Varicose veins are atypically enlarged blood vessels that develop because of a weakness in the vein’s wall. Treatments focus on improving their appearance and easing symptoms.
For some people, varicose veins may be a purely cosmetic concern, while they may cause pain or discomfort for others.
There are a range of treatment options for varicose veins. Some involve removing the vein, and others involve sealing the vein so that blood has to reroute through healthier blood vessels.
Varicose vein treatments are suitable for people who experience symptoms or have concerns about their appearance.
Various treatment options are available, though some will not be suitable for everyone. A person can talk with a doctor or dermatologist for advice on their individual treatment options.
Read about varicose vein pain.
The following sections outline some of the most common medical procedures for varicose veins, their effectiveness, and associated costs.
Sclerotherapy
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), sclerotherapy is the most common treatment for varicose veins in the legs.
This treatment involves injecting a chemical into different parts of the varicose vein. The chemical causes the walls of the vein to turn sticky and collapse so that blood can no longer flow through the vein. The blood then has to reroute through healthier veins, improving circulation and easing swelling and other symptoms. Over time, the tissues in the surrounding area reabsorb the collapsed vein, causing it to fade.
According to the AADA, varicose veins undergoing treatment with sclerotherapy usually disappear within 3 to 4 months. For optimum results, a person may require two or three treatments.
Sclerotherapy and microsclerotherapy are in-office procedures. They are not usually painful, though they may cause some temporary discomfort.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average cost of sclerotherapy treatment in the United States is $500. This does not include the cost of anesthesia, medical room facilities, or other related costs.
Laser surgery
Laser treatments for varicose veins involve directing laser light at the vein to seal it off without damaging the surrounding skin. Sealing the vein off causes blood to reroute through healthier veins, which eases symptoms.
According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), this in-office procedure has a 98% success rate in treating varicose veins, with most people experiencing immediate symptom relief.
The AADA states that small spider veins may disappear immediately following laser treatment. Larger varicose veins may disappear within 1 to 3 months. For optimal results, a person may need three or more treatments.
Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are newer treatments that dermatologists may use to treat atypically enlarged veins. Usually, EVLT is the treatment of choice for spider veins and small varicose veins, while RFA is the preferred treatment for large varicose veins.
The dermatologist first injects the affected area with a local anesthetic to prevent pain. Then, they make a small incision in the skin. In EVLT, the dermatologist inserts a laser fiber into the skin via the incision. In RFA, the dermatologist inserts a catheter.
The doctor then activates the laser or radiofrequency device, which heats the vein until it collapses and seals shut.
A person may need to wear a compression stocking for 1 to 2 weeks to promote healing. The treated vein may disappear in around 1 year. For optimum results, people may require more than one treatment.
According to the ASDS, RFA has a 98% success rate in treating varicose veins.
The average cost of endovenous ablation in the United States is around $1,800 to $3,300 per vein, depending on the facility and doctor’s fees.
Vein stripping and ligation
Vein stripping and ligation (VSL) is a type of varicose vein surgery that involves tying off (ligating) and removing (stripping) a vein called the “long saphenous vein.” This procedure removes the cause of varicose veins in the legs and should prevent their recurrence.
To perform VSL, the surgeon will make an incision in the groin, through which they can access and tie off the long saphenous vein. The surgeon then inserts a wire through the vein and removes both the wire and the vein via a second incision in the back of the knee. The surgeon then removes any visible varicose veins via smaller incisions in the leg.
When a person wakes from the general anesthesia, they may experience stinging or burning in the treated leg. However, the leg should not be painful. Although the incisions will be visible at first, they should fade fully within 9 to 12 months.
The average cost of a VSL procedure in the United States is between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on the facility, doctor’s fees, and follow-up procedures.
Endoscopic vein surgery
Endoscopic vein surgery (EVS) involves making a small incision in the skin near a varicose vein. The surgeon then inserts a device called an endoscope into the incision. The endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a camera and tiny surgical instruments at one end. The instruments allow the surgeon to close off the vein.
Following the surgery, a person may need to wait several weeks before returning to their everyday activities. Surgeons typically reserve EVS for severe varicose veins that cause skin ulcers.
The cost of EVS ranges from $2,000 to $5,000.
Ambulatory phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy (AP) is a procedure that involves removing varicose veins and other types of large, superficial veins via small, slit-like incisions in the skin.
A person undergoing AP will receive local anesthesia to prevent them from feeling any pain during the procedure. Wearing graduation stockings after the procedure can help ease any residual pain, bruising, or swelling.
According to the ASDS, doctors typically only recommend this treatment for individuals who can wear compression stockings and walk unaided.
A
The cost of AP depends on the number of incisions the surgeon needs to make to remove the varicose veins. The procedure costs between $480 and $3,300 for 10 to 20 incisions.
According to the AADA, the following self-care practices can help improve circulation and prevent new varicose veins from forming:
- exercising regularly
- elevating the legs when sitting or lying down
- getting up and walking around every 30 minutes when sitting for long periods
- taking a break every 30 minutes when standing for long periods
- avoiding long soaks in a hot bath
These tips can help prevent the formation of new varicose veins but will not remove existing ones.
Doctors may recommend that people with varicose veins wear compression stockings to help boost their circulation and reduce swelling in their lower legs. This can help prevent complications, such as deep vein thrombosis and leg ulcers.
Read about home remedies for varicose veins.
There are a range of treatment options available for varicose veins. One approach involves removing the varicose vein or the long saphenous vein that supplies the varicose vein. Another involves damaging the varicose vein so it can no longer carry blood.
Self-care practices can boost circulation and help prevent complications, such as deep vein thrombosis and leg ulcers. They can also help prevent new varicose veins from forming.
Self-care practices include exercising regularly, elevating the legs when sitting or lying down, and getting up regularly during long periods of inactivity.