Ligation & Stripping for Varicose Veins

3d try-onchevron-right

Ligation and stripping is a more invasive varicose vein treatment to permanently remove varicose veins and improve body aesthetics.

Ligation & Stripping for Varicose Veins Overview - 845

AEDIT

Try on Ligation & Stripping for Varicose Veins Solutions

‘Try on’ aesthetic procedures and instantly visualize possible results with AEDIT and our patented 3D aesthetic simulator.

App QR Code

The Skinny


Average Recovery

3 weeks

Permanence

Permanent

Application

Minor Surgical Procedure

Surgical

Yes

Cost

$1500 - $3000

The Specifics


What is ligation and stripping for varicose veins?*

A ligation and vein stripping is a cosmetic surgery to permanently remove varicose veins from the legs. It is a more invasive treatment option for varicose vein removal, and requires general anesthesia and sutures. A Ligation and stripping will remove the entire affected vein, which may reduce the risk of recurrence.

Varicose veins are caused by blood pools from poor blood flow within blood vessels and valve dysfunction, especially in leg veins, and this may be due to chronic venous insufficiency among other causes.

Alternative treatment options that are less invasive and use only local anesthesia include ambulatory phlebectomy, foam sclerotherapy, laser treatments, and RF energy.

What cosmetic concerns does a ligation and stripping procedure treat?

  1. Veins: In a ligation and stripping proecdure, the entire varicose vein is removed from the leg through surgical incisions in the groin and knee or ankle.

Who is the ideal candidate for a ligation and stripping procedure?

The ideal candidate for a ligation and stripping has large veins and visible varicose veins in the lower legs, and has determined the underlying medical condition with a healthcare provider. Ligation and stripping is not recommended for those with poor circulation, lymphedema, certain skin conditions, AV fistulas, blood clots, or women who are pregnant.

What is the average recovery associated with a ligation and stripping procedure?

Most patients experience a few weeks of recovery following ligation and stripping. The majority of candidates return to work after about one week. Compression stockings are worn daily for up to four weeks, legs should remain elevated whenever possible, and long periods of standing should be avoided.

What are the potential side effects of a ligation and stripping procedure?

Possible side effects following ligation and stripping include discomfort, bleeding, hematoma formation, swelling, scarring, blood clots, trauma induced spider veins, and nerve injury with sensory disturbances.

What can someone expect from the results of a ligation and stripping procedure?

The results of a ligation and stripping are immediate, permanent removal of the entire varicose vein. If the underlying cause contributing to the varicose vein was circulatory and it is not addressed recurrence is possible.

What is the average cost of a ligation and stripping procedure?

Ligation and stripping for varicose veins can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000. The actual cost of ligation and stripping is dependent upon location, healthcare provider, and length and involvement of the plastic surgery.

thumbs-upPros

  • Completely Removes Affected Vein

thumbs-downCons

  • Most Invasive
  • General Anesthesia

Invasiveness Score

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.

What to Expect


Vein ligation and stripping is a minor surgery that permanently removes varicose veins. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after a ligation and stripping procedure.

The Takeaway


A ligation and stripping for varicose veins is the most invasive treatment for removal of undesirable bulging, prominent veins, however, it is permanent and completely removes the entirety of the affected vein.

Is this article helpful?

To learn more about our content creation practices, visit our Editorial Process page.

Source List

+

AEDIT uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons Spider Vein Treatment plasticsurgery.org
  2. Mayo Clinic Staff Varicose Veins mayoclinic.org
text-me-the-app

AEDIT

‘Try on’ aesthetic procedures and instantly visualize possible results with AEDIT and our patented 3D aesthetic simulator.

App QR Code