive procedures such as
radiofrequency closure or
endovenous laser treatment. Small to medium-sized
varicose veins usually are treated with
sclerotherapy,
external laser treatment, or a minor surgery called
microphlebectomy.
- Procedures that are used to close varicose veins and keep them from coming back seem to work about the same. These procedures include laser treatment, radiofrequency closure, sclerotherapy, and surgery.
- Before you have any procedure, check your insurance to see if
it covers the cost. Some policies do not cover procedures that are viewed as
only being done for personal, not medical, reasons.
FAQs Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins near the surface of the skin. They are most common in
the legs and ankles. You may have them in one or both legs. They
can make your legs ache, hurt, itch, and swell. Even if you don't
have symptoms, you may not like the way the veins make your legs look. You can treat
varicose veins with home care, surgery, or another procedure. Home treatment For many people, home treatment
relieves pain and other symptoms. If you don't have serious problems from
varicose veins, home care may be all that you need. But home treatment won't
make your varicose veins go away or look better. You can: - Wear
compression stockings.
- Prop up your legs
on a pillow or a chair when you can.
- Exercise to improve blood flow
in your legs.
- Lose weight if needed. (Being overweight can make
varicose veins worse.)
If you still have pain or other symptoms after trying
home treatment for 6 to 12 months, you may want to have surgery or a procedure.
If your main concern is how your legs look, you could have treatment whenever
you want. Home care won't change how your legs look. Procedures for varicose veins These less invasive procedures
close or remove the varicose veins. They can usually be done in your doctor's
office or clinic. -
Laser treatment. A laser is a highly focused beam of
light. Heat from the laser damages the vein and causes scar tissue, which
closes the vein. Lasers may be used:
- On the outside of the skin (external laser) to close off small veins near the
surface.
- Inside a vein (endovenous laser) to
close large veins. The doctor places a thin tube called a catheter into the
vein through a small cut in the skin.
-
Radiofrequency closure. This procedure
uses a type of energy that is different from that of a laser to close off large
varicose veins in the legs. A small cut is made in the vein. The energy is
directed through a thin tube placed in the cut.
-
Sclerotherapy. A chemical is injected
into the varicose vein to damage and scar the inside of the vein. This closes
the vein.
Phlebectomy (also called microphlebectomy or stab avulsion) is usually done along with another procedure or surgery to treat varicose veins. Several tiny cuts
are made in the skin. The veins are removed through these cuts. Stitches
usually aren't needed. Surgery for varicose veins
Vein ligation and stripping is a surgical treatment for
varicose veins. One or more cuts are made over the vein, and the vein is tied
off (ligated) in two places. All or part of the vein between the tied off areas
is usually removed (stripped). You'll need
general or spinal anesthesia for this surgery. You'll
probably have a few stitches. Laser treatment, radiofrequency closure, and sclerotherapy seem to work as well as surgery.footnote 1 All of the treatments work about the same in how well they close off varicose veins. The treatments work in about 80 to 93 out of 100 people. The treatments may not work for about 7 to 20 out of 100 people.footnote 2 These treatments may also: - Relieve symptoms.
- Improve the look of the skin.
- Improve quality of life.
Studies show that all of the treatments have a similar risk that the varicose veins may come back.footnote 3
Endovenous laser treatment, radiofrequency closure, and sclerotherapy have some risks: - Blood clots may form in the veins.
- You may
have small scars.
- Your skin may be numb where the thin tube is put
in for radiofrequency closure or endovenous laser treatment.
- You could have bleeding sores.
- You could have an allergic reaction to the liquid that is put
into the vein during sclerotherapy. This is rare.
- The color of your
skin could change and stay that way, or tiny new blood vessels could form in
the area that was treated. These problems are rare.
Vein ligation and stripping also has
some risks: - You could bleed a lot.
- You could
get an infection.
- You might have numbness in your legs.
- You could have small scars where the vein was
removed.
- You could have problems from
anesthesia.
People who have had blood clots in a deep vein (deep vein thrombosis) or blood clots and inflammation in a small vein near
the surface of the skin (thrombophlebitis) may be at greater
risk for problems from surgery for varicose veins. Your doctor might suggest surgery or a procedure
if: - You have tried compression stockings and
other home care and you still have pain and swelling.
- You want to
treat varicose veins so that your legs will look better.
