Varicose veins can be damaging to your quality of life. In addition to affecting your physical appearance, they can lead to symptoms that range from mildly uncomfortable to damaging to your health.
If you are struggling with unsightly or uncomfortable varicose veins, visit our experts at Beach Cities Vein and Laser Center. Our varicose veins laser treatments can help you get the results you need to feel healthy and confident in your skin.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins appear when your veins become enlarged. Although they can occur anywhere on the body, they are most commonly found on the legs. These types of veins can be bluish-purple in color and are raised and lumpy. On the surface, they may appear to be rope-like, similar to a cluster of grapes.
Unlike spider veins, which are milder and often only cosmetic, varicose veins can cause pain and discomfort or even lead to more serious health problems. Symptoms of more severe varicose veins can include:
- Burning
- Throbbing
- Aching
- Cramping
- Itching
- Tenderness
If gone untreated, varicose veins might lead to blood clots, bleeding, and damage to the surrounding skin. Varicose veins do not heal on their own, so it is important to explore your treatment options, particularly if you begin to feel pain after sitting or standing for long periods of time.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Most varicose veins are caused by some kind of blockage or leakage as a result of your blood valves malfunctioning. When your blood valves aren’t working properly, your blood isn’t able to smoothly flow through your veins. This can lead to your blood moving in the wrong direction and pooling.
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing varicose veins. Like many other conditions, genetics plays a large role in determining the likelihood of developing them at some point in your life. Women, more so than men, are likely to develop varicose veins.
Other potential factors that may increase your risk of varicose veins include:
- Pregnancy
- Being older
- Being overweight
- Changes in hormones
- History of blood clots or vein damage
- Excess pressure
- Sun damage
No matter the cause, there are many different treatment options available to help you get rid of varicose veins.
How Are Varicose Veins Treated?
At Beach Cities Vein and Laser Center, we provide a variety of varicose veins treatment options. Depending on the spread and severity of your varicose veins, you may be more suited to a certain treatment type.
Our varicose veins treatment options include the following:
- Compression stockings
- Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy
- Microphlebectomies
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Mechanochemical ablation
- Endovenous laser treatment
Many of the treatment options we provide can be safely performed in conjunction with one another to eliminate your varicose veins. For patients interested in our varicose veins laser treatment, we often recommend completing your treatment plan with a microphlebectomy or our ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy.
During your consultation, we will evaluate your varicose veins, any related symptoms, your medical history, and your desired results so we can recommend the varicose veins treatment option that will best work for you.
Endovenous Laser Treatment
Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is a minimally invasive varicose veins treatment. This FDA-approved treatment can offer life-changing relief for patients struggling with painful and uncomfortable symptoms, including swelling, itching, cramping, and discoloration.
In addition to providing relief, EVLT can also reduce the risk of more serious health complications, like deep vein thrombosis and venous ulcers.
This procedure can comfortably be performed right here in our office! For patients looking for an effective varicose veins treatment that won’t disrupt their day-to-day life, EVLT offers a safe, non-surgical option to provide substantial relief from painful symptoms and a reduction in visible varicose veins.
How Does It Work?
Our endovenous laser treatment works by redirecting blood flow from damaged varicose veins to healthy veins. EVLT uses targeted laser energy to close and shrink your veins, effectively sealing them off. Your body responds by redirecting blood flow to the surrounding veins.
Because EVLT is minimally invasive, you can avoid scarring, stitches, and a lengthy recovery period. After EVLT, many of our patients report an improvement in their quality of life and their ability to comfortably sit and stand for extended periods of time.
What Can I Expect from Endovenous Laser Treatment?
An endovenous laser treatment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, so you can expect to be in and out of our offices in about an hour. To prepare for your treatment, we recommend you avoid shaving or applying moisturizer and wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Before we begin the procedure, we will apply a topical anesthetic to numb the treatment area and keep you comfortable throughout your visit. Then we will use ultrasound guidance to insert a tiny fiber into your varicose vein.
The fiber is then activated using laser energy, which causes the vein to collapse. After the vein has closed, we will remove the fiber and apply a dressing.
There is no downtime associated with EVLT, so you can immediately return to your daily activities following your treatment. The results are immediate, with many patients experiencing relief from their symptoms in a matter of days. After your procedure, we will outline specific post-treatment instructions to ensure a quick and smooth recovery.
See the Difference Our Varicose Veins Laser Treatment Can Make Today
If you’re ready to say goodbye to your varicose veins, come visit us at Beach Cities Vein and Laser Center in El Segundo, CA. Our experts will help you find the best treatment option to safely and effectively target your varicose veins so you can look and feel your best. Call today to schedule your consultation.