Will laser light therapy take care of any varicose veins? If not, what is the best treatment for varicose veins?
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
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
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
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
Depends on size and source.
David A. Engleman M.D.
Published on Jul 11, 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
Published on Jul 11, 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.
Published on Jul 11, 2012