Sometimes the doctor advises surgery. Medical compression stockings are essential afterwards to maintain the results.

Every year in Germany, more than 320,000 operations on varicose veins are carried out. Untreated varicose veins can cause thromboses or a leg ulcer. If the doctor's diagnosis is confirmed, there are several surgical techniques.

1. Stripping – the commonest operation
A probe is inserted into the diseased vein in the thigh and passed down it as far as the foot. The varicose vein is then pulled out.

2. CHIVA method
The enlarged vein is ligatured so that the blood can flow through the healthy side branches. The main (saphenous) vein remains in place and is not removed.

3. Laser therapy
A laser probe is used to seal the walls of the vein together from the inside. This becomes permanently closed and is later broken down by the body.

4. Radiowave therapy
The procedure is similar to that of laser therapy: a tiny probe is inserted into the vein. The varicose veins are then sclerosed by heat and broken down by the body.

5. Sclerotherapy
In sclerotherapy an injection is used to make the walls of the vein adhere together. The body breaks down the coalesced vein. In addition to the classic method using a solution, there is also foam sclerotherapy where the vein is sclerosed by foam.

Immediately after the operative procedure, a temporary compression bandage is applied (e.g. mediven struva). Thereafter, proper medical compression stockings (e.g. mediven elegance) should be worn. These can be prescribed by the doctor and the health insurance schemes pay a large part of the cost. The medical suppliers will fit the stockings, which are breathable and available in a wide range of fashionable colours. This provides variety and gives pep to the legs.