Compare your options | |
|---|
What is usually involved? |
| |
|---|
What are the benefits? |
| |
|---|
What are the risks and side effects? |
| |
|---|
Have a procedure for
varicose veins Have a procedure for
varicose veins - You may be
asleep or awake, depending on the procedure.
- You can go home the
same day.
- You may have to wear compression stockings for a week or more
after treatment.
- Your
symptoms are likely to get better or go away.
- You may be happier with the way your legs look.
- Your varicose veins may come back.
- Your pain
or other symptoms may come back.
- Side effects may include:
- Burning.
- Infection.
- Itching.
- Small
scars.
- A lasting change in skin color in the area that was
treated.
Use home treatment
Use home treatment
- You wear
compression stockings.
- You prop up your legs on a chair or a pillow to keep blood from
pooling.
- You do more exercise to improve the blood flow in your
legs.
- You can lose weight, if needed, to improve symptoms.
- Your symptoms may get better
or go away.
- You don't have pain or other side effects from
surgery.
- Your symptoms
might not get better.
- Home care won't change how your varicose
veins look.
- Compression stockings can be hard to put on and take
off. Wearing them can be hot and uncomfortable.
Living here
in Arizona, I wear shorts and skirts a lot. Several years ago, I stopped trying
to keep a tan all the time because of the risk of skin cancer. So now that I
don't have that brown skin, you can really see my veins. I also started to
wonder if the veins were related to the aching I have sometimes in my legs. I
talked to my doctor about it and found out that the aching probably is not
related to the spider veins. But I decided to have them treated anyway, because
I really don't like the way my legs look. My main
reason for treating my varicose veins is to relieve the aching and fatigue. My
legs are so tired at the end of the day! My doctor said that I could try
surgery, but I don't feel like my legs bother me enough to take the risk, even
though she says it's a pretty safe surgery. So we talked about some other
options, like these special panty hose that compress the leg veins, and about
putting my feet up several times a day. And about walking more. Who would have
thought that being on my feet more might make my legs less
tired? I have several of those long,
ropy-looking, twisted blue varicose veins. And my legs are pretty skinny, so
they really stand out. I'm not concerned with how my legs look, but I'm a
police officer and I'm on my feet all day. At the end of the day, my legs
really ache. We talked about treatments like elastic stockings, but in my job
that isn't practical. My doctor said that I'm a good candidate for surgery to
remove the long veins and that the results should be pretty
good. I would like to do something about all my
varicose veins, but until my youngest daughter gets out of college, we really
can't afford it. I also know that treatment sometimes can cause some
discoloration or scarring, which I would also like to avoid. So I wear my
support hose, elevate my legs, and wear darker hose with my
skirts. What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to have a procedure for varicose veins Reasons to try home care for varicose veins I'm really bothered by the way my legs look because of my varicose veins. I'm not bothered by how my legs look. More important Equally important More important I still have symptoms from my varicose veins, even with home care. Home care is helping my symptoms. More important Equally important More important I'm not worried about possible side effects from a procedure for varicose veins. I don't want to have the risk of any side effects from a procedure. More important Equally important More important Having a procedure is worth it to me, even if there's a chance that my varicose veins will come back. I don't want to have a procedure if my varicose veins could come back. More important Equally important More important My other important reasons: My other important reasons: More important Equally important More important Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Having a procedure NOT having a procedure Leaning toward Undecided Leaning toward What else do you need to make your decision?1.
How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Not sure at all Somewhat sure Very sure Your SummaryHere's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision. Next stepsWhich way you're leaningHow sure you areYour commentsKey concepts that you understoodKey concepts that may need reviewCredits | Author | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | David A. Szalay, MD - Vascular Surgery |
|---|
References Citations - Gloviczki P, et al. (2011). The care of patients with varicose veins and associated chronic venous diseases: Clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 53(16S): 2S-48S. DOI:10.1016/j.jvs.2011.01.079. Accessed December 29, 2014.
- Van den Bos R, et al. (2009). Endovenous therapies of lower extremity varicosities: A meta-analysis. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 49(1): 230-239.
- Nesbitt C, et al. (2014). Endovenous ablation (radiofrequency and laser) and foam sclerotherapy versus open surgery for great saphenous vein varices. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (7). DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005624.pub3. Accessed December 16, 2014.
