Laser Surgery Treatment For Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged and twisted veins that are just under the skin's surface. While they occur most often in the legs, they can be anywhere in the body. They are not serious on their own, but can cause pain and discomfort, not to mention be unattractive for many people. If you have varicose veins, there are many different treatment options available. Many people choose laser surgery treatment, because it is fast and effective. Here are some things to know about this type of treatment.

How does the laser treatment work?

There are two main types of laser treatment for varicose veins: simple treatment and endovenous treatment. In each case, it uses a focused beam of light, also called a lser, to damage the vein and cause scar tissue to form in its place. This will close the vein and cause it to lose its blood. Eventually, the vein disappears.

Simple treatment – The simple laser treatment for varicose veins is done with smaller veins, including spider veins. This is done on the outside of the skin, making it less invasive and a faster process. They may need to be repeated, depending on the quantity of veins.

Endovenous treatment – For larger varicose veins, endovenous treatment is used. This is done under the skin by placing a laser fiber through a catheter into the vein. An ultrasound is used to guide the fiber and be sure the vein is properly damaged and closed. A sedative is used during the procedure.

What are the benefits of laser therapy?

One of the biggest benefits to laser therapy is that it is less invasive and safer for a wider range of individuals. For example, if you are pregnant, you cannot get sclerotherapy to remove veins, because it uses a chemical that might not be safe for your unborn child. However, there is nothing wrong with treating them using laser therapy during pregnancy. It is also an excellent choice for larger varicose veins, which is always less invasive than the surgical options.

Are there any risks?

There are a few minor risks to getting laser surgery treatment for varicose veins. For example, there is a larger amount of pigmentation in darker-skinned or tanned individuals, which can absorb the light and cause discoloration of the skin. Other possible risks include burns of the skin, the feeling of pain or prickling following the procedure, and blood clots. Most of these risks will go away within a few days or weeks.

If you have varicose veins, ask your doctor about getting laser surgery treatment to remove them.