5 Benefits of Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins
Is there a way to eliminate varicose veins without surgery, scars, or long recovery times? Yes, and it’s called endovenous laser treatment.
Let’s understand the benefits of laser treatment for varicose veins.
Introduction to Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins
Varicose veins affect a significant number of people, but treating them no longer means going under the knife.
Laser treatment for varicose veins, also known as Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) or Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT), offers a modern, minimally invasive option that’s safe, quick, and effective.
According to a study, laser treatment shows a 90%-95 % success rate for varicose veins. (1)
Varicose veins can affect daily life, causing discomfort while standing, swelling, or embarrassing bulges, making it a cosmetic concern.
More patients turn to laser-based solutions as awareness and access to non-surgical treatments grow.
That promises both relief and cosmetic improvement with minimal disruption to their routine.
What is Endovenous Laser Treatment for VVs?
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is a minimally invasive treatment alternative to the conventional surgical procedure for varicose veins.
It involves the thin laser fibre insertion into the affected vein, which delivers laser energy in the form of heat.
This leads to closure of the incompetent vein and redirects the blood flow into healthy veins.
Top 5 Benefits of Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins
- Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins is Minimally Invasive
Laser ablation offers a safer and faster alternative to traditional vein surgery.
With minimal discomfort, quick recovery, and no hospital stay, patients can get back on their feet literally and figuratively quickly.
- Offers Quick Recovery
Because the procedure is so gentle on the body, recovery is typically rapid.
Most patients can walk immediately after the procedure and return to their routine, sometimes even the next day.
Minimal downtime makes it a convenient option for those with busy schedules.
- High Success Rates
According to a study, laser treatment shows a 90-95% success rate for varicose veins(2).
A significant percentage of patients experience relief from symptoms and improved aesthetics.
- Offers Cosmetic Improvement
Since laser ablation involves only tiny punctures, it leaves little to no visible scarring. This makes it ideal for patients who want medical relief and improved leg appearance.
- Reduced Risk of Complications
In this procedure, there is no need for general anaesthesia and large incisions; hence, the risk of complications is reduced significantly.
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Still wondering how laser treatment stacks up against traditional surgery? Here’s a quick comparison:
Laser Treatment vs. Surgical Stripping
| Feature | Laser Treatment | Surgical Vein Stripping |
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive | Invasive with large incisions |
| Recovery Time | 1–2 days | 1–2 weeks or more |
| Scarring | Minimal to none | Noticeable scars |
| Anesthesia | Local | General or spinal |
| Pain | Mild post-procedure | Moderate to high |
| Success Rate | 90–95% (3) | 30–89% (variable)(4) |
When Is Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins Advised?
Laser treatment for varicose veins is advised in patients with severe pain, skin irritation, or even skin ulceration.
Laser treatment is especially beneficial when varicose veins cause burning, throbbing, or heaviness in the legs.
In cases where veins worsen over time despite conservative measures like compression stockings.
Ideal Candidates for Laser Treatment
The ideal candidate for laser ablation is:
- Wanting to opt for minimally invasive procedures
- Skin changes over the veins
- Leg ulcerations
- Pain and discomfort
- Cosmetic concerns
- Recurrent inflammation and clot formation
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What are the Types of Laser Treatments for Varicose Veins?
There are two types of laser treatments for varicose veins, which involve:
Simple Laser Treatment:
Also known as surface laser therapy. It is used for superficial veins.
This laser treatment is for small varicose veins, spider veins, or broken capillaries just at the surface.
- How it works: A laser is applied externally to the skin to shrink and close off the vein.
- Best for: Mild cases or cosmetic concerns.
- Sessions required: Multiple sessions may be needed for best results.
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT or EVLA)
Endovenous Laser Therapy EVLT is popular as endovenous laser ablation.
This is the more advanced and commonly used method for treating larger, deeper varicose veins, especially in the legs.
- How it works: A small laser fibre is inserted into the vein through a catheter. Laser heat collapses and seals the vein from within.
- Best for: Larger or more symptomatic varicose veins.
- Benefits: Minimally invasive, high success rate, and minimal recovery time.
Choosing the Right Type of Laser Treatment
The choice of laser treatment for the condition depends on the severity, such as vein size, depth, symptoms, and desired cosmetic results.
It is determined through ultrasound, which a qualified doctor advises.
What to Expect During Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins?
The procedure starts with a consultation, where a specialist with access to your veins will discuss treatment options.
After deciding on the treatment options, the doctor will mark the veins, and an ultrasound might be used to map the vein.
Followed by the application of local anaesthesia to numb the area. The procedure starts with laser fibre insertion through a small incision.
The laser activates during the withdrawal, and the vein walls heats up, leading to closure. Heated vein walls will collapse and seal shut.
Ultrasound may be used to visualise the vein and guide the laser fibre.
Conclusion
Laser treatment is one of the most clever modern methods of dealing with varicose veins.
Treatment of varicose veins is barely invasive and virtually provides minimal scarring.
This procedure guarantees a much quicker recovery and a high success rate, making it hard to overlook the advantages of the remedy.
Patients not only feel relieved of the pain and heaviness but also feel confident in their looks again, all without undergoing a long and painful surgical procedure.
If you’re dealing with varicose veins, consult a specialist to explore whether treatment suits you.
It might just be the minimally invasive solution you’ve been looking for.
FAQs
Is laser treatment good for varicose veins?
Yes, laser treatment for varicose veins is good. The treatment is minimally invasive, i.e., no large incisions are required. Recovery time is less than that of the surgical treatment.
What are the risks involved in laser treatment?
Patients may face certain risks if they do not follow post-operative instructions properly:
- Infection
- Pain over the vein
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Nerve damage
- Redness or swelling (inflammation) of the vein
- Blood clots
- Changes in skin colour over the treated vein
- Burns
What are the precautions to be taken after varicose veins laser treatment?
The following are the precautions you should take:
- Put an ice pack over the area for 15 minutes to help reduce swelling.
- Keep the incision sites out of water for 48 hours.
- If advised, use compression stockings for a few days or weeks. This helps to reduce swelling in the legs.
- Walk for atleast 3 times a day.
- No heavy weight lifting advised.
Can the patient walk after varicose vein laser surgery?
The doctor encourages the patient to walk for 30–60 minutes after the treatment and follow other post-operative care. The patient should walk at least three times a day.
Is massage good for varicose veins?
Yes, massage relieves pain, but it is not a permanent solution to varicose veins.
Can varicose veins go away without treatment?
No, varicose veins cannot go away without treatment. While the condition can improve, it cannot be cured permanently without proper treatment.
