These are bulging veins that lie just beneath the skin (superficial veins). They occur when the walls of a vein are weak or damaged or if the valves in the vein that normally stop the blood from flowing backwards are impaired, resulting in pooling of the blood and stretched veins. Besides being unattractive, varicose veins can be painful and cause inflammation or ulceration. The following different types of surgery are available if varicose veins require treatment: Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat varicose veins. It involves the use of heat generated by radiofrequency energy to close off faulty veins, primarily those in the legs. During the procedure, a thin catheter is inserted into the affected vein through a small incision. The catheter emits radiofrequency energy, which heats the vein walls, causing them to collapse and seal shut. This redirects blood flow to healthier veins, improving circulation. The treated vein is eventually absorbed by the body over time. Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) involves injecting a sclerosing agent, usually a liquid or foam, directly into the affected veins under ultrasound guidance. The sclerosing agent irritates the inner lining of the vein, causing it to collapse and eventually be reabsorbed by the body. Over time, the treated vein fades away, and blood is rerouted to healthier veins. Phlebectomy is particularly effective in removing bulging veins close to the skin’s surface. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, is well tolerated, and ensures the vein has been removed. It has a quick recovery time, with most patients able to return to normal activities within a few days. Studies have shown that when used in combination with other techniques it reduces the need for multiple follow-up injections, reducing staining, improving quality of life and reducing symptoms much quicker. VenaSeal is a modern, minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins that uses a medical adhesive to close off faulty veins. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into the affected vein through a small incision, and the adhesive is delivered precisely along the length of the vein using ultrasound guidance. The adhesive seals the vein shut, rerouting blood flow to healthier veins and improving overall circulation. Over time, the treated vein is absorbed by the body. Unlike other varicose vein treatments, VenaSeal does not require heat, sclerosants, or tumescent anaesthesia, reducing the risk of nerve injury and minimizing discomfort. Microsclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat small varicose veins and spider or thread veins, typically those close to the skin’s surface. During the procedure, a very fine needle is used to inject a sclerosing agent directly into the affected veins. This agent irritates the vein walls, causing them to collapse and eventually be absorbed by the body. As the treated veins disappear over time, blood flow is redirected to healthier veins, improving circulation and the appearance of the skin. Wearing compression stockings prevents reopening of the treated veins and ensures long-term success of the treatment. You will only be required to wear the stockings for 3-10 days as per the Specialist recommendation to get the best result.