Varicose vein surgery: modern and effective treatments to restore healthy circulation
Varicose veins are abnormal dilations of superficial veins, most often located on the legs.
They indicate poor venous return , which can cause heaviness, pain, swelling or aesthetic discomfort.
Varicose vein surgery removes faulty veins to restore normal circulation.
Today, thanks to modern techniques such as endovenous laser , this procedure is performed in a simple, quick and minimally invasive manner .
Dr. Guilhem Seban , a vascular surgeon in Annecy , Annemasse and Geneva , performs these treatments in a safe medical setting adapted to each patient.
Understanding varicose veins
Varicose veins appear when the venous valves , which prevent blood from flowing back down to the feet, no longer function properly.
The blood then stagnates in the superficial veins, causing them to dilate.
Factors that promote their occurrence
- Family predisposition and heredity
- Prolonged standing or sedentary lifestyle
- Pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations
- Overweight, heat, tobacco
These factors explain why varicose veins are a common condition, especially among women.
Symptoms of varicose veins
Varicose veins often present with progressive symptoms:
- Sensation of heavy or painful legs
- Swelling of the ankles or calves
- Appearance of bluish, protruding veins
- Itching, nighttime cramps
- Fatigue at the end of the day
- Sometimes: trophic disorders (skin discoloration, ulcers)
The diagnosis is based on a clinical examination supplemented by a venous Doppler ultrasound , allowing the affected veins to be located.
When should varicose vein surgery be considered?
Varicose vein surgery is recommended when:
- The symptoms become bothersome in daily life.
- Varicose veins present a risk of complications (phlebitis, ulcers),
- Medical or compression treatments are no longer sufficient.
Dr. Seban assesses each situation individually in order to propose the most suitable technique : laser, radiofrequency or classic surgery.
Varicose vein treatment techniques
Endovenous laser: a modern alternative to surgery
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Endovenous laser treatment of varicose veins is now the standard method for removing varicose veins with a laser without incision or hospitalization.
Principle:
- A thin laser fiber is inserted into the diseased vein.
- Light energy heats the inner wall of the vessel, causing it to close.
- The blood is naturally redirected to healthy veins.
Benefits :
- Outpatient procedure (same-day discharge)
- No visible scar
- Rapid resumption of activities
- Excellent aesthetic and medical results
HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound)
This entirely outpatient technique, which requires no anesthesia, involves destroying diseased veins using high-intensity ultrasound with a probe. The results are excellent, and the technique completely eliminates the need for surgery.
Performed by an experienced vascular surgeon, HIFU treatment for varicose veins takes place in the office and lasts approximately one hour for the treatment of a saphenous vein in the thigh. Success rates are equal to or higher than those of surgery or endolaser techniques ( https://www.theraclion.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/FDA_pivotal_study_results_15_09_25_FINAL.pdf ).
Other complementary techniques
- Endovenous radiofrequency : thermal closure of the vein by electrical current.
- Sclerotherapy : injection of a sclerosing agent to seal the walls of small varicose veins.
- Minimally invasive surgery : micro-incisions to remove segments of veins (microphlebectomy).
Dr. Seban determines the ideal method based on the size, path, and depth of the affected veins.
Post-operative care and recovery
Recovery after varicose vein surgery is rapid:
- The walk resumed the same day.
- Wearing compression stockings for a few days.
- Moderate pain, without prolonged work stoppage.
Post-operative check-ups (at 1 week, then at 1 month) allow us to verify proper internal healing and the disappearance of symptoms.
Preventing the recurrence of varicose veins
After treatment, certain simple measures limit the risk of recurrence:
- Maintain regular physical activity (walking, swimming, cycling).
- Avoid excessive heat and prolonged standing.
- Monitor your weight and adopt a balanced diet.
- Wear compression stockings during long journeys.
Dr. Seban provides personalized follow-up to monitor the stability of the result over time.
Consult a varicose vein specialist
Dr. Seban consults at the Pays de Savoie Private Hospital
19 avenue Pierre Mendès France, 74100 Annemasse.
Video conference consultations are also possible.
Safe, aesthetic and lasting vein surgery
Thanks to advances in modern vascular surgery , it is now possible to effectively treat varicose veins without hospitalization, with a rapid and lasting result.