What you need to find out about laser treatment for varicose veins.
Lasers are the most commonly known procedure for treating varicose veins. A laser is a highly focused beam of light. The laser treatment works by using heat to destroy the enlarged vein, forming a scar tissue that closes the vein.
Read more about Lip Filler Melbourne
What are the different kinds of laser treatments?
Many types of laser treatment are used to treat varicose veins, and these are the most common ones:
Simple laser treatment
Simple laser treatment is performed on the top layer of your skin. It can help eliminate those tine varicose veins and varicose veins by treating it just under the skin’s surface.
For this treatment, you usually need more than one laser session to see results. Sessions are typically scheduled every six to 12 weeks, depending on your varicose veins’ condition and as prescribed by your doctor.
The simple laser treatment can be used in conjunction with endogenous laser or radiofrequency treatment, sclerotherapy, or with surgery. This is done because often, the larger feeder vein must be treated first for the simple laser treatment to work. It is a standard procedure for those with poor blood circulation.
Endovenous laser treatment
Endovenous laser treatment is most ideal for treating larger varicose veins in the legs. In this procedure, a laser fiber is used by passing it through a catheter into the vein. The great thing about this procedure is that while the doctor performs this procedure, he watches the vein through a duplex ultrasound screen.
One of the most significant advantages of using endovenous laser treatment instead of vein ligation and vein stripping is that it offers a shorter recovery time. In laser treatments, the doctors only use a light sedative or local anesthesia to numb the pain or any discomfort during the procedure. At the same time, vein stripping and ligation usually require general anesthesia to put you to sleep.
What to expect after a laser treatment for varicose veins?
As previously mentioned, laser treatment is a nonsurgical alternative to treating varicose veins that offers little to no downtime. The treatment also has fewer side effects and risks compared to other varicose vein treatments. The recovery period for this type of procedure is short, which means you will be able to walk immediately following the treatment. You will also be able to return to your regular daily routine after a simple laser treatment.
For endovenous laser treatment, you would need to wear compression stockings for at least one week or more if needed after the procedure. During the follow-up consultation, the doctor will use a duplex ultrasound to make sure that the vein has closed.
Why are laser Veins Treatment for varicose veins done?
Simple laser treatments it is usually done for any varicose veins and spider veins. This is usually a secondary treatment after a larger varicose vein has been removed by sclerotherapy, surgery, or endovenous laser or radiofrequency treatment.
In endovenous laser treatment, it is intended to treat larger varicose veins. It is a less invasive option instead of opting for surgery to remove the enlarged veins.
Read more about Spider Veins on Legs Treatment How well does laser for varicose veins work?
It has been the most effective and safe type of laser treatment for simple laser treatment in removing spider veins and tiny varicose veins. It has been a popular choice for over 20 years, owing to its shorter recovery time and efficacy.
In endovenous laser treatment, on the other hand, it works around 94 out of 100 times. It is not effective for about six out of 100 times the procedure is done.
When the first treatment does not close a vein, you will need to undergo a second treatment. The second treatment would depend on what your doctor would suggest or what is available in your area.
You may need to choose a more invasive treatment like surgery, radiofrequency, or sclerotherapy in most cases. For most extreme cases, doctors would often suggest vein surgery. One way to ensure the best chance of success is to find the best doctor with plenty of endovenous laser treatment experience.
What are the side effects and risks of getting a laser for varicose vein treatment?
Like with any other procedure, laser treatment also has some side effects and risks involved when you opt for this type of treatment.
Some of the side effects may include the following:
- Changes in the skin color
- Skin burns
- A sensation of burning, pain, or prickling right after the procedure may consist of nerve damage but is likely to happen after vein stripping surgery.
- The possibility of small or large blood clotting in the vein or deep vein is also less likely to happen when you get vein stripping surgery.
You can avoid all the risks and side effects by choosing your doctor wisely. You need to make sure that you visit a doctor with a lot of experience performing these procedures. One of the best ways you can find out is to ask the doctor how often the side effects happen to his or her patients during the consultation.
