Is varicose vein surgery a better choice for someone who is overweight?

I am significantly overweight and have very painful varicose veins in my legs. Is it better for me to have surgery or endovenous laser treatment?

Answers from doctors (7)


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 04, 2012

Endovenous laser treatment is the best choice for you. It is safer and less invasive with significantly less down time.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Endovenous laser treatment is the best choice for you. It is safer and less invasive with significantly less down time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Nov 25, 2009

With the current technologies, there is really never a reason for stripping and ligation. Endovenous thermal ablation (laser or VNUSClosure) is a much better treatment combined with microphlebectomy (or sclerotherapy).

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Answered by Miller Vein

With the current technologies, there is really never a reason for stripping and ligation. Endovenous thermal ablation (laser or VNUSClosure) is a much better treatment combined with microphlebectomy (or sclerotherapy).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Nov 25, 2009

EVLT or ELVes/radiofrequency ablation are preferable in most individuals and even more so for overweight individuals. There are several reasons for this preference. First, general anesthesia is not used for EVLT or ELVes/radiofrequency ablation and overweight people are at a higher risk for complication for general anesthesia.

Another reason is that ligation and stripping procedures require incisions. In over-weight individuals carry there is an added risk of poor healing and infection with incisions from stripping procedures. This would be especially applicable to a groin incision that is usually required to treat the greater saphenous vein.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

EVLT or ELVes/radiofrequency ablation are preferable in most individuals and even more so for overweight individuals. There are several reasons for this preference. First, general anesthesia is not used for EVLT or ELVes/radiofrequency ablation and overweight people are at a higher risk for complication for general anesthesia.

Another reason is that ligation and stripping procedures require incisions. In over-weight individuals carry there is an added risk of poor healing and infection with incisions from stripping procedures. This would be especially applicable to a groin incision that is usually required to treat the greater saphenous vein.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Nov 25, 2009

The only time I would recommend open surgery to endoluminal ablation is if the vein to be ablated is larger than 25mm or extremely tortuous. Obesity is not a contraindication for ablation and obese patients are better served with a minimally invasive procedure because it will reduce your risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

The only time I would recommend open surgery to endoluminal ablation is if the vein to be ablated is larger than 25mm or extremely tortuous. Obesity is not a contraindication for ablation and obese patients are better served with a minimally invasive procedure because it will reduce your risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Published on Nov 24, 2009

You need to see a phlebologist who can give you an answer specific to your needs. Generally, endovenous thermal ablation of the greater saphenous vein is much preferred over a vein stripping procedure regardless of weight.

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Answered by VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

You need to see a phlebologist who can give you an answer specific to your needs. Generally, endovenous thermal ablation of the greater saphenous vein is much preferred over a vein stripping procedure regardless of weight.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Nov 24, 2009

I use minimally invasive techniques for both obese and non obese patients with good results. Open surgery is not necessity in the overweight patient.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

I use minimally invasive techniques for both obese and non obese patients with good results. Open surgery is not necessity in the overweight patient.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Nov 24, 2009

Losing weight should help to reduce the pain and swelling in your legs and veins. If you do want to have a procedure, there are many factors that determine which surgery or procedure you are a candidate for. You should see a vascular surgeon to discuss your options.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

Losing weight should help to reduce the pain and swelling in your legs and veins. If you do want to have a procedure, there are many factors that determine which surgery or procedure you are a candidate for. You should see a vascular surgeon to discuss your options.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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