Will laser light therapy take care of varicose veins? If not, what will?

Will laser light therapy take care of any varicose veins? If not, what is the best treatment for varicose veins?

Answers from doctors (7)


More About Doctor David Green, MD

Published on Jul 23, 2021

Veins that are easily palpated or visible within the skin are almost always removed by Sclerotherapy. These veins connect to larger veins (the Great Saphenous Vein and the Small Saphenous Vein) that are usually not visible or palpable but are evaluated through duplex ultrasound scanning. If the Great Saphenous Vein or the Small Saphenous Vein is insufficient, i.e., not able to function properly, the treatment is Endovenous ablation that uses radiofrequency or laser. Endovenous ablation has all but replaced Vein Stripping to remove these veins.

Answered by David Green, MD (View Profile)

Veins that are easily palpated or visible within the skin are almost always removed by Sclerotherapy. These veins connect to larger veins (the Great Saphenous Vein and the Small Saphenous Vein) that are usually not visible or palpable but are evaluated through duplex ultrasound scanning. If the Great Saphenous Vein or the Small Saphenous Vein is insufficient, i.e., not able to function properly, the treatment is Endovenous ablation that uses radiofrequency or laser. Endovenous ablation has all but replaced Vein Stripping to remove these veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI , RPhS

Published on Jul 22, 2017

There are several options and depending on the size of the varicose veins. Sclerotherapy or microphlebectomy or both combined in a single session. Giant varicose veins (> 1 cm) require microphlebectomy.

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Answered by Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI , RPhS

There are several options and depending on the size of the varicose veins. Sclerotherapy or microphlebectomy or both combined in a single session. Giant varicose veins (> 1 cm) require microphlebectomy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jul 21, 2017

A laser is a light and there are two kinds of lasers—topical and endovenous. Topical laser will not treat varicose veins. The gold standard for varicose vein treatment is to close the malfunctioning valves with either laser, radio frequency, mechanical or chemical ablation and then to treat the varicose veins with either microphlebectomies or sclerotherapy.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

A laser is a light and there are two kinds of lasers—topical and endovenous. Topical laser will not treat varicose veins. The gold standard for varicose vein treatment is to close the malfunctioning valves with either laser, radio frequency, mechanical or chemical ablation and then to treat the varicose veins with either microphlebectomies or sclerotherapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Nu Vela Vein Center

Published on Jan 10, 2012

Depending on the nature of the veins, the best treatment for these veins
could include
- An endovenous catheter and heat based treatment (VNUS or EVLT)
- Sclerotherapy
- Foam sclerotherapy
- Microphlebectomy (small scar vein stripping)

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Answered by Nu Vela Vein Center

Depending on the nature of the veins, the best treatment for these veins
could include
- An endovenous catheter and heat based treatment (VNUS or EVLT)
- Sclerotherapy
- Foam sclerotherapy
- Microphlebectomy (small scar vein stripping)

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Jan 10, 2012

Depends on size and source.
David A. Engleman M.D.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Depends on size and source.
David A. Engleman M.D.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Jan 10, 2012

Laser is one of the "tools" we use to treat abnormal veins. However without knowing what is your vein problem it is difficult to say if this is the right "tool" to use to fix your veins.
You need an evaluation by a vein expert who can tailor the best treatement for your problem.
Dr Farhy

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Laser is one of the "tools" we use to treat abnormal veins. However without knowing what is your vein problem it is difficult to say if this is the right "tool" to use to fix your veins.
You need an evaluation by a vein expert who can tailor the best treatement for your problem.
Dr Farhy

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jan 10, 2012

Laser light therapy will not treat varicose or spider vein. Varicose veins are a sign of deeper vein reflux, usually saphenous. The deeper reflux is treated by inserting a laser fiber into the vein and sealing it from the inside using heat. The varicose vein can then be removed by your surgeon at the same time using microphlebectomy (tiny punctures through which sections of vein are removed). This is all done in the office under local anesthetic—walk in and walk out in about 1 hour total with minimal downtime of a day or so.
An evaluation by a board certified vascular trained surgeon and ultrasound examination will tell you what is the appropriate treatment for you. If you have symptoms (pain aching heaviness etc) you may be eligible for insurance coverage.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Laser light therapy will not treat varicose or spider vein. Varicose veins are a sign of deeper vein reflux, usually saphenous. The deeper reflux is treated by inserting a laser fiber into the vein and sealing it from the inside using heat. The varicose vein can then be removed by your surgeon at the same time using microphlebectomy (tiny punctures through which sections of vein are removed). This is all done in the office under local anesthetic—walk in and walk out in about 1 hour total with minimal downtime of a day or so.
An evaluation by a board certified vascular trained surgeon and ultrasound examination will tell you what is the appropriate treatment for you. If you have symptoms (pain aching heaviness etc) you may be eligible for insurance coverage.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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