Treating Varicose Veins with Laser Therapy
Alternative methods
Laser therapy, like radiofrequency therapy, belongs to the endovenous thermal processes of varicose vein therapy. During this treatment, heat is used to seal the affected part of the vein, thereby disabling it. The atrophied vein remains in the body, however, and breaks down over time.
To carry out this minimally invasive treatment, a probe is first inserted into the vein via a small puncture while the patient is under local anaesthetic. As the treatment probe is retracted, thermal energy (heat) is released in a controlled manner. To do this, radiofrequency energy or laser light is used which applies strong heat to the venous wall to deliberately damage it. The damaging of the venous wall causes the veins to close themselves off so that the blood cannot flow back into the weakened vein anymore. The inoperative vein naturally breaks down over time and thus is eventually entirely removed from the body.
Risks and side effects
To ensure that the heat is used in exactly the right location, the insertion of the laser probe into the vein is controlled sonographically via ultrasound.
Nevertheless, as with every procedure, it still involves certain risks. As such, it is important to inform yourself thoroughly and seek professional advice about any risks, side effects and contraindications. As the appropriate procedure is individually selected based on individual cases, it is important to speak to your doctor about the different treatment options available. Additionally, treatment methods for varicose veins (med.: Varicosis) are constantly changing, making a discussion with a medical professional about available treatment methods even more beneficial.
Apart from the insertion into the vein, laser therapy is virtually painless. The duration of treatment and time off work that is required is often minimal. The patient can usually promptly pick up their regular duties again without further difficulty.
After the procedure, the area around the puncture often develops bruises but these tend to quickly disappear. Compression stockings can help to support the healing of the affected part of the vein and can reduce bruising. What’s more, regularly wearing compression stockings helps to keep veins healthy and supports venous blood circulation.
Laser Therapy as a cosmetic procedure
A different treatment to this is externally applied laser therapy for the removal of spider veins. With this method, laser light penetrates the upper skin layer and hits the small vessels to destroy them. This is a purely cosmetic procedure, however.
