MODEL RELEASED. Varicose vein surgery. Surgical tools (top) being used in an operation to remove varicose veins from a patient's legs. The varicose vein is being pulled out of the leg by the surgeon's hand and a pair of forceps. Markings on the patient's leg will guide the surgeon when looking for other veins to remove. The yellow stain is a surgical disinfectant used to reduce the amount of bacteria and prevent infection. Varicose veins form due to defective valves in veins. As blood is circulated around the legs, these valves prevent it from sinking to the feet. As the valves stop working, blood pools downwards, distending the veins. Surgical removal allows the blood to flow through other veins instead. Photographed in the UK.