What Happens During Laser Vein Ablation?

Laser vein ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that can significantly reduce the appearance of varicose veins. At North Texas Vein & Vascular in Flower Mound, TX, we offer this treatment to people who may be suffering from leg cramps, itching, and irritation because of their problematic veins.

Do You Have Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that appear on the surface of the skin. They usually have a raised appearance and can cause swelling, itching, and pain. Severe varicose veins can also cause bleeding, bruising, and skin discoloration. When left untreated, varicose veins may cause leg ulcers to develop.

Normal, healthy veins prevent blood from flowing backward. Their valves close as blood travels back to the heart. However, as the valves in your veins become incompetent, perhaps due to pressure, trauma, or a hereditary condition, the problematic vein dilates and causes blood to pool. 

We can perform an ultrasound examination of your legs to locate problematic veins and evaluate the function of the valves in your veins.

Is Your Vein Disorder Worsening?

If your varicose veins feel tender to the touch or are starting to feel numb, it may be a sign that they are worsening. Over time, your veins suffer wear and tear, causing blood to pool and not flow as expected. 

The discomfort caused by your varicose veins can also worsen if your occupation requires you to sit or stand for long periods. Those who are overweight may also be more at risk of developing severe vein disorders.

If we suspect that your varicose veins are worsening, we can perform a Doppler ultrasound exam to visualize your blood vessels. Through this examination, we can assess how severe your vein disorder is. We can also map out the blood vessels with unhealthy blood flow so that we can determine which parts require treatment.

When Do You Need Professional Treatment?

If you suffer from swelling, discoloration, and a feeling of discomfort in your legs, it may be time to consider getting professional treatment for your problematic veins. Vein disorders are not only unsightly, but they can also cause problems with blood circulation as they worsen.

The pooling blood in your varicose veins can lead to venous insufficiency and debilitating leg ulcers, which can significantly decrease your quality of life. We recommend that you consider treatment options as soon as possible. 

When your visible veins become symptomatic, causing you to feel discomfort, ache, and heaviness in your legs, they may worsen over time and lead to cramps, swelling, and inflammation.

What Happens During Laser Vein Ablation?

Laser vein ablation can be performed in less than 30 minutes or just under an hour. This treatment is recommended for individuals who may have varicose veins that cause swelling, pain, or inflammation. The primary goal of the treatment is to close off the main superficial vein that is linked to varicose veins.

During endovenous laser ablation, your skin is numbed with a local anesthetic. Next, we will insert a laser fiber wire and catheter into your problematic vein. The catheter emits laser energy that causes the walls of your vein to seal shut. After the treatment, your blood flow is rerouted to healthy veins that carry blood back to your heart.

Do You Need To Prepare for the Treatment?

Laser vein ablation does not require extensive preparation. However, to make sure that you enjoy a positive treatment experience, we will provide you with tips and advice on how to prepare for your treatment session. 

First, we recommend that you arrange for transportation or have someone take you home after the treatment. You’ll be provided with anesthesia and pain medicine that can make it unsafe for you to travel on your own.

Additionally, we may ask you to stop taking blood-thinning medications before your treatment. During your initial consultation, we will review your general medical history and ask about the medications and supplements you are taking to minimize any risks or problems during your treatment.

What To Expect During Your Treatment Session

To start your treatment, we will first prepare your leg and make sure that the treatment area is clean. We will locate the veins that require treatment, then create a tiny incision in the skin where the catheter and laser fiber will pass through. The laser fiber will emit energy that seals the vein shut. The heat damages the tissues inside your veins.

Laser vein ablation is an outpatient treatment that does not require any hospitalization or extended downtime. You may resume your normal activities after receiving the treatment, but you’ll be advised to avoid any strenuous activities. 

We recommend that you take short walks for about 20 minutes twice daily after receiving the treatment. By doing so, you can prevent blood from pooling in your treated veins.

The Benefits of Laser Vein Ablation

Laser vein ablation offers several advantages for patients dealing with varicose veins:

• Minimally invasive: The procedure is quick, typically completed in under an hour, with no need for large incisions.
• Minimal downtime: Patients can usually resume daily activities shortly after treatment, with little to no recovery time required.
• Effective symptom relief: Laser vein ablation alleviates symptoms such as leg pain, cramping, itching, and swelling by closing off problematic veins.
• Improved circulation: The procedure reroutes blood to healthy veins, improving overall blood flow and reducing strain on compromised veins.
• Long-lasting results: Once treated, the closed vein will not reopen, providing a durable solution for varicose vein symptoms.

This procedure is an ideal option for those seeking immediate relief and long-term results without the risks associated with invasive surgery.

Treatment Options for Vein Diseases

At North Texas Vein & Vascular, you’ll discover a variety of vein treatments that can help ease your pain and discomfort. Our team ensures that you only receive safe and effective treatments to remove your spider veins, varicose veins, and other vein disorders. We can develop an individualized treatment plan based on your diagnosis or screening exam results.

Compression Therapy

We offer conservative vein treatments that can be an alternative to medical and surgical interventions. Wearing compression socks and making certain lifestyle changes can be the first step to helping you slow the progression of your vein issues and prevent new ones from arising.

Conservative treatments, such as wearing compression socks, may not eliminate existing spider veins and varicose veins, but they can help improve your muscle tone and blood circulation. These two can significantly impact your vascular system and improve your current condition.

Radiofrequency Ablation

If you have varicose veins, you may consider radiofrequency ablation to treat your problematic veins and seal them close. This minimally invasive treatment is done with the use of radiofrequency energy and ultrasound imaging. 

Just like endovenous laser ablation, this treatment option uses heat energy to close off your problematic veins. But instead of using a diode laser, the treatment involves using a radiofrequency ablation catheter to target your problematic veins.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Larger, bulging varicose veins that do not respond to minimally invasive treatments can be removed through surgical means. Ambulatory phlebectomy is a procedure where we use small incisions to manually remove your problematic veins. The surgery can be completed in less than an hour and can be conducted with a local anesthetic.

A short recovery period is associated with this procedure, but it offers excellent results in terms of removing unwanted veins. Ambulatory phlebectomy may be performed as a standalone procedure or can be used to treat veins that have not responded to other types of treatment. If you have more severe, persistent vein disorders, we may recommend this procedure.

Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy

Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is performed using a sclerosing agent that closes off problematic veins. During the treatment, we inject a foam solution into larger veins that do not respond to a typical sclerotherapy session. We use a Duplex ultrasound to locate problematic veins and guide the foam sclerosant to the unhealthy veins. The foam sclerosant causes your varicose veins to collapse and scar.

What Happens After Your Treatment?

You will wear compression garments or stockings as you recover. We will provide you with instructions on how often you’ll need to wear your stockings. Light physical activities, such as taking short walks, are also encouraged to promote healthy blood flow. 

However, be careful to avoid strenuous physical activities or heavy lifting for about two weeks after your treatment. Hot baths, saunas, and leg massages must be avoided as well.

It’s best to stay at home and focus on recovery while your treated areas heal on their own. Because laser vein ablation is not an invasive treatment, you should heal completely in about a week. Many people find that they’re comfortable enough to resume their normal daily activities right after receiving the treatment.

Seek Professional Treatment for Your Vein Disorders Today

If you have developed vein disorders that cause pain, discomfort, or cosmetic issues, we can provide you with effective vein treatments that can restore the healthy appearance of your legs. There’s no need for you to endure any pain or discomfort. 

Contact North Texas Vein & Vascular in Flower Mound, TX to learn more about our treatments for vein diseases. We’ll be happy to answer all your questions and walk you through our procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to see results after laser vein ablation?

Results are typically noticeable within a few weeks, as the treated vein closes and blood is redirected to healthier veins. Some patients notice immediate relief of symptoms, while visible changes may take a little longer.

Is laser vein ablation painful?

Most patients experience minimal discomfort due to the local anesthesia used during the procedure. Any soreness after the treatment is typically mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Are there any side effects of laser vein ablation?

Common side effects are mild and may include bruising, redness, or swelling at the treatment site, which usually resolve within a few days. Serious complications are rare, especially when following aftercare instructions.

Can varicose veins return after laser vein ablation?

While the treated vein will not reopen, new varicose veins can form over time, especially if risk factors like prolonged standing, weight gain, or genetics remain. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce this risk.

How soon can I resume exercise after laser vein ablation?

Light activities such as walking can be resumed almost immediately. However, it’s best to avoid intense or high-impact exercise for at least one to two weeks following the procedure, as advised by your vein specialist.