Varicose Vein Laser Surgery: EVLT
Pittsburgh, PA | Columbus, OH
Until recently, painful, swollen varicose veins required a varicose vein surgery called vein stripping, in which the vein was completely removed from the leg in a hospital setting. At the Skin Center Medical Spa, varicose vein laser surgery, also called Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT), is used as a less invasive varicose vein treatment. The EVLT varicose vein treatment uses laser energy to seal diseased veins, while encouraging circulation through healthy unaffected veins.
Varicose vein laser surgery offers many advantages over traditional varicose vein treatments, including:
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Learn More About Varicose Vein Laser Surgery:
Varicose Vein Laser Surgery Procedure
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) is a minimally invasive varicose vein laser surgery treatment. The varicose vein treatment itself takes about an hour and includes utlrasonography to map all areas of venous reflux and trace the path of the refluxing greater saphenous or lesser saphenous vein.
Once an entry point for the varicose vein laser surgery treatment is identified, the area is desensitized with a local anesthetic, and a tiny puncture incision is made. A narrow tube, which carries the laser fiber, is inserted into the diseased vein. The laser fiber delivers energy in short pulses causing the vein to collapse and close, preventing blood flow. By closing off this diseased vein, blood is thus diverted to other healthy veins.
In the months following the varicose vein laser surgery, the body naturally absorbs the vein remnant leaving virtually no sign of the varicose vein in the treated area.
Following varicose vein laser surgery patients are pleased to notice immediate relief of symptoms, including:
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Recovery for Varicose Vein Laser Surgery
After varicose vein laser surgery, the treated leg will be wrapped in a compression bandage and medical compression stockings will be needed for approximately one week. Walking immediately following varicose vein treatment is encouraged. With the exception of strenuous activity and vigorous work-outs, a normal routine can be resumed.
Over the next 7 to 10 days, there may be light bruising and varying degrees of soreness, which can be relieved with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Varicose Vein Laser Surgery Insurance Coverage
Most insurance carriers either fully or partially cover expenses associated with varicose vein treatments that alleviate symptoms associated with vascular disease. At the time of your consultation, the severity of your vein disorder will be evaluated to determine if varicose vein laser surgery treatment is considered "medically necessary." If you are experiencing symptoms associated with varicose veins, there is a good chance that will be considered "medically necessary".
FAQ's: Varicose Vein Laser Surgery
Does varicose vein laser surgery provide permanent results?
Varicose vein laser surgery is very reliable, with a 98 percent success rate for the destruction of varicose veins. However, in an extremely small percentage of cases, the varicose vein is damaged by the laser, but not absorbed by the body. Therefore, it may still be visible under the surface of the skin. If this occurs, the additional varicose vein treatments may be necessary to achieve optimal cosmetic results.
Are there any risks associated with varicose vein laser surgery?
There are very few risks associated with this type of varicose vein treatment. Because a puncture wound is made to insert the fiber-optic laser, redness and swell may occur at the site and the risk of infection is increased. As with any medical treatment, there are associated risks. Individual risk factors will be discussed during the comprehensive vein consultation.
What are the alternative treatments to varicose vein laser surgery?
In addition to varicose vein laser surgry, The Skin Center Medical Spa offers a variety of varicose vein and spider vein treatments that can be performed alone or in conjunction with each other. Alternative varicose vein and spider vein treatments may include:
- Sclerotherapy Spider Vein Treatment
- Microphlebectomy Varicose Vein Treatment
- IPL Facial Vein Treatment
Schedule a Free Consultation:
- The Skin Center Medical Spa Pittsburgh, PA 1-800-429-1151
- The Skin Center Medical Spa Columbus, OH 614-939-1188
- Not all procedures are available in every location. Please call for more information.
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