What to Expect During Your Varicose Veins Treatment

What Happens During Your Varicose Veins Treatment?

If you’ve been diagnosed with varicose veins and are considering treatment, it’s normal to feel unsure about what the procedure involves. Modern varicose vein treatments are minimally invasive and highly effective.

Importantly, all varicose vein treatments are performed under local anaesthetic and are walk-in, walk-out procedures, meaning you can go home shortly after treatment without the need for a general anaesthetic or hospital stay.

👉 If you’re already thinking ahead, you may find it helpful to read our guide on Recovery After Varicose Vein Treatment: What to Expect, which explains aftercare, healing time, and activity advice in detail.

Assessment Before Treatment

Before treatment, you will usually have:

• A specialist consultation

• A duplex ultrasound scan to assess blood flow and identify faulty veins

• A personalised treatment plan tailored to your symptoms and vein pattern

Informed Consent Prior to Treatment

Prior to treatment, informed consent will be obtained.

Your specialist will explain:

• The recommended treatment, such as radiofrequency ablation or foam sclerotherapy

• The benefits, risks, and possible side effects

• Any alternative treatment options that may be suitable

• What to expect during and after the procedure

You will have the opportunity to ask questions and take time to consider your decision. Treatment will only proceed once you are fully informed and happy to go ahead.

Who Will Be With You During Treatment?

During your varicose veins treatment, you will be cared for by a dedicated clinical team.

• A specialist surgeon will perform your procedure

• A trained nurse will be present throughout to assist the surgeon

• The team will talk to you during the procedure, explaining what is happening and offering reassurance

You are never left alone, and the nurse and surgeon will ensure you remain comfortable, relaxed, and supported at all times. Many patients find this ongoing communication very reassuring.

Types of Varicose Veins Treatment

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency ablation is commonly used to treat the main underlying vein causing varicose veins.

What happens during radiofrequency ablation:

• A fine catheter is inserted into the vein using ultrasound guidance

• Local anaesthetic is applied along the vein to keep you comfortable

• Radiofrequency energy gently heats and seals the vein

• Blood is redirected to healthier veins

Most patients are able to walk immediately after treatment and go home the same day. Any mild aching or tightness usually settles quickly — full recovery guidance is covered in our Recovery After Varicose Vein Treatment blog.

Foam Sclerotherapy

Foam sclerotherapy is often used to treat smaller varicose veins or remaining veins after ablation.

What happens during foam treatment:

• A specialist foam is injected into the vein using a fine needle

• The foam causes the vein to collapse

• The vein is gradually absorbed by the body over time

Compression stockings are usually required afterwards. Detailed advice on stockings, exercise, travel, and sun exposure can be found in our varicose vein recovery and aftercare guide.

How Long Does Varicose Veins Treatment Take?

• Treatment usually takes 30–90 minutes

• You remain awake throughout

• Compression stockings are applied before leaving

• You are encouraged to walk immediately after treatment

Because treatment is done under local anaesthetic, you can walk in, have your treatment, and walk out the same day.

Going Home After Treatment

• You can go home shortly after treatment

• Normal daily activities can usually be resumed straight away

• Written aftercare instructions are provided

• You must not drive immediately after the procedure, get someone to drive you home

👉 For detailed information on recovery timelines, flying, exercise, and what symptoms are normal, read:
Recovery After Varicose Vein Treatment: Aftercare and What to Expect

Final Thoughts

Knowing what to expect during your varicose veins treatment can help you feel confident and prepared. With modern, local-anaesthetic techniques such as radiofrequency ablation and foam sclerotherapy, supported by a specialist surgeon and assisting nurse, treatment is safe, reassuring, and designed to minimise disruption to daily life.

🔗 Next read: Recovery After Varicose Vein Treatment – Aftercare, Healing Time and Advice