There are still other options beside surgery?

Ablation using radiofrequency or laser

This is the newest technology available and can be achieved by either laser or radiofrequency application from inside the large vein. The success rate of the procedures compares most favourably to many published results of surgical treatment and does not require the time off work or the pain associated with surgery (as well as usually being less expensive).

Endovenous Laser Ablation (ELA) is a procedure whereby laser light is used to heat seal damaged deeper veins that lead to varicose veins. ELA is the treatment of choice where the underlying damaged deeper veins are particularly large. For the procedure a small incision is made near the knee and the laser fibre is inserted into the underlying vein. The fibre is then passed up the vein into the groin region. As the fibre is withdrawn the laser is activated and heats and closes the vein. Once the vein is closed, the blood that was circulating through the vein is simply rerouted to other healthy veins. ELA is minimally invasive and is performed at a clinic. There is no need for hospitalisation. You are awake during the entire procedure, but you will not feel any pain, as your leg will be numbed using local anaesthetic. The entire procedure usually takes about 1 hour.

Venus Closure is where after using ultrasound-guided mapping of the vein the Doctor will insert a catheter into the vein. Then you will be injected with an anaesthetic to numb the leg and help squeeze blood out of the vein to protect surrounding tissue. Saline is then slowly infused into the vein from the catheter creating a near-bloodless area allowing the catheter to heat the vein wall. The RF generator creates a heat ideally of 85 degrees emitted from the catheter to heat the vein wall. This causes it to shrink and close, redirecting blood to healthier veins. This procedure takes around 1 hour.