Laser Vein Treatment for Varicose Veins: What to Expect From the Recovery

Varicose veins mean many things to many people. They can be harmless but still leave the patient feeling self-conscious about their skin’s appearance. They can be itchy or inflamed, and in some cases, even symptomatic of venous stasis. There are several reasons a patient would want to—or need to—treat their varicose veins. There are also various ways to treat varicose veins, but the last thing we want to put on the table is surgery. We have multiple treatments to offer, ranging from self-care to sclerotherapy or radiofrequency ablation therapy. These numerous treatments are available because the procedure ultimately depends on the severity of the varicose veins we are remedying. One of our most common methods is called laser vein treatment.

First Thing’s First: What is Laser Vein Treatment?

Because varicose veins are positioned under the skin, varicose veins treatment often responds best to non-invasive procedures. That means you can treat your varicose veins easily, quickly, and painlessly on the same day as your appointment. In this regard, laser vein treatment, also known as endovenous vein ablation or EVLTY, is a minimally invasive procedure. Because laser vein treatment is a non-invasive in-office procedure, there is no need to worry about a complicated surgery or lengthy hospitalizations, either! The entire procedure takes about an hour to complete, with little to no pain involved. The recovery time is pretty quick as well, but we will get into that more a little below. 

How does Laser Vein Treatment Work?

Laser treatment involves a small optic fiber inserted into a needle into the vein with the help of an ultrasound device. The ultrasound device guides your doctor to pinpoint the affected area in need of treatment. Once the laser is activated, the optic fiber is removed from the vein and the heat from the light closes the vein. The blood trapped inside the closed vein is naturally rerouted to another healthy vein, and the closed vein is absorbed organically by the body.  One reason this treatment is so effective is that it works with your body’s natural behavior to treat your varicose veins.

What to Expect in Recovery

Once you are finished with your laser treatment, it is business as usual! Patients can return to their daily activities once they leave our office, with a couple of new accessories in tow to help with their recovery.

For at least two weeks, you will need to wear compression socks or stockings and abstain from high-impact activities. Compression stockings and socks help by preventing the closed-off veins from opening back up and reducing swelling in the legs. Although patients report little to no pain during their treatment, in some cases, patients may experience tenderness, swelling, or bruising following their appointment. You can ask your doctor about prescriptions or over-the-counter medications that can help with your discomfort. 

Treated veins rarely return, but it is not unheard of for cases to reoccur. That is because in some cases other veins may become weak or damaged over time, so after your procedure, you should continue to keep an eye on your skin and stay vigilant during your recovery. So, monitor your body and follow up with your doctor at BASS Vein Center if you experience any recurring cases, or if you ever have any questions about your treatment, recovery, and any future visits. 

Reach out to the BASS Vein center to learn more about laser vein treatment and other options for treating varicose veins. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors! Call 925-281-5912.