The Procedure | The Benefits | After The Procedure | FAQs | Before And After Photos

Endovenous laser therapy is a quick, minimally invasive alternative to traditional vein stripping. It leaves no scarring and is performed under local anesthesia in a doctor's office. It also features a short, relatively pain-free recovery time. Prior to treatment, a physical examination using an ultrasound machine is completed to map out the vein to be treated.

The treatment itself takes less than an hour. First, the area to be treated is numbed with a local anesthetic. Then, a thin laser fiber is inserted into the vein using a special tube called a sheath. Once the fiber is positioned properly, laser energy is applied as the physician slowly pulls the fiber through the length of the vein. Delivered in short pulses, the laser energy heats the vein from within, causing it to shrink, collapse and seal shut. Once it’s sealed, healthy veins take over and redirect bloodflow back toward the heart.

Walking immediately after the procedure is encouraged, and you can return to normal daily activity right away. However, strenuous physical activity should be avoided for 3 to 4 weeks. You may experience some bruising or soreness for 3 to 5 days. Walking or taking over-the-counter pain relievers helps relieve any remaining discomfort.