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. Delay significantly worsens outcomes.
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 not a clinical diagnosis. A duplex ultrasound and physical examination are needed to confirm severity.
This is not a clinical diagnosis. A duplex ultrasound and physical examination are needed to confirm severity.
This is not a clinical diagnosis. Urgent clinical evaluation is recommended for skin changes or wounds.
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 it permanently. 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 in recovery. RF catheter cost contributes to procedure price. Less bruising post-procedure.
For advanced or recurrent cases. Requires spinal or general anaesthesia. May include a 1-night hospital stay.
Varicose vein outcomes depend heavily on accurate diagnosis and technique. Here is what we verify before connecting you with a specialist.
No procedure should be performed without a duplex ultrasound. It maps the failing valves and ensures the right vein is treated. We require this before every case.
The right specialist offers both thermal ablation options so the choice is based on your anatomy — not equipment availability.
Varicose vein procedures require precision in catheter placement and energy delivery. Surgeons performing 100+ cases per year have significantly better outcomes.
Compression stocking use after treatment is critical to outcomes. Your specialist should provide a clear written protocol — not verbal instructions you might forget.
A post-procedure duplex ultrasound at 6 weeks confirms the treated vein is fully closed. This step is non-negotiable in our network.
C1 spider veins without symptoms do not need surgical intervention. A trustworthy specialist tells you this — and does not push treatment that is not in your interest.
Varicose vein procedures are among the safest outpatient surgical interventions. But you deserve to know the full picture.
Common after thermal ablation procedures. Usually resolves within 2–3 weeks. Compression stockings reduce this significantly.
New varicose veins can develop in adjacent untreated vessels over time. EVLT and RFA have 5-year closure rates of 90–95% for the treated vein.
A rare but serious risk — a clot forming in a deep vein. Significantly reduced by walking immediately after the procedure and compression use. Risk is very low in properly selected patients.
Temporary numbness or tingling along the treated vein is possible. Usually resolves within weeks. Permanent nerve damage is rare with modern techniques.
Tell us about your symptoms — we will match you with the right vascular specialist and handle everything from there.
Speak to a care coordinator directly. No forms, no waiting.
Describe your symptoms. We respond within the hour.
We call you back. Share your query and we take it from there.
Verify your number and schedule with the right specialist.
No consultation fee charged by AmuneCare. Specialist fees apply at the time of appointment.