Aside from stripping, where entire veins are surgically removed, there are several treatments for existing varicose veins:
Schlerotherapy involves injecting a chemical irritant into smaller varicose veins and spider veins, causing them to collapse and eventually be reabsorbed by the body. Though a less invasive option than stripping, it can sometimes be accompanied by allergic reaction, ulceration of injection sites, slight stinging or burning during injection, and bruising.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a technology, sometimes referred to as PhotoDerm or VascuLight, that sends laserlike blasts of light into the damaged vein tissues with pinpoint precision. The light generates enough heat to break down the tissue and allow it to be reabsorbed by the body. The procedure can usually be done anesthesia-free and with no recovery time.
VNUS Technology uses radio frequencies delivered through a small catheter that heat, collapse and seal the damaged vein, which is then reabsorbed by the body. It is done using local anesthetic on an outpatient basis.