Other Works Consulted - Gloviczki P, et al. (2011). The care of patients with varicose veins and associated chronic venous diseases: Clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 53(16S): 2S-48S. DOI:10.1016/j.jvs.2011.01.079. Accessed December 29, 2014.
- Khilnani NM, et al. (2010). Multi-society consensus quality improvement guidelines for the treatment of lower extremity superficial venous insufficiency with endovenous thermal ablation from the Society of Interventional Radiology, Cardiovascular Interventional Radiological Society of Europe, American College of Phlebology, and Canadian Interventional Radiology Association. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, 21(1): 14-31.
- Kundu S, et al. (2010). Multi-disciplinary quality improvement guidelines for the treatment of lower extremity superficial venous insufficiency with ambulatory phlebectomy from the Society of Interventional Radiology, Cardiovascular Interventional Radiological Society of Europe, American College of Phlebology, and Canadian Interventional Radiology Association. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, 21(1): 1-13.
You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them. Varicose Veins: Should I Have a Surgical Procedure?Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision. - Get the facts
- Compare your options
- What matters most to you?
- Where are you leaning now?
- What else do you need to make your decision?
1. Get the FactsYour options- Have surgery or a procedure to close or remove your varicose
veins.
- Try home care to improve your symptoms. You can exercise,
prop up your legs when resting, wear support or compression stockings, and lose
weight if needed.
Key points to remember- You may want to first try some things at home to reduce pain or
other symptoms from varicose veins. You can wear
compression stockings , prop up your leg (or legs) on a
pillow or a chair when you can, get some exercise, and lose weight if needed.
If these steps don't help your symptoms, you may want to have surgery or a
procedure.
- Having surgery or a procedure is a better choice if you
care a lot about how your legs look. Home treatment won't change the look of
varicose veins. Surgery and other procedures also can reduce pain and other
symptoms.
- Surgery can leave tiny scars on your legs.
- The size of your varicose veins affects the type of treatment
you might have. If you have larger veins, you are likely to have surgery (ligation and stripping) or less invasive procedures such as
radiofrequency closure or
endovenous laser treatment. Small to medium-sized
varicose veins usually are treated with
sclerotherapy,
external laser treatment, or a minor surgery called
microphlebectomy.
- Procedures that are used to close varicose veins and keep them from coming back seem to work about the same. These procedures include laser treatment, radiofrequency closure, sclerotherapy, and surgery.
- Before you have any procedure, check your insurance to see if
it covers the cost. Some policies do not cover procedures that are viewed as
only being done for personal, not medical, reasons.
FAQs What are varicose veins?Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins near the surface of the skin. They are most common in
the legs and ankles. You may have them in one or both legs. They
can make your legs ache, hurt, itch, and swell. Even if you don't
have symptoms, you may not like the way the veins make your legs look. How are varicose veins treated?You can treat
varicose veins with home care, surgery, or another procedure. Home treatment For many people, home treatment
relieves pain and other symptoms. If you don't have serious problems from
varicose veins, home care may be all that you need. But home treatment won't
make your varicose veins go away or look better. You can: - Wear
compression stockings .
- Prop up your legs
on a pillow or a chair when you can.
- Exercise to improve blood flow
in your legs.
- Lose weight if needed. (Being overweight can make
varicose veins worse.)
If you still have pain or other symptoms after trying
home treatment for 6 to 12 months, you may want to have surgery or a procedure.
If your main concern is how your legs look, you could have treatment whenever
you want. Home care won't change how your legs look. Procedures for varicose veins These less invasive procedures
close or remove the varicose veins. They can usually be done in your doctor's
office or clinic. -
Laser treatment. A laser is a highly focused beam of
light. Heat from the laser damages the vein and causes scar tissue, which
closes the vein. Lasers may be used:
- On the outside of the skin (external laser) to close off small veins near the
surface.
- Inside a vein (endovenous laser) to
close large veins. The doctor places a thin tube called a catheter into the
vein through a small cut in the skin.
-
Radiofrequency closure. This procedure
uses a type of energy that is different from that of a laser to close off large
varicose veins in the legs. A small cut is made in the vein. The energy is
directed through a thin tube placed in the cut.
-
Sclerotherapy. A chemical is injected
into the varicose vein to damage and scar the inside of the vein. This closes
the vein.
