There are many types of treatment available for varicose and spider veins. Generally, the smallest veins are injected (sclerotherapy) or treated with a surface laser, and the larger veins are removed or ablated. In the past, removal meant “vein stripping” using a general anesthesia in the hospital setting, however newer techniques are available to ablate the veins in a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure with local anesthesia. These new techniques and devices have made treatment simpler and more effective.