Laser (EvLT) Vein Treatments FAQ
Will all my veins be gone?
Most moderate to severe varicose veins and spider veins are usually caused by venous reflux of the saphenous veins. You have 2 Saphenous veins in each leg: a large one and a smaller one. Venous reflux is when blood flows backwards towards your feet instead of towards your heart where it is supposed to flow. The result is blood pooling in your lower extremities, raising the pressure and making the vein bulge out and distend. Venous reflux is a medical condition that can result in pain, swelling and open ulcers in the legs as well as tired and “heavy” feeling legs. Smaller varicose veins can be corrected with Sclerotherapy for cosmetic enhancement purposes.
Who is a candidate for Laser Vein Treatments?
Call our office today to schedule a complimentary Silk Touch EvLT Screening with our Patient Care Coordinator. Your medical history will be reviewed and you condition will be evaluated and we will discuss our EvLT treatment to help determine if treatment is right for you. Providing you are a candidate for treatment, the medical technician will arrange for a completely noninvasive mapping ultrasound which will be performed in our office on a different day. The ultrasound will show the effected saphenous veins and provide a ”map’ for the physician on the day of treatment.
What is the treatment like?
On the day of your laser vein treatment, a local anesthetic will be applied to the length of the vein to make the treatment virtually painless. With the assistance of ultrasound technology, a thin laser fiber will be threaded through a very small entry point, usually near the knee. Once inserted, targeted laser energy will be delivered inside the saphenous vein wall, closing the vein so that blood can be re-routed. The treatment takes about 1-3 hours and normal daily activities can be resumed immediately following the treatment with little to no discomfort.
Depending on the severity of the varicose vein or spider vein problems, and if both legs require treatment, multiple appointments will be scheduled. Sclerotherapy Vein Treatment may be added to the treatment protocol for smaller varicose veins or spider veins.
Does Insurance cover EvLT?
Most health insurance plans cover the cost of the ultrasound mapping appointment and a large percentage of the cost of the endovenous laser treatments needed. The amount of coverage depends on your health care policy. However, insurance will not cover any fees associated with sclerotherapy for cosmetic refinement. We do not bill insurance, so you will need to speak with your insurance company to make sure you are pre-approved .
What happens after treatment?
You will be able to return to your normal routine. We want you to walk as much as possible following the treatment and at least 20 minutes three times a day for the next 3 – 4 days. The treated leg may feel slightly tender and you may experience some bruising and a feeling of tightness. Any discomfort should lessen in just a few days. treatment. Treatment time can be under 1 hour, performed in an outpatient setting. Daytime compression hose are recommended for two weeks. With no large scars there is minimal to no down time.
After treatment, blood no longer flows through the enlarged veins and the pooling of venous blood no longer occurs. The treated leg appears smooth and glowing again. Ready to be shown!
