Varicose and spider veins are damaged veins. We develop them when tiny, one-way valves inside the veins weaken. In healthy veins, these valves push blood in one direction----back to our heart. When these valves weaken, some blood flows backward and accumulates in the vein. Extra blood in the vein puts pressure on the walls of the vein. With continual pressure, the vein walls weaken and bulge. In time, we see a varicose or spider vein.
What is Endovenous laser treatment?
Endovenous laser treatment can treat larger varicose veins in the legs. A laser fiber is passed through a thin tube (catheter) into the vein. While doing this, the doctor watches the vein on a duplex ultrasound screen. Laser is less painful than vein ligation and stripping, and it has a shorter recovery time. Only local anesthesia or a light sedative is needed for laser treatment.
What happens after treatment?
Soon after your treatment you will be allowed home. It is advisable not to drive but to take public transport, walk or have a friend drive you. You will have to wear the stockings for up to two weeks and you will be given instructions about how to bathe. You should be able to go back to work straight away and get on with most normal activities.
You cannot swim or get your legs wet during the period in which you have been advised to wear the stockings. Most patients experience a tightening sensation along the length of the treated vein and some get pain in that area around 5 days later but this is usually mild. Normal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen are normally sufficient to relieve it.
Post time: Dec-06-2023