Diagnosis · Second opinion
Second Opinion for Varicose Vein Treatment
Quick answer: A second opinion is worth getting if you were told you need surgery, offered a plan you don't understand, or your veins came back after treatment. A useful second opinion includes a fresh standing duplex ultrasound, not just a review of reports. At LEDAS in Busan, Dr. Kim Byoung Joon re-maps your veins and explains the findings on screen.
Key facts at a glance
- Your right: the LEDAS patient rights charter includes the right to a second opinion.
- What it involves: review of your history and earlier reports, plus a new standing duplex ultrasound.
- Common reasons: surgery recommended, unclear plan, conflicting advice, recurrence after treatment.
- Fee: the first visit (consultation + leg ultrasound) is 180,000 KRW.
- Bring: previous ultrasound reports, operation notes, proposed treatment plan, medicines list.
- Outcome: you may receive the same advice, a different plan, or reassurance that no treatment is needed.
Why get a second opinion for varicose veins?
Varicose vein care has changed a great deal in recent decades. Two clinics can look at the same legs and propose quite different plans, from open surgery to laser, injections or simply watching. A second opinion helps you understand the reasoning, compare options, and feel confident in your choice. Asking for one is normal and is not a sign of distrust; the LEDAS patient rights charter explicitly includes the right to a second opinion.
When is a second opinion most useful?
- You were advised to have stripping or open surgery. Minimally invasive methods such as EVLT and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy may be an option, using local anesthesia instead of general or spinal anesthesia. See laser vs stripping .
- The plan wasn't based on an ultrasound, or the scan was brief or done lying down.
- You don't understand what will be treated or why.
- Your veins came back after treatment. Finding the reason for recurrence is essential before treating again; see recurrent varicose veins .
- You were told nothing can be done, for example because of age, an ulcer or a past clot.
- You were told you need many sessions or a large number of treatments and want to check the reasoning.
- You have a complex condition, such as KT syndrome or deep vein problems.
What does a second opinion at LEDAS include?
1. Review of your history and documents
Dr. Kim Byoung Joon reviews your symptoms, previous treatments, earlier scan reports and any proposed plan. Documents in any language are welcome; the international coordinator can help with translation.
2. A fresh duplex ultrasound
Reports alone are not enough to judge a plan. Veins change over time, and written reports may not show every refluxing segment. LEDAS performs its own standing duplex ultrasound on Philips EPIQ Elite equipment, mapping reflux in the saphenous veins, perforators and deep veins. It takes about 15–20 minutes, and you follow along on screen.
3. A clear, honest explanation
You will hear what the scan shows, how it compares with your earlier findings, and what options make sense. If the original plan is appropriate, you will be told so. If something was missed, or a gentler approach is possible, that will be explained in plain language.
4. A written plan if you want it
If you choose treatment at LEDAS, you receive an individual treatment plan and an exact quote. You are free to take the information back to your original doctor.
What should I bring?
- Earlier ultrasound reports and images (on a disc or USB if available)
- Operation notes or discharge summaries from past vein treatment
- The proposed treatment plan and quote you received
- A list of medicines and any allergies
- Photos of your legs over time, if you have them
Can I get a second opinion from abroad?
You can start remotely. Send your reports and questions through the online consultation form or one of the remote consultation centers in seven countries. The team can review your information and tell you whether an in-person scan in Busan is likely to change the plan. A definitive opinion still requires an examination, because treatment decisions are made only after an in-person ultrasound.
Questions to ask about any varicose vein treatment plan
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Was my ultrasound done standing? | Reflux shows most clearly with gravity acting on the veins |
| Which exact veins are refluxing? | Treatment should target every source, including perforators |
| What anesthesia is involved? | Local-only methods avoid general or spinal anesthesia |
| Are incisions needed? | Needle-based methods avoid surgical wounds and scars |
| How will results be checked? | Ultrasound after treatment confirms closure |
| What follow-up is planned? | Long-term scans help catch new reflux early |
Second opinion for varicose veins – frequently asked questions
Will my first doctor be offended if I get a second opinion?
Most doctors understand that patients want to feel sure before a procedure. Seeking a second opinion is a recognized patient right. You can simply say you would like more information before deciding, and ask for copies of your reports to bring along.
Why does LEDAS repeat the ultrasound instead of using my report?
Written reports summarize findings but rarely show every refluxing segment, and veins change over time. Because treatment success depends on an accurate map, LEDAS performs its own scan. Your earlier report is still valuable for comparison.
What if the second opinion disagrees with the first?
Ask each doctor to explain their reasoning based on the ultrasound findings. Differences often come from how much reflux was found, or which methods each clinic uses. Understanding why helps you decide which plan fits your goals and health.
Does a second opinion commit me to treatment at LEDAS?
No. You pay for the consultation and ultrasound, receive the findings and recommendations, and are free to decide where and whether to have treatment. If you choose LEDAS, you will receive an exact quote before anything is booked.
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: How your treatment plan is built · Re-operation clinic · Surgical vs non-surgical treatment · Patient rights · How to choose a vein clinic
Get a clear, ultrasound-based second opinion
English consultation available · +82-70-4895-5086 · kbjledaspm@gmail.com
