Varicose vein treatment, also known as endovenous ablation, uses radiofrequency or laser energy to cauterize and close varicose veins in the legs. It may be used for Aesthetic surgeon purposes, but it is most commonly used to help ease varicose vein-related symptoms such as aching, swelling, skin irritation, discolouration or inflammation. Endovenous ablation is safe, less invasive than conventional surgery, and leaves virtually no scars.
An example of varicose veins in the leg.
Two incisions are made, one near the patient’s groin at the top of the target vein, and the other is made further down the leg, either at the ankle or knee. The top of the vein is tied up and sealed. A thin, flexible wire is threaded through the bottom of the vein and then pulled out, taking the vein with it. This procedure does not usually require a hospital stay. Ligation and stripping can sometimes result in bruising, bleeding, and pain. In extremely rare occasions, there may be deep vein thrombosis. After surgery, most patients will need 1-3 weeks to recover before going back to work and other normal duties. During recovery time, compression stockings are worn.
A chemical is injected into small and medium-sized varicose veins, which scars and closes them. A few weeks later, they should fade. A vein may need to be injected more than once.
A small incision is made either above or below the knee, and with the help of an ultrasound scan; a narrow tube (catheter) is threaded into the vein. The doctor inserts a probe into the catheter, which emits radiofrequency energy. The radiofrequency energy heats up the vein, causing its walls to collapse, effectively closing it and sealing it shut. This procedure is preferred for larger varicose veins. Radiofrequency ablation is usually done with a local anesthetic.
A catheter is inserted into the patient’s vein. A small laser is threaded through the catheter and positioned at the top of the target vein; it delivers short energy bursts that heat up the vein, sealing it shut. With the aid of an ultrasound scan, the doctor threads the laser all the way up the vein, gradually burning and sealing all of it. This procedure is done under local anesthetic. There may be some nerve injury, which is usually brief.
An endoscopic transilluminator (special light) is threaded through an incision under the skin so that the doctor can see which veins need to be taken out. The target veins are cut and removed with a suction device through the incision. A general or local anesthetic may be used for this procedure. There may be some bleeding and bruising after the operation.
In the majority of cases, there is no pain, but signs and symptoms of varicose veins may include:
Some patients may also experience:
Any condition in which proper blood flow is undermined has a risk of complications. However, in the majority of cases, varicose veins have no complications.
If complications do occur, they may include:
The veins have one-way valves so that the blood can travel in only one direction. If the walls of the vein become stretched and less flexible (elastic), the valves may get weaker. A weakened valve can allow blood to leak backward and eventually flow in the opposite direction. When this occurs, blood can accumulate in the vein(s), which then become enlarged and swollen. Figure A shows a normal vein with a properly working valve. In Figure B, the varicose vein has a faulty valve, the walls of the vein are thin and stretched. Image credit: National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. The veins furthest from the heart are most often affected, such as those in the legs. This is because gravity makes it harder for blood to flow back to the heart. Any condition that puts pressure on the abdomen has the potential to cause varicose veins; for instance, pregnancy, constipation and, in rare cases, tumors.
Experts are not sure why the walls of veins stretch or why the valves become faulty. In many cases, it occurs for no clear reason. However, some potential risk factors include:
The following risk factors are linked to a higher risk of having varicose veins:
Varicose Veins Surgery is a medical procedure aimed at treating enlarged, twisted veins, most commonly found in the legs. At Aakar Aesthetics, Dr. Kiran Nerkar uses advanced techniques like laser treatment, sclerotherapy, or surgical removal to restore both leg health and appearance.
They are typically caused by weak or damaged valves in the veins that lead to poor circulation. Contributing factors include genetics, prolonged standing, pregnancy, obesity, and age.
Modern varicose vein treatments are minimally invasive and low-risk, especially when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Nerkar. Discomfort is minimal, and most procedures are done under local anesthesia with quick recovery times.
If you experience leg pain, swelling, heaviness, skin discoloration, or visible bulging veins, you might be a candidate. Left untreated, varicose veins can lead to ulcers or blood clots, so early evaluation is key.
Costs depend on the severity, number of veins affected, and the treatment technique used (laser, sclerotherapy, or surgery). Dr. Kiran Nerkar ensures a detailed consultation to give you a custom treatment plan and clear pricing—with the option of staged treatments if needed for larger cases.
Dr. Kiran Nerkar, a Board Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, graduated from a reputed institute B. J. Medical College & Govt Hospital, Pune. Dr. Nerkar was selected for his Superspeciality training in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in a National Board Certified Training Institute MTH, Cochin, Kerala.
