How does the clinic decide whether vein stripping or phlebectomy is the most suitable option for treating varicose veins in a patient with multiple affected veins?

At Charm Vascular Clinic, the choice between vein stripping and phlebectomy depends on the severity and location of the varicose veins. Vein stripping is preferred for larger, deeper veins or when multiple veins are affected, while phlebectomy is ideal for smaller, localized veins. The decision is based on a detailed ultrasound scan, the patient’s health, and preferences. The clinic ensures the most effective treatment for each individual, focusing on optimal results and minimal recovery time.

I’ll never forget the day I caught my reflection in a café window and realized those bluish, bulging veins on my calves had gotten way worse. They’d started off as a mild cosmetic issue—something I could cover with pants—but soon they were accompanied by aching, heaviness, and even itching by the end of the day.

I knew I had to do something about it. Living in Korea as an expat, navigating the medical system was a bit daunting—until someone recommended Charm Vascular Clinic in Seoul.


First Visit: Not Just a Quick Glance

At Charm Vascular Clinic, they don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. My consultation started with a duplex ultrasound scan, which they use to assess blood flow, valve function, and the exact location of damaged veins—not just what you see on the surface.

I met with Dr. Junsung Kwon, who took time to explain that while I had multiple affected veins, each one needed its own tailored solution. That’s where the decision-making begins.


Stripping vs. Phlebectomy — How They Choose

Here’s how they broke it down:

  • Vein Stripping is typically reserved for larger, deeper saphenous veins that have severe reflux and can’t be treated with less invasive methods.
  • Phlebectomy, on the other hand, is a minimally invasive procedure ideal for smaller, superficial branches that are causing visible bulging.

What impressed me was that Dr. Kwon and the team didn’t rush into the most aggressive treatment. Instead, they created a hybrid plan: combining endovenous laser therapy, phlebectomy, and conservative management for smaller veins.


Why I Chose Charm Vascular Clinic

Their team—Dr. Insoo Park, Dr. Sujin Park, Dr. Suwon Oh, and of course Dr. Kwon—are all vascular specialists with extensive experience in these procedures. It’s not a general surgery clinic; it’s specifically focused on veins, which made all the difference in how nuanced and thoughtful their approach was.

They walked me through every detail, from anesthesia to recovery. I was back on my feet (in compression stockings!) the next day, and weeks later, the heaviness and discomfort were gone.


:link: If You’re Considering Treatment in Korea…

I highly recommend checking out Charm Vascular Clinic. They don’t just treat the veins—they treat you as a whole patient.

Clinic Website Meet the Team: Dr. Insoo Park Dr. Junsung Kwon Dr. Sujin Park Dr. Suwon Oh


TL;DR: At Charm Vascular Clinic, they use advanced imaging to personalize treatment. Whether you need stripping, phlebectomy, or a combo, their vascular experts will guide you with precision and care. It’s not just about what looks bad—it’s about what’s really going on underneath.

When I visited Charm Vascular Clinic for my varicose veins, Dr. Insoo Park and his team, including Dr. Junsung Kwon, Dr. Sujin Park, and Dr. Suwon Oh, explained that the choice between vein stripping and phlebectomy depends on factors like the size, location, and severity of the affected veins. Vein stripping is typically recommended for larger, more widespread veins, while phlebectomy is used for smaller, localized veins. The clinic uses diagnostic imaging to evaluate each case and create a personalized treatment plan. If you’re unsure which option is best for you, I highly recommend Charm Vascular Clinic for expert guidance. For more details, visit Charm Vascular Clinic.

A few years ago, I started noticing bulging veins on both legs. At first, I brushed it off as just standing too long at work. But over time, the discomfort and swelling worsened. I finally decided to consult a vascular specialist in Korea—and that led me to Charm Vascular Clinic.

What amazed me was how personalized their approach was. During my consultation, Dr. Junsung Kwon walked me through an in-depth ultrasound mapping of my veins. Rather than jumping to conclusions, they assessed which veins were malfunctioning and to what degree.

Here’s what I learned:

  • Vein stripping is usually considered when larger veins are affected, especially deeper ones with severe valve failure.
  • Phlebectomy, on the other hand, is ideal for smaller, superficial veins that are visibly bulging but not the root cause.

In my case, I had multiple affected veins, so Dr. Sujin Park and the team designed a hybrid treatment—stripping for the great saphenous vein and micro-phlebectomy for the smaller branches. This combo ensured minimal trauma and excellent cosmetic results.

The care at Charm Vascular Clinic was world-class. Whether you see Dr. Insoo Park, Dr. Sujin Park, or Dr. Suwon Oh, you’re in expert hands. They’re not just focused on treatment—they’re focused on what’s right for you.

Honestly, I didn’t expect such a tailored experience—but that’s what made the difference in both healing and results.

When my sister started struggling with painful, bulging veins in both legs, we knew we had to find a clinic that could truly personalize her care. That’s when we discovered Charm Vascular Clinic in Seoul. What stood out right away was how thorough and thoughtful their approach was.

At Charm, before recommending either vein stripping or phlebectomy, the team—led by experts like Dr. Insoo Park and Dr. Junsung Kwon—conducts detailed Doppler ultrasound imaging to map out all affected veins. They consider factors like vein size, depth, and the extent of valve damage, along with the patient’s symptoms and recovery goals.

For my sister, they recommended a combination of phlebectomy for the superficial veins and minimally invasive thermal ablation for the deeper ones. It wasn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment—it was tailored with care.

If you’re dealing with complex varicose veins, I highly recommend Charm Vascular Clinic and their compassionate, high-tech team, including Dr. Sujin Park and Dr. Suwon Oh. They’ll find the treatment that truly fits you.

