Corridor outside the procedure rooms at Surgical Institute Dublin

Venous surgery

Minimally invasive vein care

Consultant-delivered treatment for varicose veins, using minimally invasive techniques under local anaesthetic.

Venous surgery services

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA): A minimally invasive laser treatment that seals the faulty vein behind varicose veins, performed under local anaesthetic.

Foam sclerotherapy: An ultrasound-guided injection treatment that closes varicose veins without the need for surgery.

Phlebectomy: Removal of surface varicose veins through tiny incisions under local anaesthetic.

What are varicose veins?

Veins carry blood back to the heart, and small one-way valves inside them stop blood from flowing backwards. When these valves weaken, blood pools in the veins of the leg, causing them to stretch, bulge and become visible beneath the skin. These are varicose veins.

Varicose veins are very common. They often run in families and are more likely with age, pregnancy, and occupations that involve prolonged standing.

Signs and symptoms

Bulging, twisted veins visible on the legs.

Aching, heavy or tired legs, often worse at the end of the day.

Swelling of the ankles or lower legs.

Itching, throbbing or night cramps.

Skin discolouration, dryness or eczema around the ankle.

In more advanced cases, inflammation of the veins (phlebitis) or leg ulcers.

Your assessment

Your consultant will examine your legs and carry out a duplex ultrasound scan. This painless scan shows how blood is flowing through your veins and identifies exactly which veins are affected, so that the most appropriate treatment can be recommended.

Our approach

Varicose veins usually have two parts: a faulty vein beneath the skin where the valves have failed, and the visible veins on the surface that it feeds. Lasting results depend on treating both. EVLA is used to close the underlying vein, while foam sclerotherapy and phlebectomy treat the veins you can see. These are often carried out in a single visit.

Frequently asked questions

Which treatment is right for me?

This depends on which veins are affected and how severe they are. Following your ultrasound scan, your consultant will recommend the most suitable treatment or combination of treatments.

Do I need the veins that are being treated?

No. Varicose veins are not working properly, and blood is already finding its way back to the heart through healthy veins. Closing or removing faulty veins generally improves circulation in the leg.

Do varicose veins need to be treated?

Not always. Some people have no symptoms and choose not to have treatment. Treatment is usually recommended where varicose veins are causing aching, swelling, skin changes, phlebitis or ulcers, and many patients also choose treatment for cosmetic reasons.

Will I be asleep?

No. EVLA, foam sclerotherapy and phlebectomy are performed under local anaesthetic while you are awake and comfortable.

Will my varicose veins come back?

Modern treatments have high success rates, but varicose veins can recur over time, and new veins can develop. If this happens, further treatment is usually straightforward.

Will my insurance cover vein treatment?

Cover varies by insurer and plan, and treatment is usually covered where varicose veins are causing symptoms. Please call us on 01 726 7500 to discuss your cover or our self-pay fees.

Meet our specialists

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Centre of excellence

The Surgical Institute Dublin team

Every consultation, procedure, and follow-up at Surgical Institute Dublin is delivered by a specialist consultant.

Patient reviews


  • Surgical Institute Dublin is a very professional organisation providing excellent care in a purpose built facility. I was particularly impressed with the ‘See and Treat‘ consultation process and the exceptional people I encountered there!

    Ciaran Donnellan

  • Fantastic service from start to finish. Was able to book and be seen in short order, which is a rarity in Irish healthcare! Staff were very friendly and welcoming. Overall top quality experience.

    Paul Benson

  • Would highly recommend the new Surgical Institute Dublin! I was very worried about a skin lesion on my head and was amazed at how quickly they got me in for an appointment. The facility is completely modern and state-of-the-art. One of the best facilities in Europe!

    It was incredibly convenient to be able to see a top dermatologist and a plastic surgeon all in the same visit. Fantastic, efficient care.

    Conor Doyle

  • Excellent experience. Very accessible, staff excellent and I was able to get treated straight away after my consultation.

    Andrew Lynam

  • Very easy process from booking to consultation and procedure. Lovely staff, professional and efficient service. Clean and modern facilities. Couldn’t fault the place.

    Brendan Power

  • This see-and-treat service is absolutely fantastic! I was very impressed with the whole experience. Dr Jennifer Boggs and Dr Serena Martin were both kind, lovely and highly professional. I had my full body mole check and a small procedure done in one visit. The service was incredibly efficient. Such a great time saver! All the staff were friendly, smiling and welcoming! Highly recommend!

    Marie Caroline Berthelin

Insights from our specialists