Have you experienced sticker shock while researching varicose vein treatment costs online? Many patients notice a wide range of prices and aren’t sure what’s reasonable or medically appropriate. At the same time, symptoms like aching, swelling, or bulging veins can affect daily comfort. It’s natural to want answers that support both your health and your budget.
You deserve clear guidance before committing to any varicose vein treatment. Each treatment has its own benefits, considerations, and costs. Some are covered by insurance when medically necessary, while others may be cosmetic. Understanding how Dr. Kimmel evaluates medical need, safety, and long-term outcomes can help you make an informed decision.
An Introduction to Varicose Veins
Varicose veins develop when a vein becomes enlarged, twisted, and less effective at moving blood toward the heart. They are most common in the legs, where veins work against gravity. Although they can be both a cosmetic and medical concern, they are very common and can be effectively addressed with a proper evaluation and personalized care plan.
Potential Symptoms
Varicose vein symptoms often appear gradually, and many patients do not realize the connection until the discomfort becomes more noticeable. Early evaluation helps identify underlying vein problems and allows patients to explore treatment options before symptoms progress.
Here are common signs you may notice:
- Aching or heaviness in the legs
- Throbbing or burning sensations
- Swelling in the lower legs
- Night cramps
- Restless or uncomfortable legs
- Itching around the visible veins
- Skin discoloration or darkening around the vein
When to Get Treatment for Varicose Veins
You should consider scheduling an evaluation with Dr. Kimmel when varicose veins begin to affect how your legs feel or look. If you’ve noticed aching, increased swelling, heaviness after long periods of standing, or veins that appear darker or more raised on the skin’s surface, it’s a good time to get expert guidance.
Early evaluation is especially important because untreated varicose veins can lead to complications such as irritation, blood pooling, or, in more advanced cases, venous ulcers. Many patients assume these symptoms are simply part of aging, but they can indicate that the veins are under strain and would benefit from medical attention.
Dr. Kimmel will evaluate your symptoms and examine the visible veins to understand what is causing your discomfort. He may use diagnostic ultrasound for the leg veins, which provides a clear view of how blood is moving through the deeper vessels. From there, Dr. Kimmel will outline treatment options that fit your condition, explain whether your case may be considered medically necessary, and discuss how insurance coverage may apply.
Varicose Vein Treatment Options and Costs
Choosing the right vein treatment starts with understanding how each procedure works and what you can expect to pay. Prices vary based on several factors, including:
- Insurance coverage and your insurance plan
- The severity of your varicose veins
- The number of veins involved
- The type of treatment you need
- Whether you need multiple sessions
- Your geographic location
- The specific technology used
- Whether your case is deemed medically necessary or cosmetic
Every patient’s situation is unique. Therefore, your final cost will reflect your personal goals, your symptoms, and the exact care plan recommended by Dr. Kimmel.
With those variables in mind, it helps to compare varicose vein treatment costs across the most common vein treatments. Let’s look at the major treatment options, how they work, and the average costs you can expect for each one.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is one of the most widely used varicose vein treatments because it works well on smaller and medium-sized veins. Dr. Kimmel injects a solution into the affected vein, which causes the vein walls to seal and redirect blood into healthier channels.
The procedure is done in-office, uses local anesthesia only when needed, and takes about 20–30 minutes per treatment session. Many patients feel only mild stinging, and ultrasound guidance may be used when deeper leg veins need attention. The injected veins fade gradually over a few weeks after treatment, although some cases need multiple treatments for full results.
The average cost for sclerotherapy can range from $350–$700 per session, depending on the number of veins treated. Insurance may apply when the treatment is medically necessary, but cosmetic spider vein treatment sessions may not be covered.
Endovenous Laser Ablation
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) is a minimally invasive treatment used specifically for larger leg veins that are no longer functioning properly. A thin laser fiber is placed into the vein under ultrasound guidance, and controlled heat seals the vein so blood can move into healthier vessels.
The procedure is done with local anesthesia, and most procedures take less than an hour. This approach allows blood to flow into healthier pathways while collapsing the problem vein safely.
The average costs typically range from $2,000–$3,500, depending on your insurance plan and whether the case is medically required. Many health insurance plans cover the procedure when symptoms or functional vein problems are present.
Ultrasound-Guided Chemical Ablation
Ultrasound-guided chemical ablation (USG) is used for deeper varicose veins that cannot be treated effectively with laser or heat. Dr. Kimmel uses ultrasound guidance to locate the vein and inject a concentrated chemical solution that causes the walls to seal shut.
The procedure is targeted, minimally disruptive, and helpful for veins hidden beneath the skin’s surface. It is often recommended when the vein anatomy makes other vein treatments less effective.
The average costs range from $1,000–$3,000, depending on how many veins require treatment and whether your case is deemed medically necessary. When a medical need is documented, most health insurance plans may cover part or all of the treatment cost.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy (microphlebectomy) is a precise, minimally invasive way to remove larger surface varicose veins through tiny openings in the skin. Dr. Kimmel makes small 1–2 mm nicks along the course of the vein and uses specialized microsurgical instruments to gently remove the damaged sections.
This technique works well for bulging veins that do not respond to injectable therapies. It is performed under local anesthesia, and patients can walk out shortly after treatment. Most patients resume normal activities within 2–3 days, with mild bruising or swelling that improves steadily. Wearing compression stockings and taking short walks supports healing and comfort.
The average cost for microphlebectomy usually ranges from $1,500–$3,000. Costs may vary depending on how extensive the vein removal is. This option is often covered by health insurance when symptoms affect daily life or when the condition leads to health problems such as irritation or risk of blood clots.
Start Your Journey to Confident, Pain-Free Living
Understanding varicose vein treatment costs can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you’re trying to balance your symptoms, your goals, and your budget. The good news is that you don’t have to navigate any of this alone.
The right care makes a meaningful difference in how your veins function and how your legs feel each day. That is why partnering with a practice led by Dr. Richard Kimmel, a board-certified cardiovascular surgeon with over 30 years of experience, matters.
At the Kimmel Institute, experience guides every decision, every evaluation, and every procedure. You receive individualized attention, honest cost explanations, and advanced techniques designed to offer lasting results.
Are you ready to experience the difference for yourself? Schedule a consultation with us today to get the expert guidance you need to feel confident about your care, options, and next steps.