Varicose Veins - Assessment & Treatment

Assess and treat varicose veins – with an experienced dermatologist at Derma Medical Clinic in Zurich – Sihlcity

Book an Appointment

Varicose Veins – Assessment & Treatment

Clarify and treat chronic abscesses and painful nodules with an experienced dermatologist at the Derma Medical Clinic in Zurich - Sihlcity

Effectively treat varicose veins

Varicose veins are visibly dilated veins. They primarily occur on the legs and can cause a feeling of heaviness, tension, or swelling. We thoroughly assess your symptoms and create a suitable treatment plan for you.

Book an appointment here

Treatment Options

Laser therapy (endovenous), sclerotherapy, and compression, used individually or in combination depending on findings

Procedure

After diagnosis, an individualized treatment plan is established; many therapies are performed on an outpatient basis.

Examinations

Venous ultrasound

Duration

Depending on the method, a treatment usually takes between 20 and 60 minutes

Socially presentable after treatment

Daily activities usually have no or only minor restrictions

Sports, Swimming, Sauna

Light exercise is possible early on; intensive activity should be temporarily adjusted. Heat and prolonged water exposure should be avoided in the first few days.

Recognizing and assessing varicose veins

Varicose veins develop gradually in most cases. Initially, fine, visible veins or a feeling of tension are prominent. Over time, clearly protruding veins, swelling, or skin changes can develop.
Important: Not every visible vein requires treatment. What matters is whether a functional disorder is already present. This can only be reliably assessed through targeted specialist diagnosis.

Book an Appointment

When varicose veins progress

Varicose veins change over time. They can become more prominent, symptoms increase, and the skin becomes more sensitive.

Typical signs include increasing swelling in the ankle and lower leg area, a feeling of pressure, and externally visible skin changes. In advanced stages, the skin can thicken or become discolored.

Early assessment helps to evaluate the progression and decide in time whether and which treatment makes sense.

Diagnosis & Treatment of Varicose Veins

Diagnosis: The foundation of every treatment

Your varicose veins are systematically examined. The cause, extent, and progression of the venous disease are assessed.

Duplex ultrasound (color sonography)

Detailed visualization of vein structure and blood flow. Shows whether venous valves are insufficient and where reflux originates.

Clinical examination

Specialist assessment of visible changes, skin condition, and possible accompanying symptoms such as edema or skin discoloration.

Risk profile and progression

Evaluation of individual factors such as predisposition, occupation, hormonal influences, or previous thromboses.

What sets us apart

Gentle procedures

We prefer modern, minimally invasive methods that allow us to treat diseased veins individually and gently.

Experienced Doctors

Diagnosis and treatment are performed by a specialist in angiology, internal medicine, and phlebology with many years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of venous disorders.

Precise diagnosis

The foundation of every treatment is usually venous ultrasound. This reveals which vein is affected and to what extent, and which therapy is medically advisable.

Individual Consultation

Not every varicose vein necessarily requires treatment. We discuss with you what the findings mean, what options are available, and which treatment suits your situation.

How does the assessment of varicose veins work?

Initial consultation & ultrasound

At the first appointment, we discuss your symptoms and risk factors. This is followed by an ultrasound examination of the leg veins.

Treatment planning

If the ultrasound shows venous insufficiency requiring treatment, we explain the possible therapies to you.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy is performed on an outpatient basis at our clinic, usually under local anesthesia. The affected vein is precisely sealed through a small access point.

Follow-up & monitoring

Immediately afterward, you receive a compression stocking for the treated leg. You can usually go home the same day. The first follow-up takes place the next day, with another typically after 2 to 4 weeks.

Many years of experience with varicose veins

Varicose veins vary in severity and do not always have the same cause. What matters is the extent, the personal burden caused by the varicose veins, and which areas are affected. At Derma Medical Clinic, we examine you systematically with ultrasound and clinical examination. This allows us to reliably determine whether venous insufficiency requiring treatment exists and which therapy makes sense.

Dr. med. Andreas Gutwein is responsible for the assessment and treatment of vascular diseases at Derma Medical Clinic; as a specialist in angiology and general internal medicine as well as phlebology, he is an expert in this field, assesses findings and progression, and determines the next steps together with you.

What you can expect from us

Gentle laser procedures

We work with modern laser systems that precisely seal the diseased vein from the inside, without incisions, without scars. This method replaces traditional surgery in many cases.

Outpatient treatment

Laser treatment is performed on an outpatient basis: you come for your appointment and go home afterward. General anesthesia or a stay at the clinic is usually not necessary.

Personally guided – from initial consultation to follow-up care

Instead of changing responsibilities, you have dedicated contacts who know you, understand you, and reliably guide you through the entire process.

Personally guided – from initial consultation to follow-up care

You receive diagnosis, medical treatment, and cosmetic
care in one place. This gives you dedicated contacts, short distances, and coordinated care, from initial examination to follow-up.

What patients say about our treatment

Have you noticed visible veins, a constant feeling of heaviness in your legs, or pulling pain when walking?

Schedule an appointment now for assessment and individualized treatment at Derma Medical Clinic in Zurich - Sihlcity.

Book a consultation

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Varicose Veins

What are varicose veins and how do you recognize them?

Varicose veins – medically known as varices – are permanently dilated, twisted veins, usually on the legs. They often appear as bluish, protruding veins. Common signs include heavy legs, swelling, a feeling of tension, or visible veins on the lower leg.

What symptoms can varicose veins cause?

Typical symptoms are heavy or tired legs, especially in the evening, feelings of tension, swelling at the ankles or lower legs, and visibly protruding veins. Itching, pain, or skin discoloration can also occur, especially as venous insufficiency progresses.

When should varicose veins be treated?

At the latest when symptoms such as pain, swelling, or skin changes occur. Even without symptoms, treatment can be advisable to prevent complications such as inflammation, thrombosis, or poorly healing leg ulcers.

How do varicose veins develop?

Varicose veins develop when the venous valves are weakened and blood no longer flows properly back to the heart. Causes often include genetic predisposition, lack of exercise, prolonged sitting or standing, hormonal changes (e.g., during pregnancy), or being overweight.

How does the examination for varicose veins work?

Diagnosis is made through specialized vascular ultrasound, which allows us to precisely assess blood flow and the function of the venous valves. The examination is painless and takes about 30 minutes.

How can varicose veins be treated?

Depending on the findings, various methods are available – for example, laser treatment (endovenous thermal therapy), sclerotherapy, compression therapy, or in some cases surgical removal. At our clinic, we prefer to work with modern laser therapy.

What happens to the blood when the vein is sealed?

The blood is automatically redirected through healthy neighboring veins. The sealed vein is gradually broken down by the body without affecting circulation.

How long does laser treatment for varicose veins take?

Laser treatment usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. It is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning: you come for the procedure and go home the same day.

Can varicose veins be prevented?

Yes, through regular exercise (e.g., walking, cycling), elevating the legs, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, and healthy eating. Those prone to venous insufficiency can wear compression stockings preventively – for example, during pregnancy or in standing occupations.

Similar Treatments