What Are the Treatment Options for Varicose Veins?
Medically verified
Last updated on 1/29/2026
By Dr. Michael Nguyen
Vein Doctor at Vein Treatment Clinic
Harvard Medical School
Board Certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine
Varicose vein treatment has changed significantly over the years. Most patients today can be treated without surgery using minimally invasive, office-based procedures.
Because varicose veins can develop for different reasons, there is no single treatment that works for everyone. The best option depends on vein anatomy, symptoms, and how blood is flowing beneath the surface.
This page explains the available treatment options for varicose veins and how specialists determine which approach is most appropriate.
This page provides a comprehensive overview of varicose vein treatment options, addresses common patient questions, and explains when evaluation and treatment may be indicated.
If you’re unsure which treatment option may be right for you, a vein evaluation can help clarify your choices.
Table of contents
1. How are varicose vein treatments selected?
2. Lifestyle and conservative management
3. Endovenous ablation (laser or radiofrequency)
4. Sclerotherapy
5. Phlebectomy (removal of surface veins)
6. Do most patients need surgery?
7. Can treatments be combined?
8. What results can patients expect?
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How are varicose vein treatments selected?
Treatment selection begins with understanding which veins are not functioning properly and why.
Ultrasound imaging helps identify valve failure and guides a personalized treatment plan.
Lifestyle and conservative management
Conservative measures such as regular walking, leg elevation, and compression stockings may help reduce symptoms.
These approaches manage symptoms but do not correct underlying valve damage.
Endovenous ablation (laser or radiofrequency)
Endovenous ablation uses heat delivered through a thin catheter to close malfunctioning veins from the inside.
Once closed, blood reroutes through healthier veins, improving circulation and reducing symptoms.
Symptom Checker
Escleroterapia
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a medication into targeted veins to close them and allow them to fade over time.
It is commonly used for smaller varicose veins or as a finishing treatment after reflux is addressed.
Phlebectomy (removal of surface veins)
Phlebectomy removes bulging surface veins through very small skin openings.
This is typically combined with treatment of underlying reflux for lasting results.
Do most patients need surgery?
No. Traditional surgery is rarely needed today for varicose veins.
Modern minimally invasive treatments have largely replaced surgical approaches.
Can treatments be combined?
Yes. Many patients benefit from a combination of treatments tailored to their vein pattern.
Addressing underlying reflux first often improves the success of additional treatments.
Results that speak for themselves
You can expect results like these with our specialized treatments for spider & varicose veins performed by the best experts in the country.
Before
After
A 37-year-old patient visited our Vein Treatment Clinic, seeking relief from unsightly and painful varicose and spider veins. We performed radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy treatments, significantly improving the veins’ appearance and completely eliminating discomfort. The patient is now enjoying a more active and pain-free lifestyle.
Before
After
A 69 year-old patient visited our California Vein Clinic, embarrassed by spider veins that had impacted their self-esteem. We performed radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy treatments, leaving their legs smooth and healthy. The patient now feels more confident, thanks to this transformative treatment.
Before
After
This 84 year-old patient at our New Jersey Vein Treatment Clinic came in with spider veins that had affected their daily routine. We used radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy treatments to relieve discomfort and restore both their leg health and confidence. The patient now enjoys a more active and fulfilling lifestyle, free from pain.
Before
After
At our Long Island Vein Clinic, we treated this 75 year-old patient with spider veins using radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy. These minimally invasive treatments improved both the patient’s appearance and overall well-being, offering transformative results.
Before
After
This 75 year-old patient visited our Long Island Vein Treatment Clinic with painful spider veins. We used radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy, minimally invasive treatments, to eliminate the veins and restore comfort and confidence. The patient experienced life-changing results
What results can patients expect?
Most patients experience improvement in symptoms such as pain, heaviness, and swelling.
Visible veins often become less noticeable as circulation improves.
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When should you see a vein specialist?
Evaluation is recommended if varicose veins cause pain, swelling, skin changes, or interfere with daily activities.
Seeing a specialist helps determine whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate.
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What Are Varicose Veins? >
About the Medical Team at Vein Treatment Clinic
Clinical leadership at Vein Treatment Clinic is guided by a panel of board-certified vein specialists responsible for establishing and maintaining the clinic’s medical standards. Their approach reflects training and experience developed at nationally recognized academic institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and Mount Sinai, with a focus on disciplined evaluation, accuracy, and outcomes-driven care.
All physicians at Vein Treatment Clinic follow a structured, highly standardized clinical model. This includes ongoing training in the latest non-surgical vein treatments, continuous review of emerging research, and strict adherence to proven safety and quality protocols. The approach reflects the values of academic medicine: thoughtful evaluation, disciplined decision-making, and a commitment to outcomes grounded in science.
Patients benefit from a team-based model of care where expertise is shared, best practices are consistently applied, and treatment recommendations are driven by data, experience, and long-term results. This ensures that every patient receives the same high level of care, regardless of which physician they see.
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Start Your Journey to Pain-Free Legs
At Vein Treatment Clinic, education is considered a core part of treatment. Patients are encouraged to understand their condition, their options, and the reasoning behind each recommendation, so they can move forward with clarity and confidence.
If you’d like clarity about whether your varicosas may worsen over time and what next steps make sense, a vein evaluation can help guide that decision.
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