Endovenous Laser Treatment for Spider Veins
One of the newer treatments for vein disappearance, without needing surgical procedure, is the Endovenous Laser Treatment. This is another way doctors are able to destroy these unappealing veins. Endovenous Laser treatment is best used on the smaller vein problems, like spider veins, instead of the larger varicose veins.
How Does it Work?
First a thin fiber is inserted into the damaged vein like a tiny needle. A laser from the fiber emits a beam of light through the vein with just the right amount of energy. The targeted vein responds to the light energy by closing and sealing shut. Once sealed off, it is no longer a functional vein. This is not a concern as the blood will automatically reroute to another healthier vein nearby.
The Endovenous Laser Treatment is done with great accuracy, so that the surrounding tissue is not affected. Even though the word laser can be intimidating, lasers have proven to be safe and effective through many types of medical procedures from eye surgery to dermatology. This method has far less risk or complications that an invasive surgery.
What to Expect
You will first receive anesthesia to numb the area being treated. Your doctor will make a small incision over the numbed area, so you shouldn’t feel pain, maybe only pressure. He will then insert a laser fiber into your targeted vein. Once the fibrous laser is activated it will heat up the vein, forcing it to collapse and close tightly like shrink wrap. The heat will not harm the surrounding area and the vein will fade. Your doctor might have you wear compression stockings after treatment to improve and speed up the healing process. You will be observed for a short time (30 minutes) then sent on your way. Don’t be surprised if your doctor tells you to return to work or other activities the same day or the next. Some patients experience a temporary soreness on the area and slight swelling. These possible side effects can be treated efficiently with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Recovery Time
With Endovenous Laser Treatment, it may take about 1 year for the treated vein to disappear completely. Consider if you have received the treatment a year ago, the vein would be gone by now. For best results, you may need more than one treatment. The old vein will be nonfunctional and should disappear though you may still have new veins appearing.