There are numerous procedures that can be used to treat varicose veins. Older treatments involved surgically removing the vein and required quite a bit of recovery time. Currently, ablation is one of the most common treatments. Ablation uses laser or electricity to injure the inner lining of the veins and causes them to scar down and close. The veins no longer fill with blood and so it can’t cause discomfort or bleed. Procedures such as ablation allow patients to return to normal activities the same day as surgery does with minimal recovery time. Other methods include using a bioglue to occlude the vein or agitating the vein and injecting a sclerosing foam. For many people, treatment of the saphenous vein will resolve symptoms and to a certain extent improve cosmetic results. However, depending on the type of varicose veins, patients may require other, more superficial treatments. Your vascular surgeon will explain your options for varicose vein treatment and the risks and benefits of each treatment.