Removing varicose veins in Vienna – effective treatments for healthy legs

Removing varicose veins not only improves the aesthetic appearance of your legs, but also protects your health. Because if left untreated, they can lead to pain, inflammation and other problems. In Vienna, Dr. Peter Herndlhofer, specialist surgeon and medical director of GoAesthetic, offers gentle and modern methods for removing varicose veins. Whether on an outpatient basis with us or as a day clinic in a private clinic in Vienna – you will always receive individual treatment so that you can quickly show your legs again. Find out everything you need to know about varicose vein treatment here.

  • Individual treatment: We develop a customized treatment plan for a medically and aesthetically perfect result.

  • Gentle but effective: varicose veins can now often be removed using minimally invasive techniques – without any surgical intervention.

  • Short downtime: If necessary, modern surgical methods make it possible for you to be fit and socially acceptable again quickly.

Arrange appointment
Krampfadern entfernen Wien
Medically reviewed by:

Medically reviewed by:

Dr. Peter Herndlhofer

Why should varicose veins be removed?

Varicose veins are abnormally overstretched veins that not only look unsightly, but are also non-functional: They no longer contribute anything to normal blood circulation. Once they have developed, they deteriorate over time and can pose a serious risk to your health.

Important: We need to know the cause of the varicose vein before any treatment in order to be able to treat it effectively. It would be wrong to treat only the superficial varicose veins that we can see from the outside. This is because there is usually a weak point in the form of non-functioning venous valves that is responsible for the origin of the varicose veins. These must be treated. Because if not, the varicose veins will come back again and again.

Risks of untreated varicose veins

This is because if blood builds up permanently in the veins, it encourages inflammation and blood clots. This can one day lead to painful phlebitis or venous thrombosis, in which a blood vessel becomes blocked by a blood clot.

The accumulated tissue water caused by the varicose veins also damages the skin: it begins to itch, becomes unsightly and, in extreme cases, can even lead to the formation of an open skin ulcer or superficial venous bleeding.

Removing varicose veins: what
treatment options and examination methods are available?

From a medical point of view, it therefore makes perfect sense to treat varicose veins! The first step in the “varicose vein removal” project is always an ultrasound examination, also known as color-coded duplex sonography. It not only makes the position of the blood vessels visible, but also the direction of the blood flow within them. This enables us to identify the cause and source of varicose veins.

On this basis, we can then decide whether surgical treatment is necessary and which method is most effective.

  • Varicose vein surgery (OP): Varicose vein surgery

    The oldest method of removing varicose veins is the classic operation, also known as crossectomy with vein stripping . A fine wire is inserted into the affected, “dysfunctional” vein through small incisions in the skin and pulled out with its help. Thanks to a short anesthetic, this is much less unpleasant than it sounds. And the procedure can usually be performed on a day-case basis so that you can go home the same day.

    The advantage: almost all varicose veins, even those with a large diameter, can be safely removed using stripping. The downside is temporary bruising and swelling, as small side veins, which are also pathologically dilated, are usually also removed when the affected vein is pulled out. In addition, the skin incisions leave barely visible scars. The good thing is that the largest is only a few centimetres long and is located in the groin, where it is difficult to see.

  • Sclerotherapy (sclerotherapy): Sclerosing varicose veins

    Varicose vein obliteration is based on a slightly different principle: the defective vessel is not removed from the body, but merely immobilized. This works with the help of a special foam, which is usually injected into the vein under ultrasound guidance. The sclerosing agent immediately glues the vein walls together, sealing them off. Your body takes care of the rest by converting the varicose vein into connective tissue.

    Minimally invasive, no scars and hardly any pain – varicose vein sclerotherapy has numerous advantages. However, if broken venous valves in the groin region are responsible for the varicose veins, surgery or laser treatment is usually unavoidable. We can see whether this is the case during the initial ultrasound examination. Incidentally, the same “sclerosing agent” is used to remove spider veins, but a liquid is used instead of the foam.

  • Laser therapy: varicose vein laser treatment

    Varicose veins can also be removed gently but effectively using a laser. The basic principle: a small laser probe is inserted into the diseased vein through a tiny incision in the skin. This releases targeted heat impulses, causing the vein walls to collapse and literally “weld” them together. The vein is thus immobilized and closed, but can remain in the body, where it is slowly converted into connective tissue.

