Varicose Vein Surgery: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Varicose Vein Surgery?
A surgeon, such as a vascular surgeon, a doctor who operates on blood vessels, performs varicose vein surgery. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist for tests and treatment. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted, and enlarged veins that you can see under the skin. Normally, valves in your veins keep your blood flowing up toward the heart. The valves in varicose veins are either damaged or missing.
Vein stripping is surgery to remove varicose veins in the legs. It is used to remove or tie off a large vein in the leg called the superficial saphenous vein. The NHS calls surgery to remove varicose veins ligation and stripping.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Your doctor may recommend vein stripping for these reasons.
- Varicose veins that cause problems with blood flow
- Leg pain and heaviness
- Skin changes or sores caused by too much pressure in the veins
- Varicose veins that cannot be treated with newer procedures
Surgeons rarely perform vein stripping today, because there are newer, non-surgical ways to treat varicose veins. The NHS says heat treatment from inside the vein is usually the first choice for varicose veins. You may be offered surgery if simpler procedures are not suitable for you.
How to prepare
Before surgery, you can do the following.
- If you smoke, it is important to cut back or quit.
- Smoking can slow healing and increase the risk for blood clots.
- Tell your surgeon if you are or could be pregnant.
- Tell your surgeon what medicines you take, including supplements or herbs you bought without a prescription.
- You will likely be asked not to eat or drink for at least 6 to 8 hours before surgery.
You may be asked to stop taking drugs that make it harder for your blood to clot. Ask your surgeon which medicines you should still take on the day of surgery.
What happens during it
Vein stripping usually takes about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. With general anesthesia, you will be asleep and unable to feel pain. Spinal anesthesia will make the lower half of your body feel numb.
Your surgeon will make multiple small cuts in your leg. The cuts are near the top, middle, and bottom of your damaged vein. The surgeon threads a thin, flexible plastic wire into the vein through your groin. Your surgeon will close the cuts with stitches.
Recovery
You can usually go home the same day. You may need to take 1 to 2 weeks off work. Your legs will be wrapped with bandages to control swelling and bleeding for 3 to 5 days after surgery. Be sure you regularly wear compression stockings. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop.
Risks and side effects
Vein stripping is generally safe. Ask your surgeon about any problems that might occur. Risks of anesthesia and surgery in general include the following.
- Reactions to medicines
- Breathing problems
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Infection
The risks from vein stripping itself include the following.
- Bruising or scarring
- Nerve injury
- Return of varicose veins over time
Mild leg swelling can occur.
Who performs it
A surgeon performs vein stripping. A specialist usually does a test called duplex ultrasound to confirm that you have varicose veins and to plan your treatment.
Common questions
Is vein stripping still common?
No, surgeons rarely perform vein stripping today. Newer, non-surgical treatments do not require general anesthesia and are done without an overnight hospital stay.
How long does vein stripping take?
Vein stripping usually takes about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. You can usually go home the same day.
Can varicose veins come back after surgery?
Yes, return of varicose veins over time is a risk of vein stripping.
Do varicose veins always need surgery?
No, varicose veins do not always need treatment. They may get worse without treatment, but this usually happens very slowly over several years.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
