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Endovenous Laser Treatment – Laser Vein Treatment

Endovenous Laser Treatment – Laser Vein Treatment Endovenous Vein Treatment

Varicose veins are a very common and oftentimes painful reality for both men and women. While those who suffer from varicose veins are generally displeased with the physical appearance of irregular vein patterns under the skin, the physical discomfort can make it difficult to live with. Making even daily activities difficult, those with varicose veins can experience everything from aching, tired, restless or heavy-feeling legs. It is often commonly reported that patients experience a burning sensation after extended periods of standing or notice visible swelling in the legs and feet. Varicose veins significantly protrude from under the surface of the skin and may feel warm. Patients can reduce many symptoms with Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) offered at our Laser Lipo & Vein Center.

Fortunately, for those who struggle with varicose veins, modern technology offers up a vast selection of options when it comes to treatment plans. Advances in vein laser-based approaches and vein therapy have made the reality of varicose vein treatments more effective than ever before. These efficient advancements are helping patients make life-improving changes using treatment-based options before medical complications arise. Venous insufficiency is a serious medical issue that can lead to detrimental health conditions if left untreated. Recognizing this fact, many insurance companies will cover the cost of treatment for symptomatic vein conditions.

Vein conditions are complex and should be treated with a step-by-step approach that utilizes a comprehensive view of vein structure through detailed mapping prior to diagnosis. At the Laser Lipo and Vein Center, Dr. Thomas Wright performs a preliminary examination of all new patients to determine the existence of venous insufficiencies. Conclusions are made utilizing detailed ultrasound mapping and if venous reflux of the saphenous vein is found, Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) is recommended.

EVLT procedure is a highly-effective alternative to surgical stripping of the greater saphenous vein. During this procedure, a small laser fiber is inserted with the help of a needle into a point in the skin that has been numbed prior to the procedure using a local anesthetic to ensure optimum comfort. Once successfully inserted, pulses of light are delivered through the vein laser which move through the problematic vein, causing it to collapse and seal. Quick, simple and effective, EVLT can be performed right in the office and does not require general anesthesia. The affected site is treated with a simple bandage post-treatment and it may be advised that the patient wear a compression stocking for a short period of time following the procedure.
Patients enjoy visible results that diminish pain and leave legs looking smoother. For a look at Dr. Wright’s work, feel free to browse this before and after gallery.

Endovenuous Laser Treatment of St. Louis patient Before and After

Endovenous Laser Treatment in St. Louis

Actual Patient – Individual Results May Vary

After undergoing EVLT, patients who previously suffered from veins with faulty valves will find that their veins are no longer hindering the return of blood to the heart but helping it along. Patients who choose to follow up their treatment with compression garments may see previously symptomatic areas improve more rapidly however it’s important to note that symptoms will continue to improve without the use of these compression aids as well.


Endovenous Laser Treatment Demonstration

 

Blood Flow Improvement From Endovenous Laser Treatment

Veins run both close to the surface of the skin as well as branching deep enough into the body as to not be visible to the naked eye. Vein treatment services require a physician to be able to connect these layers and treat both the surface issues as well as those deeper-reaching branches that require a skilled hand and delicate approach. EVLT is the first step in providing procedural solutions aimed at improving large vein disorders and improving overall blood flow. Post-EVLT, many patients will choose to move on to have smaller refluxing veins treated. This comprehensive approach to vein treatment allows for extremely effective and durable long-term results.

Venous Insufficiency

One of the great advantages to choosing Endovenous Laser Treatment when dealing with problematic veins is the extremely safe nature of the procedure. This out-patient process is easily performed in the comfort of the physician’s office providing a convenient and familiar location for patients. Prior to the procedure, local anesthetic is applied to the point of needle insertion, numbing the skin and ensuring a painless experience. Local anesthetic quickly wears of once the treatment is complete and a simple bandage is all that is required to cover the affected area. Unlike surgical vein stripping, Endovenous Laser Treatment does not come with any negative side effects. Patients should expect to be able to stand up and walk out of the office in a normal manner post-procedure. Quick, effective and minimally invasive, EVLT closes only those veins that are causing issues and with many more veins present in the body than are needed for sufficient blood flow, patients can rest assured that those collapsed during the process will only improve and not hinder overall circulatory health.

Endovenous Vein Treatment FAQs

Question: Is laser light therapy internal or external?

Answer:

Lasers are used for both.

Endovenous laser ablation means that the laser is put into (endo-venous) the vein. External lasers or IPL can be used to treat the veins from outside the skin. The pigments in the skin absorb the light from the device and then convert it to heat. Think of a black car and a white car that is out in the sun. The black car absorbs the light and converts it to heat while the white car reflects the light.

Question: Does endovenous laser ablation remove veins?

Answer:

No, Endovenous Laser Ablation does not remove veins. The cells of the veins or tissue are replaced with healing tissue. Think about a scratch on your skin. A scab develops then as the healing process continues the scab cells are replaced with healthy new tissue over the following weeks. After a couple of months it is hard to even tell where the scratch was. Usually, after a year, there is no detecting where the scratch was. The same healing process goes on with your veins. So after a year it is usually impossible to tell where the treated veins were.