Varicose veins are common in which veins become enlarged, swollen, and twisted. They are usually visible on the skin’s surface, and while they are not always dangerous, they can be uncomfortable and affect your appearance.
Thankfully, a modern solution is safe, effective, and minimally invasive—varicose veins laser treatment.
If you’ve considered this option, here’s a step-by-step guide on how the treatment works.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Before the treatment begins, you’ll have a consultation with your doctor. The doctor will ask about your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle during this visit. This helps them better understand your condition and determine whether varicose veins laser treatment in Kolkata is your best option.
Your doctor will also perform a physical examination to assess the veins and may use an ultrasound to see how the blood is flowing through them. This is important because laser treatment is most effective when it targets veins with faulty valves, preventing proper blood flow.
Step 2: Preparing for the Procedure
Laser treatment for varicose veins is typically done in a daycare setting, so there’s no need for a hospital stay. On the day of the procedure, your doctor will ask you to wear comfortable clothing, and you may be instructed to avoid eating or drinking a few hours before the treatment.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. This means the area around the affected veins will be numbed, ensuring you won’t feel any pain during the treatment. You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort, but that will subside shortly.
Step 3: Insertion of the Laser Fiber
Once you’re comfortably settled, your doctor will insert a thin tube called a catheter into the vein that’s being treated. This is done through a small incision, usually no larger than a needle prick. The catheter contains a laser fiber, delivering laser energy directly to the vein.
Using an ultrasound to guide them, your doctor will carefully position the catheter to ensure the laser targets the correct area.
The laser energy heats up and seals the damaged vein, causing it to collapse. As the vein closes, the blood is rerouted to healthier veins, and over time, the treated vein is absorbed by the body.
Step 4: Laser Energy Activation
When the catheter is properly in place, the laser is activated. The energy from the laser is delivered to the vein in a controlled manner, causing the vein to shrink and seal shut. This is the core of varicose veins laser treatment. The laser energy “burns” the inside of the vein, causing it to close off.
Most patients report feeling only slight discomfort or a warm sensation during this step. The treatment usually lasts around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number and size of the veins being treated.
Step 5: Removal of the Catheter and Final Checks
After the laser energy has been applied, the catheter is gently removed. The doctor will check the treated area with an ultrasound to ensure the vein is properly closed. If necessary, additional veins may be treated using the same method. The doctor will then apply a compression bandage or stocking to the area to help reduce swelling and improve blood flow.
Step 6: Recovery and Aftercare
One of the main advantages of laser treatment for varicose veins is quick recovery time. Most people can return to their normal activities within a day or two. However, your doctor will advise you to avoid strenuous exercise for a short period and to wear compression stockings for a few weeks to support the healing process.
You might experience mild bruising, swelling, or tenderness around the treated area, but these symptoms usually disappear within a week. Follow-up visits with your doctor will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure everything is healing properly.
Step 7: Results and Long-Term Care
The results of the laser treatment for varicose veins are often visible within a few weeks. The treated veins will gradually fade, and the symptoms, such as pain and swelling, will significantly improve. The best part is that the results are long-lasting, and with proper care, varicose veins are less likely to return.
If you’ve been struggling with varicose veins and are looking for a minimally invasive solution, laser treatment might be the right choice for you. It’s effective, quick, and has a relatively low risk of complications. Speak to your doctor to determine if laser treatment for varicose veins is the right option. Don’t wait; book a consultation with our expert at Vitadell Healthcare today to learn more about varicose vein laser treatment in Kolkata.