Varicose vein stripping and ligation surgery 

Will my varicose veins return after surgery?
Around one in five people develop more varicose veins after five years, and one in four after ten years.

Varicose vein surgery isn't, unfortunately, a guarantee that your veins will disappear forever. However, if they do return they will unlikely be as bad as before the surgery (1).

What are the alternatives to varicose vein surgery?

If you are not keen on surgery, there are some changes you can make to your lifestyle which may prevent varicose veins from becoming worse. Visit your GP first to discuss all your options.

VNUS Closure is a minimally invasive procedure shuts off blood flow to the problem vein. When this happens, other, healthier veins continue their role of pumping blood to the heart.

The procedure involves inserting a thin catheter into the vein, delivering radio frequency energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat, collapse and seal shut.

Is there anything I can do to stop my varicose veins from returning?

• Lose weight - being overweight puts pressure on your veins, so talk to your GP about a sensible weight loss plan (2)
• Reduce salt intake - a diet high in salt can raise blood pressure and exacerbate the swelling in your legs. Cut down on salt and introduce fibre to reduce water retention and increase your bowel movements (3)
• Get moving - exercise helps increase the blood circulation in your legs. Focus on exercises that work your legs: walking, cycling, running and swimming are all ideal. Avoid sitting for long periods of time as this can prevent blood flow and don't cross your legs when sitting down (4)

References:
1) Allegra, Antignani & Carlizza
Recurrent Varicose Veins Following Surgical Treatment: Our Experience with Five Years Follow-up
European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Vol 33, Issue 6, pp 751-756 (2007)
2) van Rij, de Alwis & Jiang et al
Obesity and Impaired Venous Function
European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Vol 35, Issue 6, pp 739-744 (June 2008)
3) Ely, Osheroff & Chambliss et al
Approach to Leg Edema of Unclear Etiology
The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine 19: pp 148-160 (2006)
4) Michaels , Brazier & Campbell et al
Randomized clinical trial comparing surgery with conservative treatment for uncomplicated varicose veins
British Journal of Surgery; Vol 93; Issue 2, pp 175 - 181
Published Online 23 Jan 2006