What are the pros and cons of having EVLA now versus later?

An ultrasound shows I have 5mm-7mm varicosities in my calf w/ reflux. I am mildly symptomatic (heavy, achy). Do I have endovenous laser ablation now, or wait until it gets worse? I would like to hear pros and cons of doing it now vs. waiting. Thanks.

Answers from doctors (11)


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Aug 12, 2013

This question can best be answered by the doctor who examined you.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/713_1408044075.jpg
Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

This question can best be answered by the doctor who examined you.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Aug 12, 2013

Pros
1) Relief of some pain/heaviness
2) Prevent damage to the deep system
3) Prevent more varicose veins forming from the increased pressure in those saphenous veins
4) Prevent skin deterioration and discoloration

Cons
1) Have to wear 30-40 mmHg compression stockings for a week after treatment.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1153_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Pros
1) Relief of some pain/heaviness
2) Prevent damage to the deep system
3) Prevent more varicose veins forming from the increased pressure in those saphenous veins
4) Prevent skin deterioration and discoloration

Cons
1) Have to wear 30-40 mmHg compression stockings for a week after treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Aug 06, 2013

Pro - it affects your quality of life and you want improved quality of life.

Con- it doesn't affect your quality of life and your insurance will not cover it.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1365_1408044094.jpg
Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Pro - it affects your quality of life and you want improved quality of life.

Con- it doesn't affect your quality of life and your insurance will not cover it.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Aug 06, 2013

Fixing it now will lessen the number of phlebectomies or sclerotherapy needed for the varices in the future. Also, you will enjoy the feeling of relief for years to come. You take a small risk (less than 1%) of blood clot with the procedure.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/922_1408044082.jpg
Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Fixing it now will lessen the number of phlebectomies or sclerotherapy needed for the varices in the future. Also, you will enjoy the feeling of relief for years to come. You take a small risk (less than 1%) of blood clot with the procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Aug 06, 2013

When discussing the pros and cons of any procedures, you need to sit down and consult with a professional. Answering these questions takes time and requires attention.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/772_1408044077.jpg
Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

When discussing the pros and cons of any procedures, you need to sit down and consult with a professional. Answering these questions takes time and requires attention.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Aug 06, 2013

Since I am not fully familiar with your case, I can only offer a general opinion. The EVLA (or EVLT) as it is known is a procedure in which a catheter is passed up the incompetent vessel (usually the greater saphenous vein or the lesser saphenous vein). By heating the vessel with laser energy, the vein is then sealed or ablated. The visible varicosities, however, are another issue entirely and must be dealt with entirely different. The best and most effective way we feel is by microstab phlebectomies.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/861_1409954875.jpg
Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

Since I am not fully familiar with your case, I can only offer a general opinion. The EVLA (or EVLT) as it is known is a procedure in which a catheter is passed up the incompetent vessel (usually the greater saphenous vein or the lesser saphenous vein). By heating the vessel with laser energy, the vein is then sealed or ablated. The visible varicosities, however, are another issue entirely and must be dealt with entirely different. The best and most effective way we feel is by microstab phlebectomies.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Aug 06, 2013

We usually recommend treating varicosities sooner rather than later, especially if reflux is present. If blood is not flowing normally, there is an increased risk of developing clot in the vein, skin changes and more/larger varicose veins. However, if you wish to wait, we recommend the following:

1) Getting measured and fitted for compression hose
2) Stay well hydrated
3) Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.

When your symptoms increase, it is time to treat the problem.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

We usually recommend treating varicosities sooner rather than later, especially if reflux is present. If blood is not flowing normally, there is an increased risk of developing clot in the vein, skin changes and more/larger varicose veins. However, if you wish to wait, we recommend the following:

1) Getting measured and fitted for compression hose
2) Stay well hydrated
3) Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.

