Treatments · Planning
Treating Varicose Veins in Both Legs
Quick answer: Both legs can often be treated for varicose veins on the same day, because EVLT and sclerotherapy use local anesthesia and no incision. Whether LEDAS in Busan treats both legs together or in stages depends on your ultrasound findings, how many veins are involved, your general health and your travel plans. The doctor recommends the safest option for you.
Key facts at a glance
- Common situation: varicose veins frequently affect both legs, though often to different degrees.
- Both legs are always scanned at the LEDAS first visit (consultation + leg ultrasound, 180,000 KRW).
- Same day is often possible with local anesthesia, no incision and same-day discharge.
- Staging may be advised for extensive disease, certain health conditions or when the local anesthetic volume would be high.
- Cost: treatment averages about 5,500,000 KRW per leg depending on stage; exact quote after ultrasound.
- Recovery: walking is part of recovery, so both legs treated still means walking out the same day.
Why do varicose veins so often affect both legs?
The factors behind varicose veins, such as inherited vein wall weakness, hormones, pregnancy, age, weight and long hours of standing or sitting, act on the whole body, not just one leg. So it is common for both legs to have reflux, even if only one looks or feels worse. That is why LEDAS always examines both legs with duplex ultrasound at your first visit, even if you only came about one.
Can both legs be treated on the same day?
Often, yes. With traditional stripping under general or spinal anesthesia, treating both legs at once was a bigger undertaking. With the methods LEDAS uses, EVLT and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy under local anesthesia without incision , the burden on your body is much lower, and you are encouraged to walk straight afterward.
When same-day treatment of both legs usually makes sense
- Reflux in both legs that is of moderate extent.
- Good general health.
- Limited time in Korea, for example for international patients.
- A preference to recover from everything at once.
When staging may be safer or more comfortable
- Extensive disease in both legs with several trunks and many branches to treat.
- When the total amount of local anesthetic needed would be high.
- Certain heart, kidney or blood-clotting conditions, or the use of blood thinners.
- Advanced skin changes or ulcers on one side that need focused care first.
- If you would prefer to keep one leg comfortable while the other recovers.
When treatment is staged, the leg with the more significant reflux or symptoms is usually treated first.
What is recovery like after treating both legs?
Recovery follows the same pattern as for one leg, just on both sides: a pulling feeling along the treated veins for one to two weeks, bruising that fades over two to three weeks, and light walking advised for two to four weeks. You wear compression stockings on both legs as instructed. Most people can still manage light daily activities from the next day, but it is sensible to plan a quieter few days. See the recovery timeline and aftercare instructions .
How does treating both legs affect travel plans?
For international patients, treating both legs in one visit can mean fewer trips. On the other hand, staged treatment may be spread across one longer stay or two visits. Discuss your schedule with the coordinator when planning. The how many days do I need in Korea? page explains typical stays, and flying after vein treatment covers the journey home.
How much does it cost to treat both legs?
LEDAS treatment averages about 5,500,000 KRW per leg, depending on the stage of disease, so two legs cost more than one. The two legs may also be at different stages and need different amounts of treatment. You will receive an exact quote for each leg after your ultrasound. See varicose vein treatment cost in Korea .
Should I treat a leg with no symptoms?
Not necessarily. If ultrasound shows only mild reflux in a leg without symptoms, the doctor may suggest monitoring rather than treatment. If the reflux is significant, early treatment can be simpler than waiting for disease to progress. The decision is made with you, based on the scan.
Same-day vs staged treatment of both legs
| Both legs same day | Staged (one leg at a time) | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of treatment days | One | Two or more |
| Time in Korea | Usually shorter | Longer stay or a second visit |
| Recovery | Both legs at once | One leg at a time |
| Local anesthetic volume per day | Higher | Lower |
| Often suited to | Moderate disease, good general health | Extensive disease, some medical conditions |
Treating both legs – frequently asked questions
Can I walk normally if both legs are treated at once?
Yes. You walk out of the clinic on the day of treatment, and walking is actively encouraged. Expect both legs to feel tight and somewhat tender for a week or two. Walk regularly, wear your stockings and rest with your legs raised in between.
Is it riskier to treat both legs on the same day?
For most healthy people treated with local anesthesia and no incision, it is generally well tolerated. In extensive disease or certain medical conditions, staging may be safer. Your doctor will weigh the extent of treatment, your health and your medications before recommending an approach.
If only one leg bothers me, why scan both?
Because reflux often exists in both legs even when only one has symptoms. Knowing the full picture helps plan treatment sensibly and avoids surprises later. Finding early changes in the other leg also means they can be monitored at follow-up.
How long should I stay in Busan if both legs are treated?
It depends on your treatment plan and whether a check-up is scheduled afterward. The international coordinator will help you plan a stay that fits the treatment and your flights. Ask during your online consultation.
About this page
Clinical information:
LEDAS Varicose Vein Clinic, led by
Dr. Kim Byoung Joon , thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon, founding member of the Korean Society for Phlebology.
Medical reviewer:
Dr. Kim Byoung Joon ·
Review status:
Pending ·
Last updated:
October 2026
This page is general information and not a diagnosis. Treatment is decided only after an in-person examination. Read our
editorial policy .
Related: Treatment planning · Same-day discharge · Days needed in Korea · Cost in Korea · Recovery timeline
Plan treatment for both legs with our team
English consultation available · +82-70-4895-5086 · kbjledaspm@gmail.com