    To protect the surrounding tissue from the heat, a liquid solution containing an anesthetic is injected into the tissue before the treatment. This makes the treatment virtually painless and gentle. The treatment is usually carried out under sedation.

  • Radiofrequency ablation (RFITT)

    Radiofrequency ablation works in a similar way to laser therapy. However, instead of laser energy, electromagnetic radio waves are used to generate targeted heat pulses inside the vein. The walls of the diseased vein then melt and the varicose vein is closed.

    Important: Both methods – laser and radiofrequency ablation – are gentler than classic vein stripping. However, they only work as long as the varicose vein is not too large and the course of the vein in the leg is completely straight. This is another reason why it is worth having varicose veins treated early.

  • Mini-phlebectomy

    The complicated term mini-phlebectomy refers to another minimally invasive method that is suitable for smaller, superficial varicose veins.

    As with classic varicose vein surgery, the diseased vessels are removed from the body. The difference is that the mini-phlebectomy only requires tiny skin stitches that leave hardly any scars. This allows superficially tortuous veins in particular to be removed. Caution: If the venous valves in an underlying vein are dysfunctional, there is no way around vein surgery, as otherwise the varicose veins would return after a mini-phlebectomy.

Arrange appointment

Which doctor can remove varicose veins in Vienna?

You want to do something about your varicose veins, but which doctor is actually responsible? The best place to go is generally a doctor who specializes in vein diseases (phlebology) or vein surgery.

At our practice in Vienna, you can have your varicose veins removed on an outpatient basis. However, if an operation is necessary, you can plan the operation together with Dr. Peter Herndlhofer in a pleasant atmosphere in a private hospital. He is a specialist in surgery and always performs the operation himself, so you will always be looked after by a surgeon who specializes in veins.

The good thing is that, unlike in public hospitals, surgery appointments can be scheduled within a few weeks. In most cases, a day hospital stay is completely sufficient so that you can go home the same day after the procedure. He will be happy to advise you on site.

Arrange appointment

When should I see a doctor if I have varicose veins?

We recommend that you have visible varicose veins checked by a doctor as early as possible. This is because only an ultrasound examination can show how healthy your veins actually are.

You should not hesitate any longer if you have symptoms. So, when do you need to see a doctor if you have varicose veins?

  • For visible, tortuous and bulging veins on the legs
  • If the skin in the calf or ankle area is itchy, discolored, thin or hardened
  • If you have a feeling of heaviness or pressing pain in your legs in the evening
  • If water (oedema) regularly accumulates in the legs and other causes have been ruled out
  • If a varicose vein is bleeding – it’s better to go to hospital straight away

Removing varicose veins in Vienna: treatment procedure

Initial assessment and ultrasound of the veins

Before any procedure – be it sclerotherapy or surgery – a medical examination including an ultrasound of the veins (= color-coded Doppler sonography) is carried out. Without such an examination, effective treatment is not possible. If only sclerotherapy of the varicose veins is necessary, this can usually be carried out on site.

Important: Before any first-time sclerotherapy of a varicose vein, an ultrasound examination should be carried out by the treating doctor

Planning varicose vein surgery

If surgery is necessary, you will discuss all the treatment options that make sense for you with Dr. Herndlhofer on site. This is because the type of procedure depends on other factors in addition to your age and concomitant illnesses:

Which veins are affected?
How are the varicose veins progressing?
Where are the varicose veins located?
Should both legs be treated?
Have you already had sclerotherapy or vein surgery?

Once all questions have been answered, he will draw up a specific treatment plan for you.

Varicose vein surgery

In the vast majority of cases, day surgery is possible. This means that you come to the hospital in the morning and go home again in the afternoon after the operation. Dr. Herndlhofer performs the operation in two different private clinics in a relaxed atmosphere in Vienna’s 18th district. The scheduling is done on site, so you don’t have to worry about anything. An appointment for surgery is usually possible within 2-3 weeks.

Check-up after varicose vein surgery

The day after the operation, you will have your first check-up with us, where the bandage will be removed and your compression stockings will be put on. The final check-up takes place approximately 1 week later.

Removing varicose veins: what do you need to consider after the operation?