When your symptoms increase, it is time to treat the problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Aug 06, 2013

It is best to treat your varicosities now before they get worse and you get permanent skin damage.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/554_1447800116.jpg
Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

It is best to treat your varicosities now before they get worse and you get permanent skin damage.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Aug 06, 2013

Thermal ablation eliminates the problem now and slows the progression of your condition, while alleviating any related symptoms and reducing the chances of blood clots. Postponing treatment allows the condition and symptoms to progress more rapidly, while exposing you to the increased risk of blood clots.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1015_1408044084.jpg
Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Thermal ablation eliminates the problem now and slows the progression of your condition, while alleviating any related symptoms and reducing the chances of blood clots. Postponing treatment allows the condition and symptoms to progress more rapidly, while exposing you to the increased risk of blood clots.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Aug 06, 2013

I feel that you should have the procedure sooner rather than later. Symptoms will only worsen with time. The procedure is extremely safe, done in the office under local anesthesia with excellent long term results. Waiting will only worsen the veins and make the procedure more involved.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

I feel that you should have the procedure sooner rather than later. Symptoms will only worsen with time. The procedure is extremely safe, done in the office under local anesthesia with excellent long term results. Waiting will only worsen the veins and make the procedure more involved.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Aug 06, 2013

Venous disease is a chronic condition that progresses. If you have mild symptoms now, you will have worse symptoms later. If you have medium sized veins now, you will have larger veins later. If you need one or two procedures now, you will need more procedures later. Oh... one more thing... if you have insurance coverage now under Obamacare, you might not have coverage later.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/923_1408044082.jpg
Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Venous disease is a chronic condition that progresses. If you have mild symptoms now, you will have worse symptoms later. If you have medium sized veins now, you will have larger veins later. If you need one or two procedures now, you will need more procedures later. Oh... one more thing... if you have insurance coverage now under Obamacare, you might not have coverage later.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Endovenous Laser Ablation

Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
I had EVLT about 10 days ago , now I have a big knot on my inner thigh and when I touch it, it still hurts , I had a lot of pain the day after the surgery and I couldn't bend my leg. Is this normal?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -8 answers
If I have had large vessels such as the saphenous closed, is there chance of circulatory problems later on?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -9 answers
Can you please detail some of the restrictions after EVLT?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
I am just over 2 weeks post EVLT and still have pain. As long as I take an anti-inflammatory the pain subsides. Visually the inner thigh looks good. How much longer will the pain last?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -8 answers
It has been a week since my EVLT procedure, and I am wondering if I should continue wearing the compression stocking?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -11 answers
I had swelling in my left foot and my doctor confirmed that the valves in two of my veins were not working properly. I had these veins closed with endovenous laser ablation, but four weeks later I still have swelling in my foot that doesn't go away. Is this normal?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
I have burning pain at my incision site 3 weeks after endovenous laser ablation. It isn't constant, just when it is touched or rubbed. Could this be nerve damage or a hair follicle that is irritated from the incision?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -6 answers
I had endovenous laser treatment and sclerotherapy performed on both the greater and lessor saphenous veins of my legs. It was done on the same day. After a couple of weeks I started feeling numbness and tingling in my legs, mostly below the knee and through my feet. Will the feelings ever go away?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Endovenous Laser Ablation -6 answers
Or does the treatment permanently remove them?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -5 answers
I had EVLT done about three months ago..right after the EVLT procedure i started feeling weird sensations in my ankle and now the pain seems to get worse every day? Could this pain be associated with the procedure?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -6 answers
I am about two months into treatment for chronic venous insufficiency? I have had laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy with very little results. Can anything be done to treat lipodermatosclerosis after the veins are treated. I wear compression hose.
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -13 answers
I had my GSV ablation done 13 days ago and still have intense pain in a segment on the inner thigh just above the knee. Is this level of pain normal and, if so, for how long? I have to take Advil for relief, but my stomach is sensitive to NSAIDS.
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -9 answers
I've heard that ELA can result in deep vein thrombosis. Is this true, and how common is this complication? Is there any way to prevent it?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -7 answers
EVLT 5 days ago GSV. No serious pain yet. Compression stocking to come off tomorrow, but bruising seems excessive with dark patches and tenderness to touch. I was told to use heating pad, and now I'm reading not to do that. What should I do?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -5 answers
What are the side effects of drinking alcohol after my evla?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -4 answers
I have sharp stabbing pains in my leg. It's very painful and the Motrin did not help. I was in tears! This went on for a couple of days. The pain is on my right leg and my left leg isn't painful at all. What could this be?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
It's been a year since my surgery and I still have bruising. Does that mean it's permanent?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -12 answers
Does this procedure hurt?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR