Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins

When a laser is used to treat the wide, twisted, or inflated veins located just under the skin of the leg, the procedure is known as varicose vein laser surgery.

A laser is a focused beam of light. The heat from the laser helps in damaging a varicose vein, which leads to the formation of scar tissue. The scar tissue formed closes the varicose vein. A closed vein will lose its source of blood and eventually die. After one or two years, the vein dissolves into the surrounding tissue and disappears.

Types of laser treatments for varicose veins:

The following are the different types of laser treatments that can be performed for varicose veins:

1. Simple laser treatment:

• This type of procedure is done outside the skin.

• It helps in treating tiny varicose veins and spider veins just under the surface of the skin.

• The procedure may also sometimes be performed as a secondary procedure after a large varicose vein has been treated by other surgical procedures.

• Normally, more than one laser session will be needed, scheduled every six to twelve weeks, as recommended by the doctor.

2. Endovenous laser treatment:

• This procedure may be used to treat larger varicose veins.

• The procedure is generally performed under local anesthesia, that is, the area around the varicose veins is numbed using anesthesia.

• In this procedure, a laser fiber is passed through a catheter (thin tube) into the vein.

• The laser will heat up the vein, leading to its shrinkage and collapse.

• The doctor will watch the vein using a duplex ultrasound screen while performing this procedure.

Diagnostic tests and preparation before laser treatment for varicose veins:

The different diagnostic tests done before laser treatment for varicose veins include: 

• Physical examination: The doctor checks the legs for swelling while standing, and will also inquire about the pain and aching in the legs.

• Venous Doppler ultrasound: This is a non-invasive test in which the blood flow through the valves in the veins is checked using sound waves. It can help in the detection of a blood clot.

• Blood tests: Certain underlying medical conditions can be diagnosed using blood tests.

• Urine tests: They help in the detection of urine infections.

• Chest x-ray: The condition of the heart and lungs can be evaluated using this test.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): The electrical activity of the heart can be measured using this test.

The following preparation is needed before laser treatment:

• Discuss with the doctor about any medical illnesses that you may have.

• If you have any allergies, inform the doctor about the same.

• If you are taking any supplements, herbs, or medications currently, discuss with the doctor about the same.

• Try and quit smoking at least two weeks before the procedure.

• The doctor may ask you to stop taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin and aspirin a few days before the surgery.

Recovery after laser treatment for varicose veins:

• The recovery period following laser treatment is quick and the patient can usually walk after the treatment. 

• The patient can usually return to their normal daily routine soon after a simple laser treatment.

• Following an endovenous laser treatment, the patient needs to wear compression stockings for a week or more.

• The doctor will use a duplex ultrasound after the procedure to ensure that the varicose vein is closed.

• The patient needs to stay active and avoid sitting in one place for long hours after the treatment.

After-care tips following laser treatment for varicose veins:

The following tips can help in smoother and quicker recovery after laser treatment:

• Avoid standing or sitting for a prolonged period

• Elevate the legs while sleeping or sitting

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Quit smoking

• Stay physically active

• Wear compression stockings 

Rate of success of laser treatment for varicose veins:

1. Simple laser treatment: This type of laser treatment is known to be a safe and effective type of treatment for the last 20 years. 

2. Endovenous laser treatment: This procedure is known to close the varicose veins approximately 94 out of 100 times. If the varicose vein does not close with this type of treatment, a secondary treatment procedure may be needed. 

Benefits of laser treatment for varicose veins:

The advantages of laser treatment for varicose veins include:

• No need for any incisions or cuts

• No need for stitches

• Minimally-invasive procedure 

• Minimal or no pain

• No scars

• No loss of blood

• Same-day discharge from the hospital 

• Can resume daily activities immediately

• Quick recovery

• Good success rate 

• Varicose veins disappear completely when seen on an ultrasound after a year

Risks of laser treatment for varicose veins:

The complications associated with laser treatment for varicose veins include:

• Infection 

• Bleeding or bruising

• Tenderness

• Damage to the blood vessels

• Thermal damage to the nerves

• Blood clots travel to the lungs

• Inflammation 

• Redness

• Skin burns

• Changes in skin color

• Need for subsequent treatment sessions

• Need for other types of subsequent treatments