Varicose Vein Surgery in India: Cost, Procedure, and Recovery Time

Varicose veins are distended, tortuous, dilated multiple veins. These usually appear on the legs and may be bluish or purple. They may cause discomfort, pain, swelling, or a feeling of heaviness in the legs. Sometimes the varicose veins can cause some serious health problems, like an ulcer, skin color change. When lifestyle changes and medicines do not work, surgery or a minimally invasive treatment option is advised by doctors.

In India, varicose vein surgery is very popular, considered safest and effective for patients. We intend to explain briefly about the cost, process, and recovery of the varicose vein surgery

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins happen when the valves along the walls of your veins do not function a properly way. All veins contain one-way directional valves that help to ensure that the blood flows in only one direction, i.e, towards the heart. If the valves become weakened or damaged, the blood will start flowing in the reverse direction along gravity, pooling inside the veins instead of flowing toward the heart, which thus creates swelling of the legs and produces discomfort to patients.

Usual symptoms of varicose veins include:

• Pain in the calves or legs.
• Swelling of the feet or ankles occurs more while long standing.
• An itching or burning sensation around the veins.
• Skin bulging of veins is visible.

Most varicose veins tend to occur in older people, women, during pregnancy, standing for very long, and in families with a history of such vein problems.

When Is Surgery Recommended?

Not all varicose vein sufferers need surgical operations, though there are exceptions such as:

• Widespread pain and discomfort caused by the veins appear to be unbearable.
• Sores and ulcers may show up on the leg skin because of problems with their blood flow.
• The veins begin to bleed or clot, causing thrombophlebitis.
• Non-surgical treatments, such as compression stockings, are ineffective.

Some Varicose Vein Surgeries in India

Doctors offer different treatments depending on the condition in India. Here are the most common ones:

1. Laser Therapy (EVLT/EVLA)

This is the most famous and modern method. A tiny laser fiber is introduced into the vein; the laser heat closes the vein from inside. Blood is thus rerouted through healthier veins.

• Minimally invasive (little or no cuts)
• Local anesthesia is applied
• No hospital admission is needed in the majority of cases

2. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Basically, it is the closure of veins with radiofrequency waves instead of a laser. And it is equally safe and effective.

3. Sclerotherapy

This involves injecting a special solution inside the vein, which contracts and disappears over time. Mostly, the treatment is carried out for smaller veins, such as spider veins.

4. Vein Stripping & Ligation

This is an archaic procedure wherein the surgeon ties off and physically pulls out the offending veins. This procedure is outdated these days because there is far less pain and faster recovery with newer techniques.

Cost of Varicose Vein Surgery in India

In India, quite a few aspects affect the varicose vein treatment cost:

• Type of procedure, e.g., laser, RFA, glue, MOCA, etc.
• The city and the hospital are situated
• Stage of varicose vein disease
• Experience of a surgeon/ interventional radiologist
• Use of anesthesia and duration of hospital stay

Approximate Cost Range (Currently, 2025):

• Laser Treatment or RFA: ₹45,000 – ₹1,20,000 Per Leg, depending on the severity of the disease process.
• Sclerotherapy: ₹3,000 – ₹10,000 Per Session
• Vein Stripping (Surgical): ₹60,000 – ₹1,50,000

There are also hospitals providing discount packages, including consultation, tests, surgery, and follow-up, depending on the situation of the disease.

Doesn’t Insurance cover varicose veins?

Yes, endovascular Varicose vein treatment is covered under many health insurance schemes in India, on being considered medically necessary. You will have to take permission from your insurer with all relevant medical documents submitted. Treatment solely for cosmetic appearance would most probably not be covered.

What to Expect in the Process

In India, this is how things normally go by step:

1. Specialist Consultation

A vascular surgeon or interventional radiologist will examine your legs and perform a Doppler ultrasound test, which measures blood flow through the veins.

2. Choosing the Treatment

Based on your condition, the doctor will suggest the best treatment. Feel free to ask anything concerning the cost, recovery, or risks involved before you choose one.

3. Pre-Surgery Tests

Some routine blood tests and health checks will be done to determine if you are fit for the procedure.

4. The Procedure Day

Most procedures last 1-2 hours under local anesthesia (you'll be awake but don't feel pain). Usually, you get discharged from the hospital the same day unless the doctor instructs otherwise.

5. Post-Surgery Treatment

Wearing compression socks to support your veins and promote blood flow is a must. The doctor will prescribe you medications along with clear instructions for the following several days.

Recovery After Surgery

Recovery is usually pretty fast, especially when modern methods such as laser or RFA treatments have been used.

How It Might Be:

• Mild pain and swelling, or bruising in the treated area
• Walking for a couple of hours
• Back to daily routine within 2–5 days
• Avoiding heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for a couple of weeks
• Potentially fully recovered by 2–3 weeks

Then, follow-up visits are very important to monitor the healing process and to make sure no new varicose veins have appeared.

• A Smooth Recovery
• Wear compression stockings as instructed.
• Elevate your legs when resting.
• Get up and walk around lightly.
• No hot baths or take a sauna for a couple of days.
• Do follow-ups with your doctor.
• Risks and Side Effects

Usually, varicose vein surgery is safe. But, like any other procedure, it has its very own slight risks:

• Infections (rare)
• Small bleedings or bruising
• Numbness or tingling sensation (temporary)
• Clotting in veins (very rare)

These risks are greatly lowered by engaging the services of an experienced doctor and strictly following post-operation instructions.

Why Choose India for Varicose Vein Surgery?

India has very quickly become a favored destination to get treated for varicose veins due to:

• Lower costs compared to many other countries
• Highly experienced doctors with international exposure
• Modern, well-equipped hospitals
• Fast appointments and very little to no waiting time

Residents of India, as well as foreign nationals, head to metropolitan cities of Chandigarh, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad for the minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins.

Conclusion

Varicose veins may be preventing you from enjoying all those daily activities. Thankfully, medical science advances have led to recent medical treatments that are minimally invasive, safe, efficacious, and affordable in India. Be it laser treatment, radiofrequency, or sclerotherapy, modern treatment makes treatment for varicose veins easy and fast.

Before treatment, a vascular specialist consultation should be scheduled, the hospitals compared, insurance coverage checked, and everything weighed before finalizing a decision.

Early treatment will improve your quality of life and keep you active without any nagging pain.