Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)

If you have embarrassing or unsightly veins on your legs, or are experiencing one or more of the signs and symptoms of venous insufficiency, you may be a good candidate for endovenous laser treatment.

Signs and symptoms that you may have venous insufficiency include:

  • Varicose veins (enlarged ropy veins that bulge out from the skin)
  • A dense focused blush of spider veins
  • Aching, cramping or throbbing legs
  • Leg heaviness
  • Leg fatigue
  • Leg swelling
  • Restless legs
  • Thickening or brownish discoloration of the lower legs
  • Open wound (ulcer) on inner or outer ankle

What is Endovenous Laser Treatment?

Endovenous laser treatment (a.k.a. endovenous laser ablation, EVLT, EVLA) is a quick and easy minimally invasive treatment to eliminate the source of venous insufficiency and varicose veins. It involves placement of a tiny fiber into the problematic vein and heating the vein to seal it shut. The procedure is safe, comfortable, and has a very high success rate.

How is EVLT performed?

This simple outpatient procedure is performed in the office, without the need for general anesthesia. At the start of the procedure a tiny amount of local anesthetic is provided on the skin. A laser fiber is then gently inserted into the vein and positioned to the treatment site under ultrasound guidance. The area around the vein is numbed with tumescent anesthesia and then the fiber is used to deliver laser energy to treat the affected vein. The fiber is then removed and a bandage is placed on the leg. The entire procedure takes less than an hour to complete and is easy to undergo.

What should I expect after EVLT?

After the procedure your leg will be wrapped in a bandage. You will be able to walk immediately afterwards and should be able to return to work and most activities by the next day. Typically the bandages are removed 1-2 days after treatment and you will then wear a compression stocking on your leg for a couple of weeks. For the first 1-2 weeks after treatment, it is best to avoid high intensity workouts and hot baths to help guarantee that the treated vein remains closed.

Many patients who undergo EVLT require adjunctive treatments such as microphlebectomies or ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy to eliminate the visible varicose veins on the skin surface. These procedures are typically performed shortly after the EVLT, to ensure the fastest recovery and quickest results.

Am I a good candidate for EVLT?

If you have varicose veins that bother you either physically or aesthetically, or signs and symptoms of venous insufficiency, you may be a good candidate for EVLT. The only real way to know is to have your legs evaluated by a vein expert.

 

What should I do next?

Take the next step and make an appointment at Beach Aesthetics. You can be assured that if you have venous insufficiency there is no better place to go to learn about your condition and the various treatment options available to help you reach your needs and goals – safely, effectively and comfortably .

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