Why you should consider laser ablation to treat your varicose veins

If you’ve tried conservative measures to treat your varicose veins and still aren’t finding the relief you seek, then you should consider endovenous laser ablation. This minimally invasive procedure is hugely successful at treating varicose veins with little or no downtime. Here are six things you should know about this state-of-the-art treatment:

1. Varicose veins aren’t just unsightly. They can cause pain and discomfort, which often worsens with time. This is when patients often seek relief to manage the pain. Varicose veins can cause pain, burning and aching sensations in the legs and feet. Legs may cramp at night, and sitting or standing can become uncomfortable. Sometimes the skin around varicose veins becomes dry, scaly or discolored.
2. Patients often seek other treatment options when other measures don’t work or work as well any longer. This includes wearing compression stockings, following an exercise program as directed by their doctor, losing weight and elevating legs while sitting.
3. Varicose veins can cause ulcers or sores on the legs, blood clots or chronic inflammation. This is when treatment becomes absolutely necessary.
4. This outpatient procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance. During the procedure, a small tube is inserted into the vein through a tiny incision in the skin. A thin laser fiber is guided through the tube until it reaches the top of the vein. Then, a local anesthetic numbs the tissue around the vein, creating a buffer to prevent any damage to surrounding tissue. Once the anesthetic has taken hold, the laser fiber is turned on and slowly pulled out of the vein. Blood is immediately re-routed to nearby healthier veins.
5. After the outpatient office procedure, the patient will go home wearing a compression sock to help the body absorb the closed-off vein and reduce bruising and tenderness in the treatment area.
6. Patients can return to work and normal activities almost immediately. Moving will be especially important as it will encourage blood flow. Initially, prolonged sitting such as a long car trip or long flight will be discouraged to prevent the formation of blood clots.

If you deal with the discomfort of varicose veins and are interested in learning more about laser ablation, call 817.893.2699 to schedule a consultation.