What is varicose veins laser treatment and how does it work?

Varicose veins are a prevalent condition that affects a significant number of individuals globally, characterised by swollen, twisted, and enlarged veins that are primarily visible in the legs and feet. The condition results from weakened or damaged valves inside the veins, causing blood to accumulate and flow backwards, leading to the appearance of bulging veins. This pooling of blood causes the veins to stretch and become enlarged, forming varicose veins.

Many treatment options are available for varicose veins, including compression stockings, sclerotherapy, and laser treatment. This blog post will focus on varicose veins laser treatment cost and how it works.

What Is Varicose Vein Laser Treatment?

The application of laser energy to treat varicose veins is known as varicose or endovenous laser treatment (EVLT). This minimally invasive medical procedure utilises laser energy to address the problem of varicose veins. The procedure involves inserting a small laser fibre into the affected vein through a tiny incision in the skin. During laser treatment, the laser energy is directed towards heating the affected vein, which results in its collapse and closure. As a result, the blood previously flowing through the affected vein is redirected towards healthier veins, leading to improved blood flow and reduced visibility of varicose veins.

The laser treatment is typically carried out under the influence of local anaesthesia and is usually completed within an hour. Patients can return to normal activities immediately after the procedure, although they may be advised to avoid strenuous activity for a few days.

How Does Varicose Vein Laser Treatment Work?

Varicose laser treatment uses laser energy to heat and seal the affected vein. During the procedure, a tiny laser fibre is inserted into the affected vein through a tiny incision in the skin. The fibre is then guided through the vein using ultrasound imaging, ensuring it is positioned correctly. Once in position, laser energy is delivered to the vein, causing it to heat up and collapse.

As the vein collapses, the blood that was previously flowing through it is redirected to healthier veins, improving blood flow and reducing the appearance of varicose veins. The collapsed vein is eventually absorbed by the body and disappears, leaving behind only healthy tissue.

What Are the Benefits of Varicose Vein Laser Treatment?

The laser treatment has many benefits, including:

  1. Minimally Invasive: This laser treatment is a non-invasive medical procedure that does not necessitate general anaesthesia. This means patients can return to normal activities immediately after the procedure.
  2. High Success Rate: The laser treatment has a high success rate of up to 98%. This means most patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms after the procedure.
  3. Reduced Recovery Time: The laser treatment has a reduced recovery time compared to traditional vein stripping surgery. After the procedure, most patients can resume their daily activities, including work, within a few days.
  4. Improved Appearance: The laser treatment can improve the appearance of varicose veins, reducing their size and visibility.

Cost of Varicose Vein Laser Treatment

The average cost for varicose vein laser treatment depends on various factors, including the location of the treatment facility, the severity of the varicose veins, and the number of veins being treated. It is important to note that varicose vein laser treatment is often considered a cosmetic procedure and may not be covered by insurance. However, some insurance plans may cover the procedure if deemed medically necessary.

Varicose vein laser treatment cost depends upon the condition of a patient’s leg and is primarily a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser energy to treat varicose veins. The laser treatment is carried out under local anesthesia with a success rate of up to 98%. Varicose laser treatment has many benefits, including being minimally invasive, reducing recovery time, and improving the appearance of varicose veins.