Is it true that there is little pain associated with the Endovenous Laser Ablation procedure?

It seems like the laser would hurt.

Answers from doctors (10)


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Oct 07, 2010

It is true. Endovenous ablation is done under local(tumescent) anesthesia. Some of us also use mild oral sedation. It has been my experience that most discomfort occurs about one week after the procedure when the tumescent wears off. Oral anti-inflammatory agents usually work well at this time.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

It is true. Endovenous ablation is done under local(tumescent) anesthesia. Some of us also use mild oral sedation. It has been my experience that most discomfort occurs about one week after the procedure when the tumescent wears off. Oral anti-inflammatory agents usually work well at this time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Feb 26, 2010

There is generally no pain associated with the laser once local anesthesia is administered. There is some discomfort at times with placement of the local anesthesia however.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

There is generally no pain associated with the laser once local anesthesia is administered. There is some discomfort at times with placement of the local anesthesia however.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Dec 09, 2009

Endovenous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation are relatively painless. While the vein is heated up, patients don't usually feel anything since the tissue around the vein is "numb."

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Answered by Miller Vein

Endovenous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation are relatively painless. While the vein is heated up, patients don't usually feel anything since the tissue around the vein is "numb."

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Dec 09, 2009

It is true that properly performed Endovenous Laser Ablation is associated with minimal discomfort. Patients typically require either no analgesic or an over the counter analgesic after the procedure.

As with many procedures, there is frequently a mild peak of discomfort at days 3 to5 days after the procedure, and is described as a "pulling" occasionally burning sensation.

The heat energy generated by the laser is not felt by the patient due to the type of local anesthesia used which surrounds the vein in a "halo" of fluid. This is one reason that the procedure is safer without heavy sedation or general anesthesia.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

It is true that properly performed Endovenous Laser Ablation is associated with minimal discomfort. Patients typically require either no analgesic or an over the counter analgesic after the procedure.

As with many procedures, there is frequently a mild peak of discomfort at days 3 to5 days after the procedure, and is described as a "pulling" occasionally burning sensation.

The heat energy generated by the laser is not felt by the patient due to the type of local anesthesia used which surrounds the vein in a "halo" of fluid. This is one reason that the procedure is safer without heavy sedation or general anesthesia.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lubbock Vein Specialists

Published on Dec 08, 2009

After Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), there is very little pain.? Most patients only take aspirin or Motrin for their discomfort.? Some need something a little stronger, but only for the first one or two days.

During EVLA, the laser generates a lot of heat and if the vein wasn't?anesthetized it would be quite painful!? So a dilute solution of an anesthetic is injected around the vein before the laser is used to close the vein.]

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Answered by Lubbock Vein Specialists

After Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), there is very little pain.? Most patients only take aspirin or Motrin for their discomfort.? Some need something a little stronger, but only for the first one or two days.

During EVLA, the laser generates a lot of heat and if the vein wasn't?anesthetized it would be quite painful!? So a dilute solution of an anesthetic is injected around the vein before the laser is used to close the vein.]

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Dec 08, 2009

If performed properly with adequate tumescent infiltration (fluid around the vein with laser inside of it), the patient should feel nothing more than some aching, but no burning and should be able to return to normal ambulation at the completion of the procedure and work within 1-2 days in most cases. Most of the perceived pain is related to anxiety.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

If performed properly with adequate tumescent infiltration (fluid around the vein with laser inside of it), the patient should feel nothing more than some aching, but no burning and should be able to return to normal ambulation at the completion of the procedure and work within 1-2 days in most cases. Most of the perceived pain is related to anxiety.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Dec 08, 2009

Pain after Endovenous Laser Ablation is managed with Motrin and most patients do not require stronger pain medication. However, Radiofrequency (RF) Closurefast Ablation has been proven to have less post procedure pain and bruising compared to Laser Ablation.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

Pain after Endovenous Laser Ablation is managed with Motrin and most patients do not require stronger pain medication. However, Radiofrequency (RF) Closurefast Ablation has been proven to have less post procedure pain and bruising compared to Laser Ablation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Innovative Vein

Published on Dec 08, 2009

Very little pain other than a few needle pokes. The vein that is treated is anesthetized prior to completing the laser procedure, therefore no pain is felt during the actual laser. There is often some mild aching for a few days but this is very manageable.

Answered by Innovative Vein (View Profile)

Very little pain other than a few needle pokes. The vein that is treated is anesthetized prior to completing the laser procedure, therefore no pain is felt during the actual laser. There is often some mild aching for a few days but this is very manageable.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


We find very little pain to no pain post op when using the newer wavelengths such as the 1470 by Biolitec and the newer clousure fast by vnus clousure. The older wave lengths such as the angiodynamics 810 and the 940 can occasionally be uncomfortable post op for up to about two weeks. This discomfort is best relieved by anti- inflammatory meds like Advil. None of the procedures should be painful during the procedure if proper
technique is used.

Answered by California Vein Specialists (View Profile)

We find very little pain to no pain post op when using the newer wavelengths such as the 1470 by Biolitec and the newer clousure fast by vnus clousure. The older wave lengths such as the angiodynamics 810 and the 940 can occasionally be uncomfortable post op for up to about two weeks. This discomfort is best relieved by anti- inflammatory meds like Advil. None of the procedures should be painful during the procedure if proper
technique is used.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center Houston

Published on Dec 08, 2009

It depends on several factors: Type of laser (810-940-1320-1470), size of the vein, length of the vein, and degree of pain tolerance. Some patients are ready to work on the same day while others do not.

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Answered by Vein Center Houston

It depends on several factors: Type of laser (810-940-1320-1470), size of the vein, length of the vein, and degree of pain tolerance. Some patients are ready to work on the same day while others do not.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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