Endovenous Laser Treatment at CardioVascular Specialists of South Florida

When you have got nagging varicose veins appearing on your legs, you may be tempted to have them treated. Endovenous laser treatment is one option for addressing vein disease so you can protect the health and look of your legs.

Endovenous laser treatment is a quick and virtually painless procedure that utilizes heat from a laser to close off varicose veins to eliminate or reduce their appearance.

Want to learn more? We will go over how endovenous laser treatment at CardioVascular Specialists of South Florida can help you regain confidence and comfort in your legs.

How Does Endovenous Laser Treatment Work?

Endovenous laser treatment is used to treat varicose veins and alleviate the symptoms of vein disease. It is a popular choice for treating varicose veins since it is safe, effective, and involves little to no pain. Your doctor will use a local anesthetic to numb your leg and minimize pain. The only discomfort you may experience will be when the laser is inserted into the vein, similar to when an IV is being placed in a vein.

Here is an overview of what you can expect during an endovenous laser treatment session:

• Most likely, the procedure will take place in your doctor’s office on an exam table
• You will prepare for the session in a similar way as you would for any type of surgery. You will be given a hospital gown to wear during the procedure and possibly eye protection to prevent issues from the laser being used.
• Your physician will provide a local anesthetic to numb the area where the laser will be inserted, as well as injecting a numbing agent into the vein being treated.
• A Doppler ultrasound device is used to view the vein throughout the procedure. A small incision will be made in your skin and a catheter will be inserted into the affected vein. From there, an optic fiber will be fed through the catheter and as the catheter is removed, the heat from the laser will effectively close up the vein. Once sealed off, the varicose vein can shrink as the blood is then rerouted to nearby veins.
• Typically, the entire endovenous laser treatment lasts less than an hour. The incision made will be small enough to require only a bandage before you leave.

Due to the convenience of being able to receive endovenous laser treatment right in your doctor’s office in a matter of minutes, this procedure has become a popular option for treating varicose veins. Adding to its desirability is that it is less invasive, there is minimal to no pain involved, and you will be able to walk immediately afterward. There is no hospital stay and you will be able to recover in the comfort of your home.

How Effective is Endovenous Laser Treatment?

If you are considering trying endovenous laser treatment for your varicose veins, you will want to know how effective it can be. Even though the procedure is minimally invasive and virtually painless, medical procedures should not be taken lightly. You will want to feel confident that your time, money, and efforts involved in the procedure and recovery are going to be worth it.

One study found that over a 2.5 year period, all 119 participants experienced 100% efficacy from their endovenous laser treatment. Any side effects from their varicose veins prior to the procedure, such as skin discoloration and ulcers, had improved after receiving treatment. Just over 66% of participants reported minor complications afterward including pain and numbness, but these symptoms had faded by the end of the study. None of the participants reported any major complications from their endovenous laser treatment.

What is Involved with Recovery After Endovenous Laser Treatment?

Your treated veins will usually fade immediately after your procedure, but it can take up to 12 months to see full results. As you recover, you will experience some bruising in the area that can last as long as several months but will often fade within two weeks. Some people notice discoloration of the skin in the treated area that appears yellowish-brown or blue.

To experience optimal results from your endovenous laser treatment, it is recommended that you follow all of your doctor’s post-procedure instructions, which may include:

• Wear compression socks or stockings to prevent swelling in your legs. This is one of the most important steps for preventing blood clots and keeping blood from pooling in your legs. Your doctor may suggest wearing these for several weeks after your procedure, however, it is helpful for your long-term vein health to continue using compression socks regularly.
• Place an ice pack on the treated area throughout the day to cut down on swelling.
• Check your incision sites each day for signs of irritation or infection. Keep them clean as recommended by your doctor. Avoid getting the incisions wet for the first 48 hours after the procedure. If you experience warmth, redness, or fluid leakage from the incision, call your doctor to inquire about the need for a follow-up visit regarding possible infection.
• If you have pain, check with your doctor before taking pain medications as some can increase bleeding.
• Move your body throughout the day. Keep your activities low impact to avoid putting too much pressure on your leg veins during recovery. Walking and other forms of gentle movement are beneficial for your circulation. Refrain from running, jumping, or heavy lifting for up to two weeks after your treatment.
• Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. Lack of physical activity is a big contributor to vein disease, so it is important to encourage good circulation through frequent movement.
• When you are sitting or lying down, elevate your legs. Prop them up with a pillow to prevent blood from pooling up in your lower extremities.

If you follow good self-care after your endovenous laser treatment, you will have a high chance of success with obliteration of your varicose veins so you can enjoy an improved appearance and comfort in your legs once again.

What Can Happen if You Don’t Treat Vein Disease?

Many people decide to have their spider veins and varicose veins treated for cosmetic reasons. These winding, bulging veins can make you feel self-conscious. While vein disease can have some unsightly symptoms, there are also health reasons to have your veins treated.

If you leave your varicose veins untreated, you could experience:

• Blood clots
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Leg ulcers
• Skin discoloration
• Spontaneous bleeding
• Increased pain

For the sake of your health, it is important to consult with a doctor about your vein disease to go over your options.

Summary

Now you know how endovenous laser treatment can help you rid yourself of the unsightly appearance of varicose veins. Knowing how the endovenous laser treatment works and how it can benefit you can help make the decision of trying this procedure easier. You’ve seen how this quick, easy in-office treatment can alleviate your vein issues, leaving you with healthier, smoother legs and freedom from pain and soreness. Committing to several weeks of compression, low-impact activity, and leg elevation are all you need to ensure you get the most out of your endovenous laser treatment.

While a healthy diet and lifestyle are extremely helpful for vein health, it’s important to seek out professional care if the problem persists. If you’re experiencing symptoms of venous insufficiency that don’t respond to diet and lifestyle changes, contact us today to book an appointment.