Endovenous Laser Ablation
Living with varicose veins can feel frustrating, whether it’s the aching heaviness in your legs, the swelling after a long day, or simply not liking how your veins look. Vein problems aren’t just cosmetic. They affect your comfort, mobility, and confidence. Endovenous laser ablation is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment designed to restore healthy blood flow, ease your symptoms, and help you get back to living without discomfort.
What Is Endovenous Laser Ablation?
Endovenous laser ablation (also called endovenous thermal ablation or endovenous laser treatment) is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure designed to treat varicose veins. Using ultrasound guidance, a thin catheter is inserted into the saphenous vein. A fine laser fiber is then advanced through the catheter, and laser energy is applied to seal the diseased vein wall. This process causes the vein to close, rerouting blood flow to healthy nearby veins.
Varicose veins are more than a cosmetic concern. These enlarged veins often appear on the legs, causing heaviness, swelling, aching, and sometimes skin changes. Left untreated, venous disease may progress and increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or skin ulcers.
Therefore, most insurance companies recognize venous insufficiency as a chronic medical condition and will cover the cost of the procedure. You’ll need to check with your insurance company to see if you qualify for coverage.
Why You Might Need Endovenous Laser Ablation
Your doctor may recommend this procedure if you have:
- Large varicose veins that cause pain, aching, or swelling
- Inflammation, itching, or burning along a vein
- Skin discoloration or irritation caused by poor circulation
- Bulging veins along the great saphenous vein or small saphenous vein
- Complications such as blood clots, skin sores, or bleeding
While some patients choose treatment for cosmetic reasons, others need it to improve comfort and prevent potential complications.
Risks and Potential Complications
Endovenous laser ablation is safe and effective when performed by experienced vascular surgeons, but like all procedures, it carries some risks. Possible complications include:
- Bruising, swelling, or bleeding around the treated vein
- Temporary pain or skin redness
- Nerve damage or irritation to the saphenous nerve (rare)
- Skin burns or inflammation of the vein wall
- Formation of small blood clots or, in rare cases, a pulmonary embolus
- Changes in skin color near the skin’s surface
At Nelson Vein Treatment Center, we take every precaution to minimize risks and ensure fewer complications with each procedure.
Preparing for the Procedure
Before the procedure, your doctor will:
- Review your medical history and any medications (especially blood thinners).
- Use duplex ultrasound to map the veins and plan treatment.
- Provide instructions about fasting, medications, and activity levels.
- Ask you to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.
You may receive a mild sedative to help you relax, along with local anesthesia at the insertion site.
Ready to find relief from painful varicose veins? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Nelson and discover your best treatment options now.
What Happens During Endovenous Laser Ablation
Before the Procedure
- You’ll change into a gown and lie comfortably on the procedure table.
- Your leg will be cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia.
- Using ultrasound imaging, the doctor will mark the vein to be treated.
During the Procedure
- A small incision is made in the leg, usually below the knee or near the ankle.
- A flexible tube (catheter) is carefully inserted into the vein.
- A laser tip is advanced into the vein, and controlled laser heat collapses the vein wall.
- The treated leg is bandaged. Stitches are not usually needed.
This entire procedure is typically performed in less than an hour and causes minimal disruption to the surrounding tissues.
After the Procedure
- You’ll walk immediately after treatment to promote circulation.
- Most patients resume normal activities within one week with shorter recovery compared to traditional vein stripping or varicose vein surgery.
Recovery and At-Home Care
Recovery after endovenous ablation is generally quick and comfortable. Patients often experience minimal scarring and rapid relief from symptoms. Aftercare includes:
- Wearing prescription compression stockings for several days to weeks
- Using an ice pack to reduce swelling and inflammation
- Walking daily (10–20 minutes, 2–3 times a day) to improve circulation
- Avoiding strenuous exercise, hot baths, or prolonged standing for 1–2 weeks
- Elevating the treated leg when resting
Mild bruising or swelling is normal and should improve within two weeks.
Next Steps and Follow-Up
Your doctor may schedule a follow-up ultrasound to confirm that the treated vein has closed. If needed, additional treatments such as sclerotherapy or microphlebectomy may be recommended for smaller residual veins near the skin’s surface.
Call your provider immediately if you experience:
- Severe pain, bleeding, or inflammation that worsens
- Signs of infection at the incision site
- Sudden swelling, chest pain, or trouble breathing (possible blood clots)
Why Choose Nelson Vein Treatment Center?
At Nelson Vein Treatment Center, we believe “No one can take better care of you than we can.” Dr. Dvora Nelson, a board-certified surgeon specializing in endovenous laser ablation and other vein treatments, takes time to explain your diagnosis and involve your family in every step of the treatment process. Our advanced, minimally invasive procedures are performed in a comfortable outpatient setting with an emphasis on safety, education, and patient empowerment.
Ready to find relief from painful varicose veins? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Nelson and discover your best treatment options now.
Schedule Your Consultation
To request an Endovenous Laser Ablation consultation, fill out the form below or call us at 440-617-6061.