What You Need to Know About Laser Ablation for Varicose Veins

What You Need to Know About Laser Ablation for Varicose Veins

Posted on March 24, 2016 by Texas Vein & Wellness Institute

One of the best ways to obliterate varicose veins is through endovenous laser ablation surgery, or ELAS. But how much do you know about this popular and effective procedure? Read on to learn more about ELAS and why you should consider it if you have varicose veins.

• Patients who have varicose veins often complain about the aching, throbbing pain that comes with this condition. They also experience leg heaviness and fatigue, swelling, skin irritations, skin discoloration and painful swelling.
• Patients have various options when it comes to removing varicose veins. During their comprehensive exam and consultation, your doctor will determine the best treatment option based on your overall health and the makeup of your veins. Veins that are too small or twisty may not respond well to ELAS but may respond better to sclerotherapy or surgery.
• Patients choose ELAS because it offers a non-surgical vein treatment that doesn’t involve incisions or surgical scars. This procedure uses radiofrequency or laser energy to cauterize or burn and close varicose veins.
• ELAS uses local anesthetic, so you don’t have to go under general anesthesia unnecessarily.
• This outpatient procedure takes less than an hour and requires minimal downtime for recovery.
• You will want to have someone drive you home after your procedure. After your procedure, you’ll be wearing a compression stocking to reduce bruising and tenderness and minimize the possibility of blood clots from forming.
• You will resume normal activity after your procedure. You will be encourage to walk right away to encourage blood to divert from the closed vein, but you will need to avoid strenuous activity for a while. You can take over-the-counter pain reliever to manage any discomfort. You will want to stay active and not spend too much time being idle, as this may increase the chance of complications. The complication rate is very low otherwise.
• ELAS has a very high success rate. The long-term success is higher than 95 percent.