Non-surgical varicose vein treatment closes the faulty vein from the inside or with injections, without a surgical cut, instead of removing it in an operation. The main options are laser, radiofrequency and sclerotherapy (vein injections). In Amman, the right one is chosen after an examination and a Doppler ultrasound.
Note: No single non-surgical method suits everyone. This page compares the options in general terms; the decision is made after an examination and a discussion with your doctor.
Who may be suitable for non-surgical treatment?
- People whose varicose veins cause aching, heaviness or swelling.
- People whose Doppler scan shows faulty valves in a main surface vein.
- People for whom compression stockings and lifestyle changes have not been enough.
- People with skin changes or an ulcer linked to vein problems.
- People with small or medium veins, or veins left after previous treatment.
What do these treatments treat?
These treatments target the main cause of varicose veins: blood flowing backwards in a vein with weak valves. Once that vein is closed, blood naturally reroutes through healthy veins, and many patients feel their symptoms ease.
- Varicose veins caused by weak valves.
- Symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency.
- Small visible veins and thread veins, usually with injections.
Diagnosis
Before choosing a method, your doctor examines your legs and asks about your symptoms and health history, including any previous blood clots.
Your doctor may request a Doppler ultrasound to map the faulty vein, its size and its path. This decides whether laser, radiofrequency or injections are suitable, or whether surgery may suit you more.
Comparing the non-surgical options
We start with the simplest options and move to procedures when needed:
Laser and radiofrequency work on the same idea and differ mainly in the heat source. Methods are sometimes combined, for example closing the main vein and then injecting smaller branches. The choice depends on your scan, the shape of your veins and your preference once the options are explained.
- Compression stockings and lifestyle changes: they do not remove varicose veins but can ease symptoms, alone or alongside other treatments.
- Sclerotherapy (vein injections): a liquid or foam injected with a fine needle • usually no anaesthetic needed • suits small and medium veins and leftover veins • may need more than one session.
- Laser treatment: a thin fibre passed through a small puncture delivers laser energy to seal the vein from inside • done under local anaesthetic • used for main surface veins • no surgical cut.
- Radiofrequency ablation: a thin catheter passed through a small puncture heats the vein wall with radiofrequency energy so it closes • done under local anaesthetic • used for main surface veins • no surgical cut.
What to expect on the day and after
These treatments are usually done without a general anaesthetic, and most patients go home the same day. An ultrasound scanner is used during the procedure to guide the catheter or needle.
- You are usually encouraged to walk soon after the procedure.
- You may be asked to wear compression stockings for a period your doctor will set.
- Bruising, tightness or a firm feeling along the vein may appear and settles gradually.
- Many patients return to normal activities quickly, but this varies and your surgeon will explain what to expect.
- A follow-up visit with a Doppler scan may be arranged to confirm the vein has closed.
When to book an appointment
- Varicose veins that cause aching, heaviness or swelling.
- You want to know whether non-surgical treatment could suit you.
- Skin changes on the lower leg near the ankle.
- Varicose veins that have come back after previous treatment.
- A leg wound that is slow to heal.