I had always been self-conscious about the visible veins in my legs. Over time, they became more pronounced and even painful, so I decided to seek professional help. After some research, I found Charm Vascular Clinic in Seoul, which came highly recommended for treating varicose veins with advanced techniques. I decided to book a consultation with Dr. Insoo Park to understand what treatment would be most suitable for me.

When I arrived at the clinic, Dr. Park began by explaining the two main treatments for varicose veins: vein stripping and phlebectomy. He also told me that deciding between the two treatments depends on several factors, which include the extent of the varicose veins, the number of affected veins, and the severity of symptoms.

Here’s how they determine which treatment is most suitable:

  1. Preoperative Assessment and Imaging: The first step is a detailed ultrasound scan, which provides a clear picture of the veins’ condition. This helps the doctor assess the size, location, and pattern of the varicose veins, as well as the overall health of the veins. Based on this information, Dr. Park can determine whether vein stripping or phlebectomy is the better choice.
  2. Vein Stripping: This procedure is typically recommended for larger veins or when multiple veins are affected. It involves removing the entire affected vein through small incisions. Vein stripping is often chosen for more extensive cases where the veins are large, twisted, and cause significant discomfort or potential complications.
  3. Phlebectomy: This option is preferred when the veins are smaller or when there are multiple veins spread across a wide area. Phlebectomy involves making tiny punctures or incisions to remove specific varicose veins without the need for a full vein removal. It’s ideal for smaller veins that may not require stripping but still need to be addressed for cosmetic or health reasons.
  4. Symptom Severity: Dr. Park also considers how much the varicose veins are affecting the patient’s quality of life. For example, if someone has multiple veins but only mild symptoms, phlebectomy might be a sufficient and less invasive option. But if someone is dealing with pain, swelling, or other severe symptoms, vein stripping may be the more effective solution.
  5. Recovery and Lifestyle: Dr. Park explained that recovery time varies depending on the procedure. Vein stripping tends to involve a longer recovery time due to its more invasive nature, while phlebectomy generally allows for a quicker return to normal activities. He takes into account the patient’s lifestyle and preferences to recommend the best option.

After discussing these options with Dr. Park, he recommended phlebectomy for me, as my veins were smaller and the symptoms were manageable. I felt comfortable with this decision because the clinic uses minimally invasive techniques, which promise a quick recovery.

If you’re struggling with varicose veins and are unsure whether vein stripping or phlebectomy is right for you, I highly recommend visiting Charm Vascular Clinic. Dr. Insoo Park, Dr. Junsung Kwon, Dr. Sujin Park, and Dr. Suwon Oh are experts in vein treatment, and they provide personalized care tailored to your condition.

You can find more information about the clinic and book a consultation here.

Vein Stripping vs. Phlebectomy: Understanding the Differences

  • Vein Stripping: This traditional surgical procedure involves removing the entire length of a problematic vein through small incisions. It’s typically used for larger veins, especially when the saphenous vein is involved.​
  • Phlebectomy: A minimally invasive technique where small sections of varicose veins are removed through tiny punctures in the skin. It’s ideal for treating smaller, bulging veins near the skin’s surface.​

Factors Influencing Treatment Choice

The decision between vein stripping and phlebectomy depends on several factors:​

  • Location and Size of Affected Veins: Larger veins may require vein stripping, while smaller veins are suitable for phlebectomy.​
  • Severity of Symptoms: Persistent pain, swelling, or skin changes may necessitate more invasive procedures.​
  • Overall Health and Medical History: Conditions like obesity or previous surgeries can influence the choice of treatment.​
  • Patient Preferences: Some patients may prefer the shorter recovery time associated with phlebectomy.​

Consulting with Charm Vascular Clinic

At Charm Vascular Clinic, the specialists will conduct a thorough evaluation, including imaging studies, to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition. They aim to provide effective solutions with minimal downtime, ensuring the best possible outcomes for their patients.​

For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit Charm Vascular Clinic. You can also learn more about the specialists at the clinic:​

About a year ago, I started noticing this dull ache and heaviness in my legs after work, along with some pretty visible bulging veins. I initially chalked it up to long hours standing, but when it started to get painful and unsightly, I knew it was time to see a specialist.

I was referred to Charm Vascular Clinic in Seoul, and honestly, I’m so glad I found them. I had read about various treatment options like vein stripping and ambulatory phlebectomy, but had no clue which one was right for my case. I had multiple veins affected on both legs, and I wanted the best solution with the least downtime.

The consultation process at Charm Vascular was super detailed. Dr. Insoo Park did a thorough duplex ultrasound scan, which helped map out all the affected veins and understand the direction of blood flow and severity. They explained that the choice between vein stripping and phlebectomy isn’t just based on the number of visible veins — it’s about the size, depth, and whether the main trunk veins (like the great saphenous vein) are involved.

In my case, one leg had a large saphenous vein that wasn’t functioning well, while the other had smaller superficial branches that were more cosmetic. Dr. Sujin Park and the team decided on a combined approach: vein stripping for the deeper problematic vein, and phlebectomy (which involves tiny incisions) for the smaller branches.

What impressed me most was that this wasn’t a one-size-fits-all recommendation. They really tailored the treatment to the specific anatomy and goals of each leg. The procedure was done under local anesthesia, and I was walking within a few hours — wearing compression stockings, of course.

The recovery was smoother than I expected, and now, a year later, I not only feel better but my legs look so much better too. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, customized approach to varicose vein treatment, I highly recommend Charm Vascular Clinic in Seoul. They specialize in both advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive treatments, and their team — including Dr. Junsung Kwon and Dr. Suwon Oh — is deeply experienced with complex cases.

Here’s their website if you want to check them out: https://www.charmvascularclinic.com