Phlebectomy (also called microphlebectomy or stab avulsion) is usually done along with another procedure or surgery to treat varicose veins. Several tiny cuts
are made in the skin. The veins are removed through these cuts. Stitches
usually aren't needed. Surgery for varicose veins
Vein ligation and stripping is a surgical treatment for
varicose veins. One or more cuts are made over the vein, and the vein is tied
off (ligated) in two places. All or part of the vein between the tied off areas
is usually removed (stripped). You'll need
general or spinal anesthesia for this surgery. You'll
probably have a few stitches. How well do procedures work for varicose veins?Laser treatment, radiofrequency closure, and sclerotherapy seem to work as well as surgery.1 All of the treatments work about the same in how well they close off varicose veins. The treatments work in about 80 to 93 out of 100 people. The treatments may not work for about 7 to 20 out of 100 people.2 These treatments may also: - Relieve symptoms.
- Improve the look of the skin.
- Improve quality of life.
What are the risks of procedures for varicose veins?Studies show that all of the treatments have a similar risk that the varicose veins may come back.3
Endovenous laser treatment, radiofrequency closure, and sclerotherapy have some risks: - Blood clots may form in the veins.
- You may
have small scars.
- Your skin may be numb where the thin tube is put
in for radiofrequency closure or endovenous laser treatment.
- You could have bleeding sores.
- You could have an allergic reaction to the liquid that is put
into the vein during sclerotherapy. This is rare.
- The color of your
skin could change and stay that way, or tiny new blood vessels could form in
the area that was treated. These problems are rare.
Vein ligation and stripping also has
some risks: - You could bleed a lot.
- You could
get an infection.
- You might have numbness in your legs.
- You could have small scars where the vein was
removed.
- You could have problems from
anesthesia.
People who have had blood clots in a deep vein (deep vein thrombosis) or blood clots and inflammation in a small vein near
the surface of the skin (thrombophlebitis) may be at greater
risk for problems from surgery for varicose veins. Why might your doctor recommend a procedure for varicose veins?Your doctor might suggest surgery or a procedure
if: - You have tried compression stockings and
other home care and you still have pain and swelling.
- You want to
treat varicose veins so that your legs will look better.
2. Compare your options| | Have a procedure for
varicose veins | Use home treatment
|
|---|
| What is usually involved? | - You may be
asleep or awake, depending on the procedure.
- You can go home the
same day.
- You may have to wear compression stockings for a week or more
after treatment.
| - You wear
compression stockings .
- You prop up your legs on a chair or a pillow to keep blood from
pooling.
- You do more exercise to improve the blood flow in your
legs.
- You can lose weight, if needed, to improve symptoms.
|
|---|
| What are the benefits? | - Your
symptoms are likely to get better or go away.
- You may be happier with the way your legs look.
| - Your symptoms may get better
or go away.
- You don't have pain or other side effects from
surgery.
|
|---|
| What are the risks and side effects? | - Your varicose veins may come back.
- Your pain
or other symptoms may come back.
- Side effects may include:
- Burning.
- Infection.
- Itching.
- Small
scars.
- A lasting change in skin color in the area that was
treated.
| - Your symptoms
might not get better.
- Home care won't change how your varicose
veins look.
- Compression stockings can be hard to put on and take
off. Wearing them can be hot and uncomfortable.
