Last updated on December 17, 2025
Varicose veins are a common condition that affects many people across Australia. These enlarged, twisted veins can appear on the legs and may cause aching, heaviness, swelling, itching and fatigue. While some people are concerned mainly about appearance, others experience ongoing discomfort that affects their daily life.
Varicose vein treatment has advanced significantly in recent years, with a range of minimally invasive options now available alongside traditional surgery. In this article, we compare sclerotherapy, laser treatment and surgery to help you better understand how each option works and which approach may be best suited to your individual needs.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins develop when the valves inside the veins weaken or stop working properly. These valves normally help push blood back toward the heart. When they fail, blood can pool in the vein, causing it to stretch, twist and become visible under the skin.
Common risk factors include genetics, pregnancy, prolonged standing or sitting, excess weight and ageing. Over time, untreated varicose veins can worsen and may lead to skin changes, inflammation, or ulcers in more advanced cases.
Sclerotherapy
Offered at Vein Doctors Sydney, sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive injectable treatment used for smaller varicose veins and spider veins. A medical solution is injected into the vein, which irritates the vein wall and causes it to collapse and seal shut. The body then gradually absorbs the treated vein.
The procedure is performed in-clinic without general anaesthetic. Most people return to normal activities immediately, though compression socks are often recommended for a short period afterwards.
Who sclerotherapy is right for:
Sclerotherapy is best suited to people with small to medium varicose veins or cosmetic vein concerns. It is ideal for early-stage vein disease and patients who want a quick, low-downtime solution.
Laser Vein Treatment (Endovenous Laser Ablation)
Laser vein treatment, also known as endovenous laser ablation, is designed for larger or deeper varicose veins caused by underlying vein reflux. A fine catheter is guided into the diseased vein using ultrasound, and laser energy is delivered to heat and seal the vein from the inside.
Once the vein is closed, blood naturally reroutes through healthy veins, and the treated vein shrinks over time. This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and usually allows a fast return to daily activities.
Who is laser vein treatment right for?
Laser treatment is ideal for people with larger varicose veins, proven vein reflux on ultrasound and symptoms such as pain, heaviness, or swelling.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a less invasive outpatient procedure used to remove visible, bulging varicose veins through very small skin incisions. It is performed under local anaesthetic and does not require an overnight hospital stay.
During the procedure, the doctor makes tiny openings in the skin and gently removes the affected vein segments. Because the incisions are so small, stitches are usually not required, and scarring is minimal. Most people can walk immediately after the procedure and return to normal daily activities within a few days.
Who is ambulatory phlebectomy right for?
Best suited for people who have large, visible surface varicose veins, bulging veins that cause discomfort or cosmetic concern and residual veins that remain after laser or injection treatment.
It is often used in combination with laser treatment or sclerotherapy to achieve the best functional and cosmetic outcome.
Comparison of Laser, Sclerotherapy and Surgery
| Treatment | How it works | Best suited for | Downtime | Invasiveness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sclerotherapy | Injection that collapses small veins | Small varicose veins and spider veins | Same day | Minimally invasive |
| Laser treatment | Internal laser which heat seals large veins | Larger refluxing varicose veins | 1 – 2 days | Minimally invasive |
| Ambulatory phlebectomy | Physical removal of surface veins through tiny incisions | Large, bulging surface varicose veins | Few days | Minimally invasive |
How to Know Which Treatment Is Right for You
The right treatment depends on:
The size and location of your veins
Smaller surface veins are often well suited to injection-based treatments such as sclerotherapy. Larger or deeper veins usually require laser-based treatment or, in some cases, surgery. Identifying where your veins sit beneath the skin plays a major role in determining the most effective option.
Whether underlying vein reflux is present
Some varicose veins are caused by faulty valves deeper within the vein system. When this is the case, surface treatments alone are not enough. Laser treatment is commonly recommended for veins affected by reflux.
The severity of your symptoms
Mild symptoms such as cosmetic concerns or occasional heaviness may respond well to sclerotherapy. Ongoing pain, swelling, skin changes, or leg fatigue may require laser treatment or surgery for long-term relief.
Your overall health and recovery needs
Your general health, daily activity level and recovery preferences also influence the treatment choice. Some people prioritise minimal downtime and prefer injection-based treatments, while others need a more definitive solution for larger or more symptomatic veins that affect daily comfort and mobility.
All medical procedures, including those for varicose veins, have potential risks and side effects. A thorough consultation with a qualified medical practitioner is necessary to understand if a treatment is right for you.
How to Book an Appointment
At Vein Doctors Sydney, we are committed to providing personalised and compassionate care for patients seeking treatment for varicose veins. For more information on our services or to schedule a consultation at our clinic, please contact our friendly staff by either calling us on (02) 9023 9970, via our online form or by sending us an email.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective varicose vein treatment?
The most effective treatment depends on the type of varicose veins you have. For larger veins caused by underlying reflux, laser treatment is considered one of the most reliable modern options. For smaller surface veins and spider veins, sclerotherapy delivers excellent cosmetic and symptomatic results.
How do I know which treatment is right for me?
The most accurate way to determine the right treatment is through a specialist assessment combined with a vein ultrasound. This allows your doctor to see how your veins are functioning beneath the surface and identify whether sclerotherapy, laser treatment, or surgery is the most appropriate option for your specific condition.
How long is the recovery after each treatment?
Most people return to normal daily activities within one to two days after sclerotherapy or laser treatment. Recovery after surgical treatment is longer and can take one to two weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing.
Will I need more than one treatment session?
Some patients achieve their desired results after a single session, while others may need multiple treatments. This depends on the number of veins being treated, their size and how the body responds to treatment. Your doctor will outline a personalised treatment plan during your consultation.
Are the results of varicose vein treatment permanent?
Treated veins are permanently closed or removed and will not return. However, new varicose veins can develop over time due to genetics, hormonal changes, or lifestyle factors. Ongoing vein care and monitoring can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.
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