Endovenous laser ablation is an effective treatment that's helped patients in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and around the country find relief from varicose veins. These veins often appear bluish or purplish in color, and bulge from the skin; the bulging is actually due to inefficiencies in the valves in those veins which allows blood to flow backwards and pool. Endovenous laser ablation works to destroy problem veins and relieve the symptoms of the condition such as pain and heaviness in the legs. The treatment is minimally-invasive and has helped patients around the country overcome this condition.
Endovenous laser ablation comes with several benefits and advantages. It provides a reduced chance of developing stasis ulcers, improves blood circulation, and even helps relieve the aches, heaviness, and pain associated with the condition. What's more, patients who find relief from varicose veins and their unsightly appearance often feel an improved self-confidence with the veins gone. It is a quick procedure that is performed in a doctor's office with minimal recovery time afterwards.
The patient will wear protective eye goggles throughout treatment to guard from unintended exposure to the laser light. The skin will be anesthetized using a topical anesthetic, and a laser fiber is inserted into the problem vein by the Pittsburgh vein specialist. The laser is slowly heated using low energy to damage the vessel lining, causing the vein to shrink and close. With the vein unable to carry blood, other veins in the area help with blood flow.
Most procedures take anywhere from half an hour to an hour, and a compression bandage is applied once the treatment is complete. It should be worn for a week to aid in the healing process. Most patients are allowed to leave the office and return home after about an hour. There may be some minor soreness in the treatment area, but this is treated using over-the-counter medication; patients should check with their doctor before taking any medicine, though. About a week after treatment, a follow up appointment is made to check the progress of the treatment.
Some patients may feel mild numbness in the thigh area, a pulling sensation, phlebitis, deep venous thrombosis, or infection at the incision site after treatment. Other complications that are associated with incorrect application of the procedure are possible, which is why it's important to seek treatment from a well-trained, skilled Pittsburgh vein specialist.
Learn more about endovenous laser ablation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
