Are you suffering from the pain and aches brought about by varicose veins? Perhaps you are experience swelling or burning after standing for long periods of time? Of course, varicose veins are also unsightly.
Normally, your blood circulates from the heart to your legs through arteries, and then back to the heart in veins. These veins have one-way valves that ensure that the blood returns to the legs against gravity. If the vein valves weaken, blood can pool in the legs enlarging the veins causing varicose veins.
Simple laser treatment that is performed on the outside of your skin can treat the smaller varicose veins and spider veins that are found just below the skin’s surface. However, endovenous laser treatment or radio frequency ablation can help ease the symptoms of larger varicose veins.
The Endovenous Laser Treatment Procedure
This is a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia. A thin catheter is inserted into the vein via a small puncture near the knee. A laser light fiber is then inserted through the catheter. During this part of the procedure, the doctor will watch the vein on an ultrasound screen. A diluted local anesthesia is injected around the vein. This injection of the diluted solution is similar to that used by tumescent liposuction. Laser energy then seals the faulty vein to cut off blood flow. The vein will subsequently be dissolved into the body. The blood that was once flowing through the treated vein will automatically reroute through other veins.
This procedure takes about two to three hours and does not require general anesthesia, allowing for a fast recovery time. After the procedure, you will need to wear compression stockings for about a week.
Success Rate and Possible Side Effects
Endovenous laser treatments are very successful, with about a 94 percent success rate. Should the treatment not close a vein, you may need a second treatment. There are a few possible side effects of this procedure, which are usually minor. They include:
- Skin color changes
- Feelings of pain or burning
- Possible blood clotting
If your doctor is experienced and knowledgeable about laser vein treatments, the risk of these possible side effects is greatly reduced.
The Benefits of Endovenous Laser Ablation
- Minimal discomfort
- Short procedure time
- Only minor bruising, soreness or swelling
- High success rate
