Varicose veins happen because blood isn’t flowing well in your veins. When veins get too full of blood that doesn’t move much, they swell up and enlarge. These veins often look red, blue, or purple and are usually found in your legs, bulging just under the skin. Varicose and spider veins can be painful and uncomfortable. This issue is quite common, especially among women and older adults, with about 25% of grown-ups experiencing it.
Varicose veins laser therapy is one of the best ways to get lasting relief from varicose veins. A skilled doctor can help you decide which laser therapy is the best for your situation. In this blog, we’ll discuss how laser therapy is the best to treat varicose veins. So, let’s get started!
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are those bulging, swollen ones you can see just under your skin. Any vein that’s close to the surface can turn varicose, but it usually happens in the legs. That’s because the veins in your legs deal with a lot of pressure from standing and walking.
For many people, varicose veins are mainly a cosmetic issue, just like spider veins, which are a milder form of varicose veins. But they can also cause aching and discomfort. Sometimes, they might even lead to more serious health problems.
Unlike surgery, laser therapy is minimally invasive and can be done in a clinic with local anesthesia. Patients can typically return home the same day and resume their normal activities soon after. It’s a gentler way to address varicose veins with less downtime compared to traditional procedures.
Common Symptoms
Here are some common signs that you might have varicose veins:
- Veins that bulge and appear bluish
- Itchy or burning sensation around the veins
- Changes in skin color near the affected veins
- Swelling in your legs
- Achy or painful legs
- Feeling like your legs and feet are heavy
- Cramps in your legs at night
Traditional Treatments for Varicose Veins
In the past, varicose veins were commonly treated with invasive procedures like vein ligation and vein stripping. However, these methods often involve lengthy recovery times and potential risks, such as scarring and complications. As a result, many individuals hesitated to pursue these traditional treatments and chose to endure the discomfort and appearance concerns associated with varicose veins instead.
Fortunately, varicose veins laser therapy has now become a game-changer for people dealing with varicose veins.
Laser Therapy for Varicose Veins Treatment
Laser therapy, also known as endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) or endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), has become a popular choice for treating varicose veins without the need for traditional surgery. This method uses focused laser energy to target and seal off problematic veins, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins nearby.
Unlike surgery, laser therapy is minimally invasive and can be done in a clinic with local anesthesia. Patients can typically return home the same day and resume their normal activities soon after. It’s a gentler way to address varicose veins with less downtime compared to traditional procedures.
How Varicose Veins Laser Therapy Works
Laser vein treatment, or endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), uses light energy to close off varicose veins. Basically, the laser irritates the vein lining, causing it to swell and seal shut. After that, blood naturally reroutes through healthier veins, and the treated vein gradually fades away.
During the procedure, a vein specialist inserts a small laser fiber into the problem vein. They activate the laser while slowly pulling the fiber out, which irritates the vein lining and closes it off.
Unlike surgery, laser therapy is minimally invasive and can be done in a clinic with local anesthesia. Patients can typically return home the same day and resume their normal activities soon after. It’s a gentler way to address varicose veins with less downtime compared to traditional procedures.
Benefits of Varicose Veins Laser Therapy
Laser therapy has advanced the treatment of varicose veins, offering several advantages over traditional surgery.
- Less Invasive: Laser therapy involves only a small incision and doesn’t require general anesthesia.
- Precision: Laser energy targets the affected vein precisely, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues and reducing risks like scarring or nerve damage.
- Safety and Effectiveness: Numerous clinical studies have confirmed that laser treatment is safe and effective for varicose veins. Patients experience high success rates, lower chances of the condition coming back, and less pain.
- Minimal Discomfort: Patients undergoing laser treatment typically feel minimal discomfort. Any lingering discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
- Cosmetic Benefits: Beyond pain relief and reduced swelling, laser therapy improves the appearance of varicose veins, restoring patients’ confidence and sense of well-being.
What Happens During the Procedure
The laser therapy procedure is quite straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how it typically unfolds:
- Clean the skin gently to remove impurities.
- Apply numbing cream for comfort.
- Wait for the numbing cream to take effect.
- Receive local anesthetic around affected veins.
- Activate and adjust the laser for treatment.
- Direct focused laser beams at problematic veins.
- Apply soothing gel to reduce discomfort and inflammation.
- Take a 30 to 40-minute walk daily for two weeks to aid recovery.
Conclusion
Feeling tired of hiding or suffering from vein issues? Don’t wait any longer; schedule a visit with the best Chicago vein doctors! They’ll provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the right treatment to help you feel confident and comfortable again.
Superficial spider veins can be treated with laser therapy, while more advanced varicose veins may benefit from EVLA laser treatment. Taking this step will lead you towards better health and a more comfortable life
