Varicose Vein Treatment

Varicose veins occur when the valves inside leg veins weaken, allowing blood to pool and the veins to become enlarged, twisted, and visible under the skin. Beyond the cosmetic appearance, varicose veins can cause aching, heaviness, swelling, and in more advanced cases, skin changes or ulceration. Modern minimally invasive techniques have largely replaced traditional surgical vein stripping.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution directly into the affected vein, which irritates the vein wall and causes it to close and eventually be reabsorbed by the body. It's most commonly used for smaller varicose veins and spider veins, and can be performed under direct vision or with ultrasound guidance for larger or deeper veins.

Endovenous ablation

For larger, main varicose veins — typically the great or small saphenous vein — endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is generally preferred. A thin catheter is inserted into the vein under ultrasound guidance, and laser or radiofrequency energy is delivered along its length, sealing the vein shut from the inside. Blood naturally reroutes through healthy veins nearby.

Why ultrasound guidance matters

Ultrasound is used throughout — first to map the venous anatomy and confirm which veins are contributing to the problem, and then during treatment to guide catheter or needle placement precisely. This improves both the accuracy of treatment and the ability to treat veins that aren't visible or easily accessible from the skin surface.

What to expect

Both procedures are typically performed as outpatient, walk-in-walk-out procedures under local anaesthetic. Most patients experience mild bruising or tightness along the treated vein, and are encouraged to walk soon after the procedure and wear compression stockings for a period afterward. Most return to normal activities within a day or two.

Common questions