Varicose veins affect an estimated 25-30% of adults, and in Dubai’s hot climate, they are a common reason patients seek treatment. While many people view them primarily as a cosmetic issue, varicose veins can cause aching, swelling, skin changes, and in advanced cases, ulceration. Modern treatment has moved well beyond traditional vein stripping—today’s options include minimally invasive procedures performed in under an hour with rapid recovery. At Surgery Dubai, our vascular specialists offer the full range of evidence-based varicose vein treatments.
Veins in the legs must return blood against gravity, relying on one-way valves and calf muscle contractions. When these valves weaken or fail, blood pools in the vein, causing it to stretch and bulge. Risk factors include family history, prolonged standing, pregnancy, obesity, and age. In Dubai, many professionals in hospitality, healthcare, and retail spend long hours on their feet, increasing their risk.
EVLA is the current gold standard for treating the great saphenous vein and other major truncal veins. Under ultrasound guidance, a thin laser fiber is inserted into the affected vein through a tiny incision. Laser energy heats and seals the vein shut, and blood is rerouted through healthy veins. The procedure takes 30-45 minutes under local anesthesia, and patients walk out of the clinic the same day. Success rates exceed 95%, and most patients return to normal activities within 24-48 hours.
Similar to EVLA, RFA uses radiofrequency energy instead of laser to heat and close the vein. Clinical studies show comparable effectiveness between the two techniques, and the choice often comes down to surgeon preference and equipment availability. RFA may cause slightly less post-procedure bruising in some patients.
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a specialized foam directly into the vein, causing it to collapse and eventually be absorbed by the body. Foam sclerotherapy is particularly effective for medium-sized varicose veins and branching veins that are too tortuous for thermal ablation. It is often used as a complementary treatment after EVLA or RFA to address remaining visible veins. The procedure takes 15-30 minutes and requires no anesthesia.
For spider veins and very small varicose veins, microsclerotherapy uses an extremely fine needle to inject a liquid sclerosant directly into the vein. Multiple sessions may be needed, spaced 4-6 weeks apart. This is primarily a cosmetic treatment and is not suitable for larger veins with valve incompetence.
For larger surface veins that cannot be treated with sclerotherapy alone, ambulatory phlebectomy removes veins through a series of micro-incisions (1-2 mm) using a specialized hook. This is often performed alongside EVLA for comprehensive treatment. Stitches are rarely needed, and scarring is minimal.
The choice of treatment depends on the size, location, and extent of your varicose veins, assessed through a detailed duplex ultrasound examination. Most patients benefit from a combination approach—thermal ablation for the main trunk vein, followed by sclerotherapy or phlebectomy for remaining branches. At Surgery Dubai, we develop individualized treatment plans based on your specific vein anatomy.
Many insurance plans in the UAE cover varicose vein treatment when documented as medically necessary (pain, swelling, skin changes), though cosmetic sclerotherapy is typically not covered.
After thermal ablation, patients wear compression stockings for 1-2 weeks and are encouraged to walk regularly. Strenuous exercise and hot baths should be avoided for the first week. Most patients see visible improvement within 2-4 weeks, with final results apparent after 3-6 months as treated veins fully fade.
If you are experiencing leg discomfort, swelling, or visible varicose veins, a professional evaluation can determine the most effective treatment approach. Contact Surgery Dubai to book a consultation with our vascular surgery team.