Varicose Vein Treatment
Day case treatment for failing leg veins, from compression through to laser and glue closure.
Key Takeaways
- Treatment closes the failing vein so blood reroutes through healthy ones.
- Laser, radiofrequency and glue have largely replaced open vein stripping.
- Most procedures are day cases with same day discharge.
- A Doppler scan decides which vein is treated, not how it looks on the surface.
Which Treatments Are Available?
- Compression therapy: graduated stockings that control symptoms and slow progression
- Endovenous laser ablation: a fibre inside the vein seals it with heat
- Radiofrequency ablation: the same principle using radiofrequency energy
- Medical glue closure: the vein is sealed with adhesive, so no heat and no tumescent injections
- Sclerotherapy: an injected agent closes smaller surface veins
- Phlebectomy: bulging surface veins removed through tiny punctures
How Is the Right Treatment Chosen?
From the Doppler scan rather than the appearance. The scan shows which vein is refluxing and over what length, and treatment targets that vein. A prominent surface vein is often only the visible consequence of a deeper failing trunk, so treating what you can see alone tends to disappoint.
Skin condition matters too. Where the ankle is already stained or hardened, treatment is more urgent and compression continues afterwards.
What Happens on the Day?
Most procedures are done under local anaesthetic with the leg mapped by ultrasound. You walk immediately afterwards, wear compression for a period, and return to routine activity within a few days. Heavy lifting and long flights are restricted briefly.
What Results Should You Expect?
Aching and heaviness usually improve within a fortnight. Visible veins fade over weeks to months rather than instantly. Being honest about this matters, because patients expecting an immediate cosmetic change are often disappointed at the two week review while the clinical result is going perfectly well.
New veins can develop later, particularly where family history is strong, so review continues.
What Does It Cost?
Cost depends on the technique and how many segments need treating. Compression alone is inexpensive, laser and radiofrequency sit in the middle, and glue closure costs more because of the consumable. A written quote follows the Doppler assessment, and the underlying condition is explained on our varicose vein page.