|
|---|
Personal storiesPersonal stories about varicose veins
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
"Living here in Arizona, I wear shorts and skirts a lot. Several years ago, I stopped trying to keep a tan all the time because of the risk of skin cancer. So now that I don't have that brown skin, you can really see my veins. I also started to wonder if the veins were related to the aching I have sometimes in my legs. I talked to my doctor about it and found out that the aching probably is not related to the spider veins. But I decided to have them treated anyway, because I really don't like the way my legs look." "My main reason for treating my varicose veins is to relieve the aching and fatigue. My legs are so tired at the end of the day! My doctor said that I could try surgery, but I don't feel like my legs bother me enough to take the risk, even though she says it's a pretty safe surgery. So we talked about some other options, like these special panty hose that compress the leg veins, and about putting my feet up several times a day. And about walking more. Who would have thought that being on my feet more might make my legs less tired?" "I have several of those long, ropy-looking, twisted blue varicose veins. And my legs are pretty skinny, so they really stand out. I'm not concerned with how my legs look, but I'm a police officer and I'm on my feet all day. At the end of the day, my legs really ache. We talked about treatments like elastic stockings, but in my job that isn't practical. My doctor said that I'm a good candidate for surgery to remove the long veins and that the results should be pretty good." "I would like to do something about all my varicose veins, but until my youngest daughter gets out of college, we really can't afford it. I also know that treatment sometimes can cause some discoloration or scarring, which I would also like to avoid. So I wear my support hose, elevate my legs, and wear darker hose with my skirts." 3. What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to have a procedure for varicose veins Reasons to try home care for varicose veins I'm really bothered by the way my legs look because of my varicose veins. I'm not bothered by how my legs look. More important Equally important More important I still have symptoms from my varicose veins, even with home care. Home care is helping my symptoms. More important Equally important More important I'm not worried about possible side effects from a procedure for varicose veins. I don't want to have the risk of any side effects from a procedure. More important Equally important More important Having a procedure is worth it to me, even if there's a chance that my varicose veins will come back. I don't want to have a procedure if my varicose veins could come back. More important Equally important More important My other important reasons: My other important reasons: More important Equally important More important 4. Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Having a procedure NOT having a procedure Leaning toward Undecided Leaning toward 5. What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
1.
I might be able to treat my varicose veins without having surgery or a procedure. That's right. For many people, home treatment works well to relieve pain and other symptoms. If you don't have serious problems from varicose veins, home care may be all that you need. 2.
Home treatment can change how my legs look from varicose veins. You're right. Having surgery or a procedure is a better choice if you care a lot about how your legs look. Home treatment won't change the look of varicose veins. 3.
The kind of procedure I'll have depends on the size of my varicose veins. You're right. The size of your varicose veins affects the type of procedure. If you have large veins, you may be more likely to have surgery, endovenous laser treatment, or radiofrequency closure. Smaller veins usually are treated with sclerotherapy or simple laser therapy. Decide what's next1.
Do you understand the options available to you? 2.
Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you? 3.
Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice? Certainty1.
How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Not sure at all Somewhat sure Very sure 2.
Check what you need to do before you make this decision. Credits | By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | David A. Szalay, MD - Vascular Surgery |
|---|
References Citations - Gloviczki P, et al. (2011). The care of patients with varicose veins and associated chronic venous diseases: Clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 53(16S): 2S-48S. DOI:10.1016/j.jvs.2011.01.079. Accessed December 29, 2014.
- Van den Bos R, et al. (2009). Endovenous therapies of lower extremity varicosities: A meta-analysis. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 49(1): 230-239.
- Nesbitt C, et al. (2014). Endovenous ablation (radiofrequency and laser) and foam sclerotherapy versus open surgery for great saphenous vein varices. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (7). DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005624.pub3. Accessed December 16, 2014.
Other Works Consulted - Gloviczki P, et al. (2011). The care of patients with varicose veins and associated chronic venous diseases: Clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 53(16S): 2S-48S. DOI:10.1016/j.jvs.2011.01.079. Accessed December 29, 2014.
- Khilnani NM, et al. (2010). Multi-society consensus quality improvement guidelines for the treatment of lower extremity superficial venous insufficiency with endovenous thermal ablation from the Society of Interventional Radiology, Cardiovascular Interventional Radiological Society of Europe, American College of Phlebology, and Canadian Interventional Radiology Association. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, 21(1): 14-31.
- Kundu S, et al. (2010). Multi-disciplinary quality improvement guidelines for the treatment of lower extremity superficial venous insufficiency with ambulatory phlebectomy from the Society of Interventional Radiology, Cardiovascular Interventional Radiological Society of Europe, American College of Phlebology, and Canadian Interventional Radiology Association. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, 21(1): 1-13.
Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.Current as of:
March 20, 2017 Gloviczki P, et al. (2011). The care of patients with varicose veins and associated chronic venous diseases: Clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 53(16S): 2S-48S. DOI:10.1016/j.jvs.2011.01.079. Accessed December 29, 2014. Van den Bos R, et al. (2009). Endovenous therapies of lower extremity varicosities: A meta-analysis. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 49(1): 230-239. Nesbitt C, et al. (2014). Endovenous ablation (radiofrequency and laser) and foam sclerotherapy versus open surgery for great saphenous vein varices. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (7). DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005624.pub3. Accessed December 16, 2014. Last modified on: 8 September 2017
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