No Anne, a vascular surgeon did the vein stripping in 1995. No Dotsie, the surgeon never mentioned, that I recall, that new veins would begin to bulge with blood (just as Chatty said) and look as bad or worse than the old ones. Interestingly, they are only in the right leg. My left leg is fine. My vein problem started after I gave birth in 1977. The surgeon watched them closely until 1995 when he said they began to look like they were ulcerating and the surgery had to be done. I use support hose daily, even in the summer at work. The only time I don't is on the weekend. I seldom wear skirts or dresses, only when I am forced. I wear career pantsuits to work daily. I was so glad that my daughter wanted a long gown for me at her wedding. You'd think I wouldn't care what they look like after all these years, and at 58 years old, but I guess vanity is vanity and I still do care how I look.