Endovenous Laser Therapy in Hauppauge | Vein Treatment in Riverhead

Endovenous Laser Therapy, known as EVLT, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat unsightly varicose veins. It is an alternative to the painful, lengthy ligation and stripping procedure. EVLT is fast, safe, and effective and provides cosmetic benefits which improve the patient‘s quality of life. This simple procedure is performed in the doctor‘s office and takes less than an hour.

Ligation and stripping was once the primary treatment for varicose veins since it was the only treatment available. While effective, ligation and stripping is an invasive surgical procedure that was performed under general anesthesia and required up to two weeks of recovery time. Many patients experienced pain during and after this procedure since several incisions were involved in the process. EVLT offers patients a highly effective, but much less invasive, alternative.

Benefits of Endovenous Laser Therapy

EVLT is a relatively uncomplicated procedure. Some of the benefits of this therapy include that EVLT:

Takes less than an hour to perform
Is an outpatient procedure
Offers immediate relief from symptoms
Does not necessitate a long recovery
Does not require general anesthesia
Results in no scarring
Has a success rate of 98 percent

Endovenous Laser Therapy Procedure

During the EVLT procedure, the doctor first marks the damaged vein and prepares the area with an antiseptic. Once a local anesthetic has been applied to the area to minimize any pain, a laser probe is inserted through a needle inserted into the vein. The physician maneuvers the probe precisely, using ultrasound imaging to identify problems in particular veins and positioning the laser accordingly.

The laser energy is then targeted along the length of the damaged vein, causing its walls to collapse so that blood can no longer flow through. Blood from this vein will be diverted to functional veins. As these healthy veins take over, circulation frequently improves and symptoms are relieved. Once the procedure of endovenous laser therapy is completed, the probe is removed from the vein and a dressing and compression bandages are applied to the area. The entire EVLT procedure takes less than an hour to perform and is a viable option for almost all patients..

Risks of Endovenous Laser Therapy

Although EVLT is considered safe, there are certain risks associated with any surgical procedure. Some of these risks may include:

Numbness
A drawing sensation
Phlebitis
Deep vein thrombosis
Infection
Failure of the procedure

Recovery from Endovenous Laser Therapy

After the EVLT procedure, most patients experience mild bruising and tightness in the legs, although these side effects usually subside within a few days. Patients can return home immediately and many are able to resume work and other normal activities the very same day. Exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for some time.

Results from the EVLT procedure are visible immediately. Once the procedure is completed and recovery has taken place, most patients can enjoy pain-free, more attractive legs. As many as 98 percent of patients who have EVLT are satisfied with the results. Because the level of satisfaction is much higher for EVLT is than for comparative procedures, EVLT is quickly becoming the new standard for treating varicose veins.

Who Is A Good Candidate for Endovenous Laser Therapy?

Ideal candidates for this procedure are patients in overall good health and not suffering from underlying medical conditions or infections. If your varicose veins get red, swollen, or warm and tender to the touch, this procedure can help alleviate those symptoms.

Candidates with realistic expectations about their procedure results will benefit the most from their treatment.

EVLT is a procedure that works best on large, protruding varicose veins. If your varicose veins are small and contain a lot of twists and turns, the procedure may not be the most beneficial treatment for you.

EVLT is also not recommended for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding due to the fact that there has been very little information reported on the effects of laser therapy and pregnancy. If you have given birth and are not breastfeeding, we still recommend waiting about four months after your pregnancy to ensure optimal safety.

How Long Will My Results from Endovenous Laser Therapy Last?

The results achieved from EVLT are permanent. However, it may take patients multiple sessions to achieve full elimination of the appearance of their varicose veins, depending on the pigmentation and size. Immediately after treatment, patients may notice their veins getting darker in pigmentation, but this is normal. Most treated veins will get darker before getting lighter, and patients will see lightened results about one week after their procedure.

What Can I Do To Prepare for My Procedure?

To make your EVLT treatment go as smoothly as possible, it can be beneficial for you to wear clothes that are comfortable and fit loosely. You can also bring compression socks with you to your appointment to keep your treated areas protected afterward.

If you are on medication, especially blood thinners, it’s essential to contact your doctor about the possibility of stopping your medication before getting any laser treatment done.

Schedule a Consultation

Are you tired of the way your varicose veins look? If you’re ready to get rid of them, the highly trained team at Suffolk Vascular & Vein Center is here to help. Give us a call today at one of our three New York locations, or click here to find out more information bout Endovenous Laser Therapy.

Endovenous Laser Therapy

Benefits of Endovenous Laser Therapy

Endovenous Laser Therapy Procedure

Risks of Endovenous Laser Therapy

Recovery from Endovenous Laser Therapy

Who Is A Good Candidate for Endovenous Laser Therapy?

How Long Will My Results from Endovenous Laser Therapy Last?

What Can I Do To Prepare for My Procedure?

Schedule a Consultation

Additional Resources

Featured Services

Schedule a Consultation

3 Convenient New York Locations

Follow Us

Quick Links