There are several nonsurgical vein treatments for treating varicose veins.

Sclerotherapy is commonly used for treating spider veins or individual, small veins or after surgery (ligation and stripping) on larger varicose veins. But more recent advances now make sclerotherapy an effective option for larger veins. Laser therapy has traditionally been used on smaller varicose veins, especially spider veins. Laser and radiofrequency techniques are now treatment options for larger veins.

Other Treatment Choices

Sclerotherapy is a nonsurgical procedure in which a chemical is injected into the vein, causing the vein to close off.

Newer techniques

• Laser therapies (including endovenous laser) use the heat of laser energy to scar and close off varicose veins.
• Microphlebectomy, or stab avulsion, is a technique in which several tiny incisions are made in the skin through which the varicose vein is removed.
• Radiofrequency treatment uses radiofrequency energy to close off a large varicose vein.

What To Think About

People who have laser or radiofrequency treatment generally feel less pain and heal faster than people who have vein surgery.¹

Some people may want to have vein treatment to improve how their legs look, even though their varicose veins are not causing other problems. Vein treatments may be appropriate in some cases as long as you do not have other health problems that make the treatment risky. For more information on making this decision, see:

Should I have a surgical procedure for varicose veins?

Keep in mind that vein treatments done only for cosmetic reasons are not likely to be covered by insurance.

Complications of varicose veins may require further treatment, especially if you have developed severe varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency.