Healthy Valve Function
Valve FailureOften, the skin surrounding the varicose veins itches and burns. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to swelling, fatigue, throbbing or cramping, increased pain, skin discoloration, and ulcerations of the lower legs. Ulcerations are difficult to treat and can become easily infected and painful. Many of these symptoms can be prevented by early treatment.
It normally takes years for symptoms of varicose veins to develop. While varicose veins are commonly inherited, anyone can get them. Hormonal changes brought on by puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can trigger the onset of varicose veins.
Vein disorders are not always visible; therefore, modern diagnostic techniques are important tools in determining the cause and severity of the problem. Depending on the results of the screening examination, your doctor may recommend additional tests such as diagnostic ultrasound to identify where and how badly your veins are damaged. The ultrasound examination is designed to evaluate the blood flow through your veins in your legs, localizing the problem areas.
Venacure EVLT™ (Endovenous Laser Treatment), the treatment for varicose veins, is a minimally invasive laser procedure. The in-office procedure does not require general anesthesia, takes less than an hour, and walking immediately after the procedure is encouraged. Normal daily activity can be resumed immediately; just avoid rigorous activities such as gym workouts. Your Vanishing Veins physician inserts a sheath into the vein and then inserts a thin laser fiber which emits light. By delivering the right wavelength of laser energy to the correct tissue, the incompetent veins (varicose veins) will close. Your body automatically routes the blood to other healthy veins. Removing varicose veins normally takes less than an hour, only requires local anesthesia, and has up to a 98% success rate.
How is a laser procedure different from surgery?
- Surgery involves considerable preparation, general anesthesia, the risk of infection, pain in the affected areas, and a lengthy recovery period. The medical laser technology used in EVLT eliminates all of that.
- It’s "minimally invasive." The entry point through which your physician gets the laser fiber to the target area is extremely small, not even requiring stitches.
- There is really no “recovery” to speak of. In fact, you’ll be up and walking as soon as it’s over, able to return to normal activity quickly.
- The risk of infection is extremely low.
I’ve heard about lasers being used in medicine but I’m not sure how they work. Are they safe?
Simply put, a laser is a highly concentrated beam of light. Medical lasers work by delivering this light energy to the targeted tissue with extreme precision so as not to affect the surrounding tissue. They’ve proven their safety and effectiveness through years of use in all kinds of medical procedures, from ophthalmology to dermatology. In the hands of a skilled physician, lasers offer far less risk and complications than conventional surgery.
How long after the procedure will I see the results?
There may be some slight swelling right after the procedure, but you could start seeing results immediately.
How long will the results last?
You should experience no reoccurence in the veins that have been treated. Follow-up procedures may be desired to obtain optimal aesthetic results.
