Is Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins Worth It? Find Out!

 Varicose veins are swollen, twisted, long, knotted, branched veins that often develop right below the skin surface, traversing from the feet to the groin. They usually appear in the legs and cause discomfort like pain, swelling, muscle cramping, or just being aesthetically displeasing, depending on the varicose veins' stages. For many people, varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic issue and can hamper their daily activities, comfort, and health.

In the past days there were many available methods to treat varicose veins. The latest, modern, efficient, and most popular of these methods is the laser treatment for varicose veins. But, is the laser treatment worth it? Let us look briefly at what laser treatment for varicose veins is, all about the procedure, what to expect, and whether it can be a good or bad option for you. If you're considering treatment, it's essential to consult the best doctor for varicose veins to ensure safe and effective results.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Before getting into laser treatment for varicose veins, let's understand what the real problem is, how it happens.  When valves inside the veins stop functioning properly, varicose veins develop. The valves shall help blood to flow in one direction towards the heart; however, on failure of the valve's function, blood moves in both directions, pools in the veins, producing discomfort, and the veins get swollen and twisted.

Some of the symptoms include:

  • Heaviness or aching in the legs
  • Swelling in the lower legs
  • Itching or burning sensation
  • Nocturnal cramps
  • Discoloration of skin
  • Prominent, large veins on legs

Some people stay with their varicose veins with no serious concerns. Some others find it painful and restrictive.

How Does Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins Work?

This modern minimally invasive endovenous procedure to treat varicose veins is also considered Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)/endovenous laser ablation. The laser is a line of light that closes off the problem vein.

The working procedure is:

  1. A doctor inserts a thin fiber into a varicosed vein through a thin needle.
  2. The fiber emits laser energy, heating the interior of the vein.
  3. That heat makes the vein collapse and seal shut.
  4. Since then, the vein is gradually absorbed into the body, and the blood is naturally rerouted to healthier veins.

The whole procedure takes from 30 minutes to an hour, and you head home the same day.

Advantages of Using the Laser

Laser treatment has taken off for many good reasons:

1. Minimally Invasive

In contrast to original vein surgeries (called vein stripping), laser treatment does not require big incisions. A small needle is used, thus less pain and faster healing.

2. Recovery Is Fast

Most resumes are normal work on the following day. You might be told to avoid heavy lifting and prolonged periods of standing, but you'll be active soon.

3. Very Effective Results

With an efficiency of over 90%, most veins treated by the laser will close successfully. That means your symptoms could disappear and your legs could look and feel better.

4. Lesser Scarring

No surgical procedure means almost no scarring; at most, just a puncture mark, which heals within no time.

5. Lesser Pain Post-Treatment

Due to its lesser invasiveness, it yields much less pain after treatment than traditional surgery. Some have reported it to be merely slight discomfort.


Common Negative Effects Expenditures

As with any type of treatment, laser therapy does have some side effects, which include: 

  • Bruising or swelling around the treated area
  • Mild burning or a tingling sensation
  • Discomfort
  • Blood clots
  • Skin discoloration
  • Infections

Severe side effects are rare; however, these laser side effects are often mild and resolve within days to weeks.

Is It Covered by Insurance?

Approximately 50% of all varicose vein cases tend to be treated with some form of insurance policy. Most of these policies—Medicare included—attached to patients in need of relief from aches, pains, and extreme discomfort caused by varicose veins will, in fact, fund assisted laser treatment.

On the flip side, such payments are not made without reason. Standalone aesthetic change-seeking patients will be denied treatment funding, leading to out-of-pocket payments due to a lack of medical necessity. Make sure to speak to your doctor first and center your claim strategy around their word.

Is Laser Treatment Right for You?

Severe cases of varicose veins do fit the criteria for laser therapy, such as larger and more prominent veins. Those without massive protrusions may look to alternative forms of treatment, as this won't be suitable for you. Mostly, if you're: 

  • Experiencing pain or skin inflammation due to varicose veins. 
  • Genuinely not facing any health issues.
  • Seeking a speedy recovery with shortened out-of-pocket downtime.
Commence assessment for arranged laser vein removal therapy.

Nonetheless, it doesn’t suit everyone. Individuals with specific medical issues or those with very tiny surface veins may require different forms of intervention. 

Possible other options your physician might recommend include:

  • Sclerotherapy means injecting a chemical into a few smaller veins to close them off
  • Radiofrequency Ablation - like laser procedures, but radio waves are used
  • Surgical Ligation and Stripping - is a surgery where the vein is removed (and this is done less often nowadays)

How Much is it?

The cost of laser treatment depends on the clinic, location, varicose veins' stages, and how many veins are treated. The average cost of treating a leg in India is anywhere from Rs 60,000 to Rs 1,50,00,0, depending upon the varicose veins stages. If covered by your insurance, you typically will not pay as much out of pocket. 

What do Patients have to say?

In general, people who have had laser treatment seem very satisfied with their procedure. Many have indicated that their legs feel lighter, there is no pain, and they have more confidence in their appearance. Recovery is quick, and many patients are back to work the next day. 

Some patients may require follow-up treatments for new varicose veins that arise at a later date, especially if they have a history of vein issues. 

Final Thoughts: Is it worth it?

If your varicose veins are causing you discomfort, affecting your activities of daily living, or exacerbating your self-image issues, laser treatment is usually worth it. It is generally safe, quick, and effective for most. In all, treating with laser treatment has little downtime, is minimally invasive, and is preferable to prior surgical approaches.

 

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