Varicose veins are very common. They are the lumpy, raised, blue veins that we see on people's legs. Varicose veins often cause no trouble at all. The most usual problem is concern about their appearance. For some people, their appearance may be so unacceptable that they want to be rid of their veins for cosmetic reasons alone. In general, discomfort, or a combination of discomfort and cosmetic embarrassment, is the most common reasons for people requesting treatment. Smaller varicose veins can de dealt with by injections (sclerotherapy). Larger ones usually need an operation to remove them for a good long term result. This book explains how varicose veins can cause trouble, and describes the pros and cons of the different kinds of treatment.