Varicose vein removal: how veins are closed or removed

Which method is best for removing varicose veins?

No single method is best for everyone. The right choice depends on the size and location of the vein and how leaky the valves are. The duplex ultrasound scan determines whether we should close the diseased truncal vein with laser, treat smaller branches with foam, or remove visible varices through tiny incisions.

Endovenous laser (EVLA/EVLT) for truncal reflux

A thin laser fibre is advanced under ultrasound guidance and seals the diseased vein from within. For a leaking main vein that causes symptoms, the European vascular surgery guideline (ESVS 2022) recommends this type of treatment over stripping and foam. Closure rates in studies are high but vary with method, anatomy and length of follow-up, and you go home the same day.

Microphlebectomy – visible veins removed through 1–2 mm punctures

Tortuous, bulging veins just under the skin are pulled out with a small hook through 1–2 mm punctures. No stitches needed, immediate cosmetic improvement, performed under local anaesthesia and can be combined with laser in the same session when we agree that it fits your situation.

Foam sclerotherapy – for smaller varicose veins

Medical foam is injected to close and shrink the vein. Used for smaller tortuous veins and as a supplement after laser ablation. Purely cosmetic spider vein treatment is not offered, including as an add-on to varicose vein treatment.

What does removal of varicose veins cost?

• If you are in health insurance group 1 and have a valid referral from your GP, the examinations and treatments covered by the clinic's public health agreement are covered by the Danish public health insurance, so you pay nothing for them yourself. If you are in health insurance group 2, different rules on referrals, subsidies and possible co-payments apply. The clinic does not offer private self-pay pathways.
• Before your care begins, the clinic clarifies whether the specific service is covered by the public agreement and which rules apply to you.

What a typical treatment pathway looks like

1. Duplex ultrasound pre-assessment.
2. Treatment day – laser, foam or microphlebectomy under local anaesthesia.
3. Compression stocking after individual assessment.
4. Follow-up agreed individually.

Where this page fits in

This page describes the individual methods. The full pathway from pre-assessment to follow-up is described under treatment of varicose veins, and referral and coverage are explained under price and referral for varicose vein treatment.