5 Dangerous myths about varicose vein treatment debunked

This myth likely comes from the old days of vein stripping surgery, which did require general anaesthesia and could involve significant post-operative discomfort. Understandably, stories of long, painful recoveries have lingered in people’s minds. However, these methods are now largely a thing of the past – less than 1% of patients still require these older style treatments.
Today, we use advanced, minimally invasive techniques like:

• VenaSeal: A medical-grade adhesive used to seal the faulty vein, requiring only a few tiny anaesthetic injections.
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Uses heat energy to close the vein under local anaesthetic, with minimal discomfort.
• Foam Sclerotherapy: A safe, injectable treatment ideal for smaller veins.
• Microphlebectomy: A walk-in, walk-out procedure to remove visible veins through tiny incisions.

In most cases, patients walk out of the clinic the same day, with minimal discomfort and no need for general anaesthetic at all.

Many people believe that treating varicose veins is a temporary fix — but this simply isn’t true.

Once a problematic vein is treated and closed using methods like RFA or VenaSeal, it does not reopen. The success rates of modern procedures are high, with studies showing up to 95–98% closure rates for treated veins – meaning that only 2-5% of patients experience recurrence of their veins.

What people often interpret as a recurrence is usually new varicose veins forming, which can happen over time, particularly if underlying risk factors like genetics or standing for long periods are still present. However, with a proper assessment and the right choice of treatment, the risk of new vein development can be minimised — especially when combined with good lifestyle management.

Another outdated notion comes from the era of surgical stripping, which did involve extended recovery periods. But modern vein treatments are designed with minimal downtime in mind.

Most of our patients at McKeown Medical are back to work within 24–48 hours, and many resume their daily activities the same day. Walking is not only allowed — it’s encouraged straight after treatment to help blood circulation and healing. There’s no need to lie in bed for days, and the majority of patients feel well enough to get on with life very quickly.

Compression stockings have long been associated with varicose vein care, but they’re not universally required after treatment anymore.

With older treatments, stockings were often necessary to aid healing and prevent complications. Today, however, modern techniques like VenaSeal mean that compression stockings may not be needed at all.

Whether you need to wear them depends on your individual treatment plan. At McKeown Medical, we assess each patient on a case-by-case basis to determine if compression is beneficial — and if so, for how long. In many cases, people are pleasantly surprised to find to no need for stockings.

The appeal of non-invasive, natural solutions is understandable — but unfortunately, this myth is both misleading and potentially harmful.

Topical creams and herbal remedies fail to address the root cause of varicose veins, which is typically structural valve damage inside the vein. No over-the-counter product can reverse or repair this.

While some natural products may temporarily relieve symptoms such as aching or swelling, they cannot close a faulty vein or restore proper blood flow. Without medical treatment, the condition may worsen over time, increasing the risk of complications such as skin changes, ulcers or clots.

For lasting results, professional intervention is necessary, and thanks to today’s technology, it’s easier and more comfortable than ever.

It’s natural to feel cautious about medical procedures — especially when myths and outdated information cloud the reality. But the truth is, varicose vein treatment today is safe, effective, and life-enhancing.

At McKeown Medical, we offer a full range of modern treatment options, tailored to your individual needs and goals. Under the expert care of Dr. Alex Vesey, we take a personalised, minimally invasive approach to ensure the best outcomes with the least disruption to your life.

Don’t let misconceptions about varicose vein treatment stop you from getting the latest procedures. At McKeown Medical, we have a wide range of treatment options available if you struggle with varicose veins. To discuss which treatment may be best for you, book a consultation today.