Alternative treatments of varicose veins
In the vast majority of cases, varicose veins do not affect life expectancy. Treatment is strongly advised, but is not compulsory. Alternative treatments include:
- Conventional surgery (stripping): this method is more aggressive and
leaves scars. This procedure usually requires general anaesthetic, and you must take three weeks off work; - Foam sclerotherapy: this involves injecting the vein with a sclerosing substance (a special substance) in the form of a foam. This is performed with the aid of an echograph. The technique is not very invasive, and is simple and economical, but it is less effective for treating large saphenous veins (frequent early recanalisation);
- Radiofrequency: this method is similar to the laser and is also a recent development. The procedure takes slightly longer and the fibres are more expensive.