Varicose veins, characterized by their twisted, enlarged, and often bulging appearance, affect millions of people worldwide.

These unsightly veins, commonly found in the legs and feet, result from weak or damaged vein walls and valves.

While they are not always a cause for medical concern, varicose veins can lead to discomfort, swelling, pain, and even more serious health complications in severe cases.

In this blog, Mykare Health provides a comprehensive guide to the most effective methods for varicose vein removal, helping you make informed decisions about your health.

What Are Varicose Veins?

To understand how to treat varicose veins, it's important to first understand what causes them. Veins carry blood back to the heart, working against gravity.

To prevent backflow, veins have small valves that open and close as blood moves upward.

However, when these valves become weak or damaged, blood can pool in the veins, causing them to enlarge and twist. This results in the formation of varicose veins.

Common symptoms of varicose veins include

• Bulging, twisted veins visible just beneath the skin.

• A heavy or aching sensation in the legs.

• Swelling in the lower legs and ankles.

• Muscle cramps, especially at night.

• Skin discoloration around the affected area.

While some people may only experience cosmetic concerns, others may struggle with significant discomfort or complications, such as ulcers or blood clots. Treating varicose veins not only alleviates symptoms but also prevents potential health risks.

Most Effective Methods for Varicose Vein Removal

1. Compression Therapy

Compression stockings are often the first recommendation for managing varicose veins. These specially designed stockings apply graduated pressure to the legs, encouraging blood flow and reducing swelling.

• How it works: The pressure helps push blood upward toward the heart, reducing pooling in the veins.

• Best for: Mild cases or as a supplementary therapy for more severe conditions.

• Pros: Non-invasive, affordable, and readily available.

• Cons: They don’t eliminate varicose veins; they only manage symptoms.

While compression therapy doesn’t remove varicose veins, it can improve your quality of life and prevent the condition from worsening.

2. Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a popular, minimally invasive treatment option. It involves injecting a special solution, typically a saline or chemical foam, into the affected vein. This causes the vein walls to stick together and eventually collapse. The body then naturally absorbs the closed vein over time.

• How it works: The solution damages the vein lining, sealing it off and rerouting blood to healthier veins.

• Best for: Small to medium-sized varicose veins and spider veins.

• Pros: Quick procedure with little downtime; highly effective for smaller veins.

• Cons: Multiple sessions may be required for complete results.

Sclerotherapy is widely used due to its effectiveness and simplicity. It’s performed in a doctor’s office and usually takes less than 30 minutes per session.

3. Laser Therapy

Laser treatments offer a non-invasive way to treat varicose veins. This technique uses strong bursts of light to target and destroy the vein, causing it to fade and eventually disappear.

• How it works: The laser heats the vein, damaging it and sealing it off. The vein gradually fades as the body absorbs it.

• Best for: Small varicose veins and spider veins.

• Pros: No needles or incisions are required; minimal recovery time.

• Cons: Not effective for larger veins.

Laser therapy is an excellent option for those who prefer a non-invasive approach. However, it’s generally used for cosmetic purposes or minor cases.

4. Endovenous Laser Ablation Therapy (EVLT)

For larger varicose veins, Endovenous Laser Ablation Therapy (EVLT) is a highly effective minimally invasive treatment. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and uses a thin laser fiber to treat the vein from the inside.

• How it works: The laser fiber is inserted into the vein through a small incision, heating and sealing the vein from within.

• Best for: Larger varicose veins that require more intensive treatment.

• Pros: High success rate with minimal scarring.

• Cons: Some discomfort during recovery, including bruising and swelling.

EVLT has become one of the most commonly used methods for larger varicose veins due to its precision and effectiveness.

5. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency Ablation is similar to EVLT but uses radiofrequency energy instead of laser energy. It is a safe and effective treatment for closing off large, problematic veins.

• How it works: A catheter is inserted into the vein, delivering radiofrequency energy that heats and collapses the vein.

• Best for: Large varicose veins causing significant symptoms.

• Pros: Minimally invasive, with shorter recovery time compared to surgery.

• Cons: Slight risk of complications, such as skin burns or nerve damage.

RFA is often preferred for patients who want effective results without undergoing surgery.

6. Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory phlebectomy is a surgical method for removing superficial varicose veins located close to the skin’s surface. It is performed under local anesthesia and involves making small incisions to remove the vein.

• How it works: A vein hook is used to extract the vein through tiny cuts in the skin.

• Best for: Large, superficial varicose veins.

• Pros: Provides immediate results; effective for larger veins.

• Cons: Small scars may form; some recovery time is needed.

Phlebectomy is often combined with other treatments, like EVLT or RFA, for comprehensive results.

7. Vein Stripping and Ligation

Vein stripping and ligation is a traditional surgical procedure used for severe cases of varicose veins. Although less common today, it remains an option for large or complicated veins.

• How it works: The affected vein is tied off and removed through small incisions.

• Best for: Advanced varicose veins causing significant discomfort.

• Pros: Provides long-term relief.

• Cons: Invasive procedure with a longer recovery period.

This method is typically reserved for patients who have not responded to less invasive treatments.

8. Foam Sclerotherapy

Foam sclerotherapy is a variation of traditional sclerotherapy that uses a foam solution for better results with larger veins.

• How it works: The foam fills the vein more completely than a liquid solution, ensuring effective closure.

• Best for: Larger or more stubborn varicose veins.

• Pros: Effective for veins resistant to other treatments.

• Cons: May require multiple sessions for complete results.

This method is particularly beneficial for patients with recurrent or difficult-to-treat varicose veins.

9. Lifestyle Changes

For those with mild varicose veins, lifestyle changes can be an effective way to manage symptoms and prevent progression.

• How it works: Exercise, weight management, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing can improve circulation and reduce strain on veins.

• Best for: Preventing further vein damage.

• Pros: Non-invasive, cost-effective, and promotes overall health.

• Cons: Cannot remove existing varicose veins.

Incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine is a great way to support vein health over the long term.

10. Natural Remedies

Some people explore natural remedies, such as apple cider vinegar or horse chestnut extract, for mild symptom relief. While these may improve circulation, they are not a substitute for professional treatment.

• How it works: Natural remedies aim to reduce inflammation and support vein health.

• Best for: Very mild cases of varicose veins.

• Pros: Affordable and easy to try.

• Cons: Lacks scientific evidence for effectiveness.

While natural remedies may not eliminate varicose veins, they can be part of a holistic approach to managing symptoms.

Conclusion

Varicose veins can range from a cosmetic annoyance to a source of significant discomfort. Fortunately, advances in medical technology offer a wide range of treatment options to suit every need.

Whether you opt for compression stockings, minimally invasive procedures like sclerotherapy, or advanced treatments like EVLT or RFA, consulting a vascular specialist is the first step toward finding the best solution for your condition.

By understanding the options available, you can take control of your health, eliminate varicose veins, and enjoy improved comfort and confidence.