Laser vs Stripping for Varicose Veins: How They Compare

What problem do both treatments solve?

Most varicose veins are driven by reflux in a long surface vein called a saphenous vein. The great saphenous vein runs up the inner leg to the groin; the small saphenous vein runs up the back of the calf. When their valves fail, blood flows backward, pressure builds and branch veins bulge. Both laser and stripping aim to stop that backward flow by taking the faulty saphenous segment out of circulation. The difference is how.

How does laser treatment work?

In endovenous laser treatment , the doctor numbs a small spot and enters the vein with a needle under ultrasound. A thin laser fiber is passed up to the right point. Dilute local anesthetic is injected around the vein along its length, then laser energy is delivered as the fiber is slowly withdrawn. The heat seals the vein wall, and the vein is gradually absorbed. At LEDAS, this is done with a 1940nm diode laser and only local anesthesia; you walk out the same day.

How does stripping surgery work?

In stripping, a surgeon makes an incision in the groin or behind the knee, ties off the saphenous vein where it joins the deep vein, and passes a stripping instrument along the vein to pull it out through another cut lower down. Branch veins are often removed at the same time through several small incisions (phlebectomy). Because of the incisions and tissue trauma, general or spinal anesthesia is usually needed. Read more in why LEDAS moved away from stripping .

How do recovery and side effects compare?

After laser

• Walking immediately; light daily activity within a day or two.
• Pulling or tight sensation along the vein for one to two weeks.
• Bruising that fades over two to three weeks.
• No stitches; tiny puncture points.

After stripping

• Recovery from anesthesia, plus healing of incisions.
• More bruising and soreness along the path of the removed vein.
• Scars at the groin or knee and along the leg.
• A higher chance of injury to small skin nerves, causing numbness, especially below the knee.

For a timeline after laser, see the recovery timeline .

Which works better in the long run?

Both can effectively remove saphenous reflux. Recurrence can happen after either, for different reasons. After stripping, new vessels can grow at the old surgical site (neovascularization). After any treatment, reflux can develop in other veins over time. Thorough diagnosis of all refluxing veins and regular follow-up are what most reduce recurrence. LEDAS combines laser with duplex-guided sclerotherapy for hidden branches and a relapse prevention program for this reason.

Who might still need stripping?

Stripping is still performed in some settings, for example in some very large or unusually shaped veins, or where endovenous equipment is not available. At LEDAS, varicose veins are treated with EVLT and sclerotherapy; your doctor will explain after ultrasound whether your veins are suitable.

What does each cost?

Costs vary widely by country and hospital. At LEDAS, the first visit with consultation and ultrasound is 180,000 KRW, and treatment averages about 5,500,000 KRW per leg depending on stage, with an exact quote after the scan. See varicose vein treatment cost in Korea .

Laser (EVLT) vs stripping surgery

Laser vs stripping – frequently asked questions