To ensure that the medical and aesthetic result is perfect, please pay attention to the following after the procedure:

  • We will prescribe class II compression stockings for you before an operation. We will discuss with you personally how long you should wear them.
  • Avoid prolonged standing and sitting. Light exercise (walking) or elevating the legs is better.
  • You should avoid saunas or hot baths at first.
  • Make sure you use sun protection in the treated area, otherwise you risk unsightly skin discoloration. For this reason, a procedure should also be carried out in the colder half of the year .

Healing time after varicose vein surgery

When you will be fit again after varicose vein surgery depends on the type of procedure:

After sclerotherapy of varicose veins, you have de facto no downtime. Sport is possible again after a few days, but you should avoid exposure to heat (sauna, solarium) for around 2 weeks.

After a classic varicose vein operation, a sick leave of 1 – 2 weeks is usual. Depending on the extent of the operation, it may take a few weeks before you are able to do sport again without restrictions.

And how can you sleep after varicose vein surgery? It is best to lie on your back with your legs slightly elevated. If you are lying on your side, you can put a soft pillow between your legs.

Removing varicose veins: costs

  • Initial examination + ultrasound
    200 €
  • Foam vein sclerotherapy
    190 €
  • Initial examination, ultrasound + vein foam sclerotherapy
    320 €
  • Varicose vein surgery in a private clinic
    2000 - 3400 € *
  • * depending on the method and length of stay (day clinic or overnight stay). The costs are partly covered by public health insurance. Supplementary insurance usually covers 100% of the costs.
Arrange appointment

Can varicose veins be treated with ointments or creams?

Castor oil or olive oil against varicose veins: You’ve probably come across tips like this before or been recommended an ointment for varicose veins. What do you think?

To cut a long story short: Creams or ointments do not change the cause of varicose veins and are therefore no alternative to varicose vein removal. There are active ingredients such as red vine leaves that may be able to alleviate symptoms such as heavy legs. However, these substances are probably more effective if you take them as tablets or capsules instead of applying them as a cream. One thing should be clear to you: unfortunately, removing varicose veins without surgery does not work.

Krampfadern Creme

What speaks against treatment (contraindications)?

  • Varicose vein surgery should not be performed immediately after a deep leg or pelvic vein thrombosis. Further clarification is absolutely necessary.

  • Sclerotherapy is not possible for certain heart defects.

  • We do not recommend treatment during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

  • If in doubt, always take all previous findings with you so that we can discuss which treatment is possible and sensible on site.

Arrange appointment

Any questions? Our FAQ section cannot replace a consultation, but it should give you some initial guidance.

Varicose veins in which used blood accumulates no longer fulfill any function for your body. Instead, they can become the starting point for phlebitis or thrombosis. It therefore definitely makes sense to remove varicose veins! Your body has a dense network of veins and manages blood circulation perfectly well without the broken vessels.

This depends entirely on the type, location and extent of the varicose veins and therefore cannot be said in general terms. We will be happy to advise you personally on site as to which method promises the greatest individual success.

When removing varicose veins at our institute in Vienna, we attach great importance to making the procedure as comfortable as possible for you. Even in a private hospital, your treatment comfort is our top priority. The operation is usually performed in twilight sleep or under a short anesthetic so that you don’t notice anything.

The following can be unfavorable for varicose veins:

  • Lack of exercise (standing or sitting for long periods)
  • Heat (sauna, solarium, hot baths)
  • Overweight (increases the pressure in the veins)

Depending on the method, it may take a few weeks before the final result is achieved and the varicose veins have completely faded. In the case of very pronounced varicose veins, a further appointment is sometimes necessary, during which we tackle the remaining veins.

When you can return to work or exercise after the procedure depends on the type of procedure and your profession. However, you should not take it easy after varicose vein surgery: light exercise such as walking is important to prevent complications.

More questions? Simply make a personal consultation appointment online.

Arrange appointment

References

Last update: 19.10.2024

Imprint

GoAesthetic
Center for aesthetic treatments

Address:
Magdalenenstrasse 22/1
1060 Vienna

E-mail: office@goaesthetic.at

Tel: 0043 1 417 12 21

Opening hours

Monday:08:00 – 20:00
Tuesday:08:00 – 19:00
Wednesday:09:00 – 19:00
Thursday:08:00 – 19:00
Friday:08:00 – 19:00
Saturdayby appointment

Reviews

“Very nice surgery, the staff is very friendly and you feel comfortable right away! After the first treatment I already saw a great result! Can definitely recommend.”

based on 138 Google reviews