Living with varicose veins is not just an external appearance of blue or purple bulges. It involves constant nagging pain in the legs, a feeling of heaviness and the fear of what is to come. Interestingly, varicose veins have old remedies that can be traced back to 1550 B.C. At the time Egyptians used herbal cures and the Greeks were innovating with compression wraps.
Slowly over the centuries, evolution in treatments happened from hours-long painful surgeries (without anaesthesia) to modern, minimally invasive techniques that can be done in a doctor’s office. Today, laser technology has been a revolutionary and popular step in this, especially because of its minimal discomfort.
Let us cover everything about laser treatment for varicose veins and their pain levels.
Varicose Veins – Symptoms
Let’s start by understanding varicose veins and their symptoms first.
Varicose veins usually develop when the valves in your veins malfunction or become weak and blood gets pooled instead of flowing to the heart well. Due to this, the veins enlarge and swell and become visible under the skin.
The symptoms include
- Pain or discomfort especially after standing or sitting for longer periods.
- Ankle or lower leg swelling
- Skin changes like inflammation or discolouration, at its worst even ulcers.
- Cosmetic concerns because of twisted and protruding veins
How Does Laser Treatment Work?
Laser treatment or Endovenous Laser Ablation / Endovenous Laser Treatment is an extremely effective method in treating varicose veins and by far the minimally invasive one. Laser energy is passed through the skin into the problematic vein, causing it to seal, and collapse and allowing blood to redirect to other veins.
The Detailed Procedure
- Consultation and Preparation: Before the varicose vein laser treatment, the doctor evaluates your veins using ultrasound imaging to pinpoint the affected areas.
- Local Anesthesia: The treatment area is made numb with a local anaesthetic so that no general anaesthesia is needed as in surgery. Patients thus remain comfortable while being awake.
- Laser Fiber Insertion: A thin laser fibre is inserted carefully into the vein through a small incision. With the guidance of ultrasounds, laser energy is applied to heal and seal the vein.
- Sealing the Vein: By generating heat, the laser causes the walls of veins to collapse and seal. Over time, the body will absorb the treated vein and blood flow will naturally shift to the healthier veins.
- Post-Treatment Care: Patients are often advised to use compression stockings to assist in healing and decrease swelling, post-treatment.
Is Laser Treatment Painful?
Before answering the question, we need to understand that this is not a one-size-fits-all treatment and pain varies from person to person. But most people generally find the laser treatment for varicose veins to be well tolerated. So the answer is no, laser treatment is not typically painful. Below are some of the reasons.
- Minimally invasive
It involves small incisions and localised treatment, hence there is minimum pain compared to any form of traditional vein stripping surgery.
- Anesthesia
Local anesthesia makes sure that the area is numb and the patient typically feels little to no pain during the actual procedure.
- Patient Feedback
Most people describe the sensation as slight discomfort or a warming sensation, rather than pain. To put it on a scale, generally, people would rate something around 1 or 2 (low pain rate).
Choosing expert care in your locality is important to make sure your procedure goes smoothly and effectively. If you are located near Edgware, finding a trusted Edgware beauty salon can make all the difference in achieving smoother vein-free skin, all in your comfort. Opting for a trusted provider makes sure your treatment is safe and reliable.
Side Effects and Recovery
Laser therapy is certainly minimally invasive, but it is not entirely free from side effects. So it is best to know what to expect to know what to expect to be prepared for recovery. Some of the common side effects include
- Bruising and Swelling – Temporary bruising or swelling surrounding the treated area is common and usually subsides within a few days.
- Skin Discolouration – In some instances, patients may notice slight discolouration near the incision area. This would typically go away over time.
- Mild Discomfort – It is common to feel a tightness or pulling sensation in the treated area, it then gets absorbed by the body.
Best Practices for a Comfortable Recovery
- Compression Stockings : Compression stockings, when worn according to doctor’s instructions can promote blood flow and alleviate any swelling.
- Avoid Strenuous Activities: You can resume normal activities within a day or two. However, intense exercise like heavy lifting should be avoided for at least a week.
- Pain Management: You can also take over-the-counter medications to manage discomfort after the procedure.
- Stay Active: Walking more softly can help blood circulation and speed up the healing process.
Why Choose Laser Treatment?
Let us look at some of the common reasons to choose laser treatment.
Minimally Invasive with a High Success Rate
Laser treatment has a success rate of more than 95%, hence well a trusted and effective treatment for varicose veins.
Lesser Pain
Unlike the conventional vein stripping type of surgery, laser treatment is far less painless and has faster recovery.
Functional and Aesthetic Benefits
In addition to relieving symptoms like swelling and discomfort, this treatment also helps in improving your leg’s appearance and boosting confidence. For an extra boost, some clinics may even combine this laser treatment with other cosmetic procedures for further rejuvenation of the skin.
Safer Option with Minimal Risks
The laser treatment being minimally invasive, greatly reduces the chances of complications like infection, damage to the nerves or noticeable scarring.
Final Thoughts
Modern laser therapy for varicose veins proves to be an effective option with minimal discomfort and faster recovery. As mentioned earlier, the perception of pain and tolerance varies from person to person, but most find this well-tolerated and manageable.
Whether you are looking to relieve the physical symptoms or want to enhance your leg’s appearance, laser treatment is a practical and effective treatment for varicose veins. Choose Touch and Glow Beauty Clinic to make sure you have a comfortable experience and effective results. The personalised approach you get here helps you achieve not only healthier skin but also renewed confidence.
