I have had varicose veins every since the birth of my second daughter ( 11 yrs ago). I had a procedure yesterday where they make an cut in your groin ( carefully with ultrasound so they minimize the size of the cut) and tie off the vein...they also inject some kind of foam into the vein at different points to collapse the vein. This procedure is 1000% better than surgical stripping and has very little downtime ( maybe 2 days compared to 3 weeks with stripping) Health care covers the cost ( at least in Canada) My legs look so amazing, I'm so happy. There is a chance the vein will re-route and I may have to do a repeat procedure in 5-10 yrs, but honestly is is so worth it!!

It's covered in Canada??!!  

Mine are not causing pain, so may not qualify.  They are quite unsightly though.  Will check it out when next at the doctors.

Thanks for the info.

Girly that sounds amazing...I've had problems for years, particularly in my right ankle area. I waited about 22 mths to see a surgeon only to be told my veins were not 'varicose' - just put some vaseline on that area!!
As I'm sitting here the area is very uncomfortable and feels hot.
Not very satisfactory.

Quoted from Stormy

It's covered in Canada??!!  

Mine are not causing pain, so may not qualify.  They are quite unsightly though.  Will check it out when next at the doctors.

Thanks for the info.

I had no pain, just some pooling in an area in my calf...always looked like a bruise.It is 100% covered by your provincial health care...depending where you have it done, they may charge a small amount for ultrasound. I also have to wear a compression stocking for 1 month but that was covered well.