Endovenous laser treatment is a procedure performed to remove varicose veins and spider veins. It includes the insertion of a laser fiber into a leg vein. Light energy from the laser causes the affected veins to collapse and close off. Then, the body redirects the blood that used to flow through the veins to other veins. While there are many treatment options for varicose veins, endovenous laser treatment is one of the most effective treatments for varicose veins.
When Is Endovenous Laser Treatment Ideal?
Doctors may recommend laser treatment to get rid of varicose or spider veins that are big, unsightly, protruding, or causing soreness, burning, cramping, and rashes. Also, the treatment is recommended if other treatment options are not effective. The patient needs to consider lifestyle changes like exercising, losing weight, and wearing compression stockings to prevent varicose veins or the symptoms associated with them.
How the Patient Fees After the Treatment
The patient may have soreness and inflammation after their endovenous laser treatment. But, they can relieve this by taking over-the-counter pain medications. It is important to check with the doctor before using these medications and patients must take them just as directed.
The patient may need to wear compression stockings after the procedure to stabilize their veins and help them heal. Also, the doctor may encourage the patient to walk frequently to allow healing. Recover after the procedure happens gradually. Recovery time varies depending on the patient’s general health, age, and other factors. But, full recovery should take a few days to a few weeks.
How the Treatment May Affect the Patient’s Daily Life
The laser treatment may relieve much of the discomfort, discoloration, and bulging of varicose veins. It won’t prevent varicose veins from recurring and the patient may need to get another procedure done in the future. To prevent or delay the recurrence of this condition, they can make lifestyle changes such as exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and wearing compression stockings.
When to Call the Doctor?
After the endovenous laser treatment procedure, the patient must keep their follow-up appointments. They have to contact their doctor for questions and concerns between appointments. Also, they should call their doctor if they experience bleeding, dizziness, breathing issues, leg pain, fever, persistent pain, and unexpected pus coming out of the leg incision. Although these issues rarely happen, it is important to seek immediate medical care when they do.
