EVLT stands for endovenous laser treatment, which is a procedure that’s also known by the acronyms EVLT, EVLeS, and EVLA. This laser treatment is minimally invasive and one of the most promising treatment methods for varicose veins.
EVLT is powerfully effective because it doesn’t just treat the veins, it also gets to the root of what causes them. EVLT is performed right in our office and is safe, comfortable, fast, and easy. Many of our patients return to their normal daily routines after very little or no downtime.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are usually large, blue or dark purple, bulging, and swollen. They can be found anywhere on the body but most often make an appearance on the legs and feet, especially on the calves.
This is because of the extra pressure that standing and walking put on the legs, which can cause veins to swell and bulge. When this swelling happens, the veins stop working properly.
In veins that are healthy, blood flows smoothly to the heart. Within the veins of the body, there are minuscule valves that open and close to let blood through while preventing the blood from flowing backward.
However, if those valves in the veins are damaged or weak, the blood does flow backward and pools or collects in the veins. These collection areas are the swollen bulges that become visible and enlarged, or varicose.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
In addition to standing and walking, there are some other causes of varicose veins that result in weak valves and weak walls. Some other causes of varicose veins include:
- Being overweight
- Pregnancy
- Age
- Genetics
- Gender
- Occupation
Women are much more likely to be affected by this condition than men and are therefore more likely to seek varicose veins laser treatment. Some research suggests that the reason women are afflicted more often is because female hormones relax vein walls and make the valves more prone to leaking.
During pregnancy, blood volume in the body increases significantly, causing more strain on veins. As people age, the strength and elasticity of veins decrease, causing the condition.
There are rare instances in which varicose veins can be caused by other conditions, including abnormal blood vessels, a tumor or swelling in the pelvic area, or a previous blood clot.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins That EVLT Can Reduce
While varicose veins can be painless, there are some people who experience discomfort because of them, especially if they are large. In addition to the bulging purplish-blue appearance, some other symptoms that varicose veins can cause include:
- Itchy, dry skin that’s thin in the area of the affected vein
- A throbbing or burning sensation in the leg(s)
- Frequent muscle cramps in the leg(s), especially at night
- Chronically swollen ankles and feet
- Uncomfortable, heavy, achy leg(s)
A person can experience all of these symptoms, some of them, or none of them. They are usually worse after long periods of standing and in warmer weather. However, they won’t go away without varicose vein treatment like EVLT.
What Happens During an EVLT Procedure?
During this varicose veins laser treatment, heat is used to reduce or eliminate the appearance of the discolored bulges that are created by varicose veins.
Before the procedure begins, we administer local anesthesia to make sure the patient is comfortable. At the start of the procedure, a tiny fiber is inserted into the affected vein with the guidance of an ultrasound machine. This fiber has the task of delivering specialized energy to the vein. This energy causes it to close.
When a varicose vein is closed, it shrinks, causing scar tissue to form within it. The scar tissue seals off the vein and blood flow is re-routed through other nearby veins instead.
Finally, we remove the tiny fiber and apply a small, sterile dressing over the site. You will wear compression socks for several days after your varicose veins laser treatment to encourage proper healing.
EVLT Varicose Vein Treatment: Results
Patients are able to see the results of this varicose vein treatment immediately after the procedure is finished. Closure of the vein is confirmed using ultrasound, and any symptoms that had been plaguing the patient will improve.
EVLT has an initial success rate of 98-100% and a 95-98% success rate five years after treatment. While the specific varicose vein that prompted treatment will not “resurface” after successful treatment, other varicose veins could surface. They can also be treated with EVLT.
Are You a Candidate for EVLT Varicose Vein Treatment?
Many people who have varicose veins make great candidates for this procedure. Saphenous veins, which are deep, large veins in the leg, respond especially well to EVLT. Regardless of whether your veins are causing you discomfort or not, this treatment may be right for you.
Good candidates for laser varicose vein treatment are people who:
- Are not taking an anticoagulant (blood thinner)
- Do not have current illnesses/infections
- Suffer from restless leg syndrome
- Have ulcers that result from varicose veins
People who are in good overall health are usually good candidates for this treatment, which can help prevent potentially serious ailments like deep vein thrombosis.
Find out whether you’re a good candidate for this varicose vein treatment today by contacting Beach Cities Vein & Laser Center. We’re here to answer your questions, listen to your concerns, accurately diagnose your issues, and guide you through the process of choosing the best varicose veins treatment.
Reach out to us now and schedule your appointment for EVLT varicose veins treatment in Los Angeles, CA.