Do you want to say goodbye to those painful varicose veins? Say hello to the latest procedures like endovenous laser ablation and sclerotherapy. Painless and minimally invasive varicose vein treatment is no longer a far-fetched dream.
AKJ Skin & Laser Centre in Tirunelveli offers some of the latest procedures to treat varicose veins. Fortunately, the latest procedures are minimally invasive, safe, effective, and almost pain-free. Once the treatment is done, you can return home and resume your routine life. However, the success of the treatment depends largely on how you follow your doctor’s post-treatment instructions.
How Do You Identify Varicose Veins?
Also known as varicoses or varicosities, varicose veins occur when the veins in your body dilate abnormally in size and are over-filled with blood. They appear distinctly bulged and are bluish in colour.
Varicose veins are commonly found in both arms, legs, ankles and heels. However, most people have varicose veins in the legs. Although they are not common in children, this condition affects almost one-third of adults.
As the condition progresses, varicose veins can become painful, causing discomfort and itching. They can bulge prominently, cause itching, and look displeasing on the affected limb. Varicose veins can be effectively treated with several treatments, but laser treatment is proven to be the most successful.
How Does Laser Treatment Work For Varicose Veins?
Laser treatment is slowly gaining popularity as the safest, non-invasive, cost-effective and precise way to treat varicose veins. The laser treatment uses focused light beams that emit heat to close abnormal veins and redirect blood to healthier veins. Once the abnormal vein is blocked, it stops transporting blood, shrinks, and eventually gets absorbed into the body tissues.
Laser treatment offers several benefits that other forms of treatment don’t. It is:
- An outpatient procedure and requires no overnight stay at the hospital.
- Minimally invasive and does not involve large, painful incisions on the body.
- Easy to recover from and has almost nil downtime.
What to Expect After During & After Varicose Vein Treatment?
Generally, a laser treatment session for varicose veins lasts an hour, depending on the skin area being treated. Also, your doctor will administer a local anaesthetic to numb any pain or discomfort you may experience during the procedure.
One of the best aspects of an endovenous laser varicose vein treatment is that you will be encouraged to walk right after the session. By walking, you promote proper blood circulation, which prevents blood clots.
However, that does not mean you can go for a sprint or marathon run right away! You must avoid exerting yourself with strenuous activities. Once your session is over, you are free to head home and rest for at least a day before resuming your work commitments.
The treated area will require six to eight weeks to heal completely. However, it will not impede your resuming normal routine activities. After the 6-8 week period, you may have to consult your doctor (usually a vascular specialist), who will assess your recovery and plan the next course of treatment.
What you ought to keep in mind, however, is that all laser treatments for varicose veins are medical procedures involving risks such as:
- Swelling and bruising on the treated area
- Damage to the adjacent skin
- Numbness or infection
- Blood clots or bleeding
If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you must consult with your doctor immediately. You should also bear in mind that all varicose vein treatments can treat only the existing vascular veins. Therefore, you must take all precautionary measures to prevent recurring vascular conditions that may damage healthy veins. All vascular surgeons recommend the following precautionary measures to prevent varicosities:
- Eat healthy and stay fit to avoid weight gain
- Exercise regularly and avoid being sedentary
- Keep your feet on a stool if you have to sit for an extended period
- Avoid wearing tight jeans, leggings and other bottom wear
- Avoid crossing or twisting your legs when sitting
Above all, if you have undergone varicose vein laser treatments, following your doctor’s post-treatment advice is imperative to minimise risks and maximise recovery time. Here’s a list of things you should follow after your laser treatment session.
Varicose Vein Treatment: Effective Tips For Optimal Recovery
- Bring a friend or relative to take you home after the procedure. Please do not attempt to drive yourself home.
- Follow your doctor’s prescription to prevent any chances of infection, discomfort, and restlessness.
- Apply ice for 15-20 minutes every hour post-treatment to control the swelling or redness.
- Wear compression socks or bandages for the time period recommended by your doctor.
- Continue wearing compression stockings for a couple of weeks post-treatment to improve blood circulation in your veins.
- Keep moving. Exercise or walk for a few minutes twice or thrice daily to promote circulation and prevent blood clots.
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods. Take a short walk or stretch your limbs every now and then.
- Keep your legs raised above your heart level to reduce pressure on the veins, promote proper blood circulation to your heart, and induce quicker healing.
- Avoid swimming, soaking in a tub, or taking a hot shower for at least one week post-treatment.
- Stay away from the sun or use a good sunscreen on the treated areas if you have to go out.
- Postpone any trips that require you to sit for long periods. If the trip is unavoidable, ensure you walk around for 10-15 minutes every hour.
- Keep a sharp eye out for blood clots, unusual sense of warmth, pain, or swelling in your legs. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must inform your doctor without a moment’s delay. Although blood clots are rare after treatment, they can be life-threatening if they occur.
The laser treatment is safe and painless, but following these tips and adhering to your doctor's instructions will ensure faster healing and fewer complications.
Laser Therapy For Varicose Veins: The Way to Go!
If left untreated, varicose veins may result in chronic swelling, ulcer formation, pain, itchiness, and discomfort. Generally, doctors recommend compression stockings as the first option of treatment. However, the severity of the issue may call for advanced procedures like:
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Endovenous laser therapy
- Sclerotherapy
- Surgery
Laser treatment is the most preferred option for its high efficacy, minimal complications, and almost nil downtime. If you want the best results, opt for a modern medical facility like AKJ Skin & Laser Centre, Tirunelveli. We are equipped with state-of-the-art laser equipment and a team of experts well-versed in this treatment modality. Book an appointment today!
