Even when symptoms seem similar, not all varicose veins are the same.
Specialized Treatment for Every Type of Varicose Vein

You may have varicose veins even if there are no visible veins on your legs.
Hidden Varicose Veins

Hidden varicose veins occur when blood in the leg veins begins to flow backward, but the condition has not yet progressed enough for the veins to appear swollen on the surface.

Varicose veins develop when blood in the leg veins fails to return to the heart and instead flows backward. The veins in the legs are divided into superficial veins located beneath the skin, deep veins situated under the muscle fascia, and perforating veins that connect the two. Although the cause of hidden varicose veins is the same as that of visible ones, the condition is less advanced, so the vein swelling is not yet noticeable externally. Even if the veins are not visible, as in hidden varicose veins, the condition can gradually progress and become more apparent over time. Therefore, if you experience leg numbness or pain even without visible veins, you should consider the possibility of hidden varicose veins.

CAUSE OF DISEASE

Cause of Disease

Hidden varicose veins are caused by valve dysfunction in the perforating veins

Hidden varicose veins occur due to abnormalities in the valves within the veins. These venous valves act as gates that prevent blood from flowing backward as it travels up toward the heart. When valve function weakens for various reasons, blood continues to flow downward, creating a vicious cycle that places additional strain on both the veins and the valves. Factors that reduce the function of veins and valves include heredity, aging, gender, pregnancy, occupation, lack of exercise, and secondary varicose veins.

  • Valve dysfunction in perforating veins

  • Continuous reflux of blood increases strain on veins and valves

  • Development of hidden varicose veins

SYMPTOM

Symptoms

Varicose veins are not limited to visibly bulging veins. Many people believe varicose veins must be visible because bulging veins are the most typical sign. However, patients with hidden varicose veins are actually much more common than those with protruding veins. Therefore, even if no veins are visible on the surface, symptoms such as leg swelling, pain, or numbness may suggest hidden varicose veins.

FEATURE

Characteristics of Hidden Varicose Veins

Hidden varicose veins often worsen quietly and require timely treatment before they progress further.

In fact, roughly 70% of patients with varicose veins have hidden varicose veins.
Unlike visible varicose veins, they show no obvious signs on the surface, which makes early detection difficult. Varicose veins are a condition that requires prompt treatment. Because they are progressive, symptoms will gradually worsen if left untreated. Even if no veins are visible, recurring leg pain may be a sign of varicose veins and should not be overlooked.

CHECK

Check Yourself for Hidden Varicose Veins

  • Although no veins are visible on the skin, my legs feel unusually heavy.
  • My legs become numb after standing or sitting for a long time.
  • My legs often feel itchy.
  • My legs swell easily and feel puffy at night.
  • I worry that my legs might hurt while I am sleeping.
CAUTION

Precautions for Hidden Varicose Veins

The less visible the veins are, the more thorough the examination should be.

Hidden varicose veins require even greater attention during testing. Even if there are no visible signs on the surface, the examination should never be neglected. To identify the cause of a patient’s discomfort, the internal condition of the veins must be examined carefully. At Sun Vascular Clinic, your doctor personally conducts detailed examinations to accurately diagnose hidden varicose veins. With advanced, university hospital–grade ultrasound equipment, we carefully assess the condition of the veins inside the legs. We take sufficient time to examine not only the veins where symptoms are expected, but also surrounding branch veins. We share the patient’s condition and the cause of symptoms transparently, and establish an effective treatment plan tailored to each patient.

EFFECT

Treatment Results for Hidden Varicose Veins

With comprehensive treatment that targets the root cause of varicose veins, you can return to a comfortable daily life without worrying about recurrence. At Sun Vascular Clinic, we place the highest priority on complete recovery. Your doctor carefully examines and treats not only the main affected veins but also surrounding branch veins, significantly lowering the chance of recurrence. Through precise, high-quality care, we help you regain comfort and freedom from leg swelling, numbness, and pain, restoring ease and confidence in your everyday life.

TREATMENT

Stage-Based Treatment for Varicose Veins

Stage Early Stage Mid Stage Late Stage
Characteristics Light purple spider veins, small veins less than 1 mm becoming visible, and changes in skin tone Beginning of vein protrusion Veins larger than 1 mm bulging, twisting, or darkening, pigmentation, and thrombosis
Symptoms Heaviness, easy fatigue, mild swelling Tingling or swelling that worsens in the afternoon, leg cramps during sleep, cold sensations, burning in the soles of the feet Itching or crawling sensations, various and complex symptoms, worsening of existing symptoms, skin ulcers
Treatment Methods Medication, compression stockings, sclerotherapy VenaSeal (Horizontal Valve Sealing), Water Tunnel Laser, Mild Radiofrequency Treatment, ClariVein VenaSeal (Horizontal Valve Sealing), Water Tunnel Laser, Mild Radiofrequency Treatment, ClariVein

* Symptoms may vary and may appear in a mix of early, mid, and late stages depending on the progression of the disease.

Medication / Injection Treatment
Medication Treatment
This treatment is performed when varicose veins are detected at an early stage. It is used to prevent the progression of varicose veins or to relieve symptoms.
Sclerotherapy
This procedure involves injecting medication into the vein to close off the affected vessel. It is a simple treatment suitable for patients whose symptoms are not severe.
Procedures / Surgeries
VenaSeal
(Horizontal Valve Sealing)
VenaSeal is a treatment that injects medical adhesive into the vein to improve symptoms of varicose veins.
In cases of saphenous vein reflux, the junction between the saphenous vein and the deep vein is sealed horizontally and closely to form an angle near zero degrees, preventing recurrence.
Water Tunnel Laser
This treatment closes the vein using high-energy heat of 500-1000°C generated by the laser. It uses a diffused laser for safety, and the surrounding tissue is protected by a water tunnel that minimizes heat damage. The latest 1940 nm laser achieves an excellent closure rate with less thermal energy compared to older models, providing a safer treatment option.
ClariVein
This method uses a rotating-blade catheter to mechanically stimulate the inner wall of the vein, followed by an injection of a sclerosing agent. There is no heat damage or heat-related side effect.
Mild Radiofrequency Treatment
This procedure closes refluxing veins using heat energy of 100-120°C generated at the tip of a radiofrequency catheter. Like the laser method, it applies the water tunnel technique to maximize safety.
Vein Stripping Surgery
This traditional method is performed under local or general anesthesia. It involves making a small incision in the skin, tying off the refluxing vein, and removing it from the body. It may also be performed in combination with laser treatment.
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