Can Varicose Veins Go Away on Their Own?
Medically verified
Last updated on 1/29/2026
By Dr. Michael Nguyen
Vein Doctor at Vein Treatment Clinic
Harvard Medical School
Board Certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine
Many people hope that varicose veins will improve or disappear without treatment, especially if symptoms are mild or the veins seem to fluctuate in appearance.
While some changes may occur over time, varicose veins usually reflect an underlying problem with blood flow in the veins.
Understanding what improvements are realistic and what typically does not resolve on its own helps patients make informed decisions about monitoring or treatment.
If you’re unsure whether your veins will improve on their own or need evaluation, a vein assessment can help clarify what’s happening.
Table of contents
1. Do varicose veins ever go away without treatment?
2. Why don’t varicose veins heal themselves?
3. Can varicose veins improve temporarily?
4. Can lifestyle changes make varicose veins disappear?
5. Can pregnancy-related varicose veins go away?
6. Do compression stockings make varicose veins go away?
7. What happens if varicose veins are left untreated?
8. When is it better to seek evaluation rather than wait?
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Do varicose veins ever go away without treatment?
True varicose veins usually do not go away on their own because the underlying valve damage inside the vein does not repair itself.
Once a vein has become enlarged due to backward blood flow, it typically remains unless treated.
Why don’t varicose veins heal themselves?
Varicose veins form when one-way valves inside the veins fail, allowing blood to pool.
These valves do not regenerate, which is why the condition tends to persist rather than resolve naturally.
Can varicose veins improve temporarily?
Symptoms such as aching, heaviness, or swelling may improve temporarily with leg elevation, movement, or compression stockings.
These changes can reduce pressure but do not fix the underlying vein problem.
Symptom Checker
Can lifestyle changes make varicose veins disappear?
Lifestyle measures like regular walking, avoiding prolonged standing, and weight management can help control symptoms.
However, they usually do not cause established varicose veins to disappear.
Can pregnancy-related varicose veins go away?
Varicose veins that appear during pregnancy may improve after delivery as hormone levels and blood volume normalize.
Even if veins look better, underlying valve damage may still be present.
Do compression stockings make varicose veins go away?
Compression stockings help support blood flow and reduce symptoms.
They do not eliminate varicose veins or reverse valve damage.
What happens if varicose veins are left untreated?
Some varicose veins remain stable, but others progress and cause worsening symptoms or skin changes.
Untreated vein disease can increase the risk of chronic venous insufficiency over time.
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You can expect results like these with our specialized treatments for spider & varicose veins performed by the best experts in the country.
Before
After
A 37-year-old patient visited our Vein Treatment Clinic, seeking relief from unsightly and painful varicose and spider veins. We performed radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy treatments, significantly improving the veins’ appearance and completely eliminating discomfort. The patient is now enjoying a more active and pain-free lifestyle.
Before
After
A 69 year-old patient visited our California Vein Clinic, embarrassed by spider veins that had impacted their self-esteem. We performed radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy treatments, leaving their legs smooth and healthy. The patient now feels more confident, thanks to this transformative treatment.
Before
After
This 84 year-old patient at our New Jersey Vein Treatment Clinic came in with spider veins that had affected their daily routine. We used radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy treatments to relieve discomfort and restore both their leg health and confidence. The patient now enjoys a more active and fulfilling lifestyle, free from pain.
Before
After
At our Long Island Vein Clinic, we treated this 75 year-old patient with spider veins using radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy. These minimally invasive treatments improved both the patient’s appearance and overall well-being, offering transformative results.
Before
After
This 75 year-old patient visited our Long Island Vein Treatment Clinic with painful spider veins. We used radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy, minimally invasive treatments, to eliminate the veins and restore comfort and confidence. The patient experienced life-changing results
When is it better to seek evaluation rather than wait?
Evaluation is recommended if varicose veins cause pain, swelling, skin discoloration, or interfere with daily activities.
A vein evaluation helps determine whether monitoring or treatment is the most appropriate option.
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When should you see a vein specialist?
Evaluation is recommended if varicose veins cause pain, swelling, skin changes, or interfere with daily activities.
Seeing a specialist helps determine whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate.
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Vein Treatment Clinic is powered by VIP Medical Group and built around a single guiding principle: deliver the highest standard of vein care using an academic, evidence-based approach combined with the most advanced, minimally invasive technology available today.
Clinical leadership at Vein Treatment Clinic is guided by a panel of board-certified vein specialists responsible for establishing and maintaining the clinic’s medical standards. Their approach reflects training and experience developed at nationally recognized academic institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and Mount Sinai, with a focus on disciplined evaluation, accuracy, and outcomes-driven care.
All physicians at Vein Treatment Clinic follow a structured, highly standardized clinical model. This includes ongoing training in the latest non-surgical vein treatments, continuous review of emerging research, and strict adherence to proven safety and quality protocols. The approach reflects the values of academic medicine: thoughtful evaluation, disciplined decision-making, and a commitment to outcomes grounded in science.
Patients benefit from a team-based model of care where expertise is shared, best practices are consistently applied, and treatment recommendations are driven by data, experience, and long-term results. This ensures that every patient receives the same high level of care, regardless of which physician they see.
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At Vein Treatment Clinic, education is considered a core part of treatment. Patients are encouraged to understand their condition, their options, and the reasoning behind each recommendation, so they can move forward with clarity and confidence.
If you’d like clarity about your varicose veins and what treatment options make sense for you, a vein evaluation can help guide that decision. Submit the form below to start your journey!
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