Varicose veins affect 1 in 4 adults. Left untreated, they worsen over years and can lead to serious complications. Today's minimally invasive procedures treat them with minimal pain and fast recovery.
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins — most commonly in the legs — caused by damaged or weakened valves that allow blood to pool instead of flowing back to the heart.
Veins have one-way valves that push blood upward toward the heart. When these valves weaken or fail, blood flows backward and pools in the vein — causing it to enlarge, twist, and bulge visibly under the skin.
Once a vein's valve fails, it cannot repair itself. Varicose veins gradually worsen over months and years. Compression stockings can manage symptoms but cannot reverse the underlying problem — only a procedure can.
Beyond the visible veins, patients commonly experience aching and heaviness in the legs, swelling around the ankles, itching or burning over the vein, and leg cramps — particularly at night or after prolonged standing.
Advanced untreated varicose veins can lead to skin discolouration, chronic swelling, venous eczema, and venous ulcers — open wounds on the lower leg that are difficult to heal. At this stage treatment becomes urgent.
Varicose veins are classified using the CEAP system (C0–C6). Your class determines urgency and treatment approach.
No visible varicose veins or only thread-like spider veins. Mild cosmetic concern. No significant symptoms. Lifestyle measures and monitoring are appropriate.
Visible, raised varicose veins with possible ankle swelling and leg heaviness. Treatment is recommended to prevent progression. Minimally invasive procedures are suitable.
Skin discolouration, lipodermatosclerosis, healed or active venous ulcer. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment is needed.
Varicose veins are progressive. The right time to act is before complications develop.
Answer 5 short questions. We will indicate your likely CEAP class and the most appropriate treatment path.
Takes about 90 seconds · Not a diagnosis
This is a general indication based on your responses, not a clinical assessment. A physical examination is needed to confirm your condition.
Emergency: If you have sudden severe pain, heavy bleeding, or a hard lump that cannot be reduced — go to your nearest hospital immediately or call 112, regardless of this result.
This is a general indication based on your responses, not a clinical assessment. A physical examination is needed to confirm your condition.
Emergency: If you have sudden severe pain, heavy bleeding, or a hard lump that cannot be reduced — go to your nearest hospital immediately or call 112, regardless of this result.
This is a general indication based on your responses, not a clinical assessment. A physical examination is needed to confirm your condition.
Emergency: If you have sudden severe pain, heavy bleeding, or a hard lump that cannot be reduced — go to your nearest hospital immediately or call 112, regardless of this result.
No guesswork. This is the step-by-step process most patients follow from first contact to full recovery.
A care coordinator understands your symptoms and matches you to a vascular surgeon in our Pune network. Duplex ultrasound is arranged as the first diagnostic step.
A duplex ultrasound maps your venous system and identifies the failing valves. Your surgeon then explains exactly which veins are affected and which treatment is most appropriate.
Blood tests, fitness assessment, and insurance pre-authorization are handled. You receive clear instructions on compression stocking use and what to avoid before the procedure.
EVLT and RFA are performed under local anaesthesia. You are awake and walking within an hour. Surgical stripping requires a short stay. Most patients return home the same day.
Compression stockings are worn for 2–3 weeks. Walking is encouraged immediately. Your coordinator guides you through activity, stocking use, and warning signs. A duplex scan confirms closure at 6 weeks.
Treatment depends on the size and extent of the veins and the location of valve failure. A duplex ultrasound guides the choice.
| Approach | Suited for | Anaesthesia | Recovery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compression Stockings & Lifestyle Non-Surgical | C1–C2, symptom management | None | Ongoing | Manages symptoms but does not treat the underlying vein. Suitable for mild cases or those not ready for a procedure. |
| Foam Sclerotherapy Clinic Procedure | Small to medium varicose veins, spider veins | None | 1–2 weeks | A foam chemical is injected into the vein, causing it to collapse and be absorbed. No incision. Multiple sessions may be needed. |
| EVLT — Endovenous Laser Treatment Most Common | Great saphenous vein reflux, C2–C4 | Local anaesthesia | 1–2 weeks | A laser fibre inserted into the vein delivers energy to close the vein with high long-term success rates. Walk out the same day. High success rate, minimal scarring. |
| RFA — Radiofrequency Ablation Minimally Invasive | Great & small saphenous reflux, C2–C4 | Local anaesthesia | 1–2 weeks | Heat energy delivered via radiofrequency closes the vein. Less post-procedure bruising than EVLT. Similar outcomes and recovery. |
| Surgical Stripping | Advanced disease, large veins, recurrent cases | Spinal or general | 2–4 weeks | Traditional removal of the affected vein through small incisions. Recommended when minimally invasive options are not suitable. |
Costs vary by procedure type, number of veins treated, and hospital. Here are realistic ranges to help you plan.
Per limb. Day-care procedure under local anaesthesia. Cost includes laser consumables, ultrasound guidance, and facility.
Per limb. Similar to EVLT, typically less bruising. Consumable cost slightly higher.
Per session. Multiple sessions may be needed for extensive veins.
Most patients searching for a "good doctor" do not know what criteria actually matter. Here is what does.
Vascular surgeons who focus on venous disease — not general surgeons doing occasional cases — have better outcomes and fewer complications.
Centres offering both laser and radiofrequency can choose the best modality for your anatomy — not just what they have available.
Proper vein mapping before any procedure is mandatory. Our network centres have dedicated vascular ultrasound capability.
You should know exactly what to do before surgery and what to expect after. Clear written instructions. Not guesswork.
A good specialist tells you what you actually need — including when treatment can wait. Not all varicose veins need a procedure.
From first call through recovery, one person manages your journey. No repeating yourself. No falling through cracks.
Tell us about your veins. We will connect you with a vascular surgeon who treats venous disease regularly, walk you through the options, and handle the rest.