Top 5 Non-Surgical Treatments for Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic concern. If you’ve noticed bulging veins on your legs, or if your legs feel heavy, achy, or swollen by the end of the day, you might be dealing with more than a simple aesthetic issue. Many women face these challenges, often made worse by pregnancy, long periods of standing, or genetics. Fortunately, you don’t have to resort to surgery to address the issue. 

There are several non-surgical treatments for varicose veins that not only provide excellent results but also come with minimal downtime.

At Vein Doctor for Women, we specialize in offering state-of-the-art, minimally invasive vein treatments that are tailored to each individual’s needs. If you’re wondering when to worry about varicose veins or what the best vein treatment options are, this guide will walk you through the top five non-surgical treatments for varicose veins.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are caused by a condition called venous insufficiency. This occurs when the valves in your veins malfunction, allowing blood to pool instead of flowing efficiently back to the heart. Over time, this leads to enlarged, twisted veins that become visible under the skin. They often come with symptoms like swelling, heaviness, aching, and discomfort in the legs.

While many women develop varicose veins during or after pregnancy, the condition can affect anyone and worsen without treatment. However, the good news is that non-surgical treatments for varicose veins can address both the appearance of veins and the underlying vein disease.

1. Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is one of the most common and effective treatments for small varicose veins and spider veins. This procedure involves injecting a saline or detergent-based solution into the affected veins. The solution causes the vein walls to stick together and collapse. Over time, the treated veins are reabsorbed by the body, and blood is rerouted to healthier veins.

Benefits of Sclerotherapy:

• Minimally invasive and requires no incisions
• Quick procedure, typically taking 30-45 minutes
• Minimal discomfort with no downtime
• Can be used for both spider veins and small to medium-sized varicose veins

What to Expect:

During sclerotherapy, your vein doctor will use fine needles to inject the solution into the targeted veins. The entire vein treatment is done in the vein clinic and doesn’t require anesthesia. Most patients can resume their daily activities immediately, though wearing compression stockings for a few days is usually recommended to optimize results.

2. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency ablation is a highly effective non-surgical treatment for varicose veins caused by venous insufficiency. This procedure uses thermal energy (heat) to close off the damaged veins. A catheter is inserted into the vein, and radiofrequency energy is delivered, heating the vein walls. This causes the vein to seal shut, and the blood is rerouted to healthier veins.

Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation:

• Minimally invasive, performed under local anesthesia
• Only a small incision is needed for the catheter
• Excellent success rate for large varicose veins
• Minimal discomfort and quick recovery

What to Expect:

Radiofrequency ablation is typically performed in under an hour. After numbing the area, your vein doctors will use ultrasound guidance to position the catheter and deliver the heat energy to the affected vein. Once the vein is closed, you may need to wear compression stockings for a few weeks to ensure optimal results.

3. Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is another excellent option for treating venous insufficiency and large varicose veins. This technique is similar to radiofrequency ablation but uses laser energy instead of heat to close the affected veins. The procedure is performed with a small catheter and guided by ultrasound, ensuring precise targeting of the damaged veins.

Benefits of EVLA:

• Minimally invasive, with only a tiny incision
• Quick and virtually painless procedure
• High success rate for long-term results
• Little to no scarring

What to Expect:

EVLA is an outpatient procedure that takes about an hour. You’ll be given local anesthesia to keep you comfortable while the laser energy is delivered to seal off the problematic veins. After the procedure, you can return to normal activities, though some minor bruising or swelling may occur. Wearing compression stockings will help with the healing process.

4. VenaSeal

VenaSeal is a cutting-edge vein treatment that uses a medical adhesive to close off varicose veins. This method is unique because it doesn’t require heat, making it an excellent option for patients sensitive to thermal treatments like RFA and EVLA. VenaSeal is also ideal for patients who want to avoid the need for compression stockings post-treatment.

Benefits of VenaSeal:

• No need for heat or tumescent anesthesia
• Minimal recovery time and no compression stockings required
• Effective for larger veins and venous insufficiency
• Safe and virtually painless

What to Expect:

During the procedure, your vein doctor will insert a small catheter into the affected vein and deliver the medical-grade adhesive. Once the vein is sealed, the body reroutes the blood through healthier veins. VenaSeal’s results are immediate, and there is little to no downtime. Visit your nearest vein clinic to discuss VenaSeal pros and cons with our vein specialists.

5. ClariVein

ClariVein combines the principles of sclerotherapy with mechanical disruption to close off varicose veins. This treatment involves using a rotating catheter that delivers a sclerosing solution into the vein while simultaneously irritating the vein walls. This dual action ensures that the vein closes quickly and efficiently.

Benefits of ClariVein:

• Minimally invasive, no need for heat or anesthesia
• Quick procedure with minimal discomfort
• Effective for varicose veins and venous insufficiency
• Little to no downtime

What to Expect:

ClariVein is performed in the comfort of our vein treatment clinic, and the entire procedure takes less than an hour. Since there’s no need for heat, anesthesia, or incisions, patients can return to their routine immediately. Learn about our vein clinics and see how ClariVein can help you achieve healthier veins.

6. Varithena

Varithena is a specialized foam-based sclerotherapy treatment that treats larger varicose veins, particularly in cases of venous insufficiency. The foam is injected into the problematic veins, where it displaces the blood and causes the vein walls to collapse and close. This allows blood to reroute through healthier veins, gradually improving symptoms and appearance.

Benefits of Varithena:

• Minimally invasive with no need for incisions or anesthesia
• Effective for large varicose veins and venous insufficiency
• Quick procedure with minimal discomfort
• Little to no downtime

What to Expect:

Varithena is performed in an outpatient setting. Your vein doctor will inject the foam into the affected vein using ultrasound guidance to ensure precision. The vein treatment usually takes less than an hour, and most patients can return to their daily activities immediately afterward. You may need to wear compression stockings briefly to enhance recovery. Learn about our vein treatments and explore the pros and cons of Varithena with our vein specialists.

Are Non-Surgical Treatments Covered by Insurance?

Most of our non-surgical treatments for varicose veins are covered by medical insurance if deemed medically necessary. Conditions like venous insufficiency, which causes varicose veins, often qualify for coverage because they can lead to more severe health issues if left untreated. While spider veins are usually seen as cosmetic, the treatment for their root cause—often venous insufficiency—may be covered by insurance. At Vein Doctor for Women, we offer insurance verification to help you navigate coverage and vein treatment options.

If you’ve been struggling with varicose veins, there’s no need to suffer in silence or resort to invasive surgery. Non-surgical treatments like sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, EVLA, VenaSeal, and ClariVein offer practical solutions with minimal downtime. At Vein Doctor for Women, we’re here to help you choose the best vein treatment tailored to your needs. Contact us to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward healthier legs.