Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins (EVLA)

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Laser treatment for varicose veins (EVLA) is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure to correct the appearance of varicose veins.

Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins Overview - 842

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The Skinny


Average Recovery

2 weeks

Permanence

Permanent

Application

Laser/Light Therapy

Surgical

Yes

Cost

$600 - $3000

The Specifics


What is laser treatment for varicose veins?

A laser treatment for varicose veins, also known as endovenous laser ablation therapy (EVLA), is a cosmetic procedure to permanently remove varicose veins from the legs. It is a less invasive treatment option for varicose vein removal, and requires only local anesthesia. Varicose veins are caused by blood pools due to poor blood flow and valve dysfunction within blood vessels, especially in lower leg veins. This may be caused by chronic venous insufficiency among other medical conditions.

Alternative treatment options for varicose vein removal include ligation and veinstripping, ambulatory phlebectomy, foam sclerotherapy, and RF energy. Laser treatments are known to be better suited to treating large veins than RF energy treatments.

What cosmetic concerns does an EVLA procedure treat?

  1. Veins: In EVLA, laser therapy collapses the vein wall causing it to shrink and be absorbed by the body.

Who is the ideal candidate for an EVLA treatment?

The ideal candidate for EVLA has visible, large veins in the lower legs, and has determined the underlying medical condition with a healthcare provider. EVLA is not recommended for those who have had a major surgery or been pregnant within the past three months, or those with a history of blood clots.

What is the average recovery associated with an EVLA procedure?

Most patients experience a few weeks of recovery following EVLA. The majority of candidates return to work after a few days. Compression stockings are worn for three weeks, legs should remain elevated when possible, and long periods of standing should be avoided.

What are the potential side effects of an EVLA procedure?

Possible side effects following EVLA include perforations of the vein wall, bruising, pain, recurrence, superficial thrombophlebitis, and development of a blood clot.

What can someone expect from the results of an EVLA procedure?

The results of EVLA are noticeable after one week, but will take up to four weeks to finalize. Spider veins may form leading to the need for foam sclerotherapy after one month. If the underlying cause of the varicose vein was circulatory and it is not addressed recurrence is possible.

What is the average cost of an EVLA procedure?


EVLA can cost anywhere from $600 to $3,000. The actual cost of EVLA is dependent upon location, healthcare provider, and length and involvement of the plastic surgery.

thumbs-upPros

  • Works Well With Larger Veins
  • Works Well With Vein Blowouts
  • Works Well With Dilated Segments
  • Works Well With Veins With Clots
  • Works Well With Fibrous Tissue
  • Works Well With Calcified Areas

thumbs-downCons

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Possible Recurrence

Invasiveness Score

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Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.

What to Expect


Laser treatment for varicose veins, also called endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) or endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), is a minimally invasive procedure used to correct varicose veins. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after EVLA treatment.

The Takeaway


A laser treatment for varicose veins, also known as endovenous laser ablation therapy (EVLA), is a less invasive procedure to effectively remove varicose veins.

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Source List

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AEDIT uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Mayo Clinic Staff Varicose Veins mayoclinic.org
  2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons Spider Vein Treatment plasticsurgery.org
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