How Laser Treatments Can Help Your Varicose Veins
If you've decided you want to get rid of your varicose veins because they cause you discomfort or just because you don't like the way they look, then laser therapy might be the right choice for you. Lasers can remove veins close to the surface of your skin as well as deep veins. Here are a few things to know about this type of varicose veins treatment.
Lasers For Surface Veins
Removing veins close to the surface of your skin with a laser is quick and easy. It doesn't even require an incision. Your doctor may numb your skin first so you don't feel any discomfort, then the laser is pointed over the vein. The energy from the laser passes through your skin and goes into the vein. The zap from the laser destroys the vein so it closes off and gradually is absorbed by the body and disappears. Laser treatments work well for spider veins and larger varicose veins that aren't too deep under the skin. Because there is no incision, there is no down time needed for recovery.
Removal Of Deeper Veins With A Laser
If your varicose veins are deep, the laser can't reach them from the surface of your skin. Instead, your doctor needs to make an incision and insert a laser fiber directly into the vein. Even though this procedure is more invasive, it can usually be done in your doctor's office with a local anesthesia. Your doctor will use an ultrasound device to get an image of your veins on a monitor. This guides him or her as the procedure gets underway. A catheter is inserted through the incision so the laser fiber can be passed into the vein. Then, the heat from the laser damages the vein so it dies and shrivels off. Your body absorbs the vein so it disappears over time.
You'll need to allow some recovery time for this type of laser vein treatment. You may need to apply ice packs to reduce swelling and pain. You'll probably be instructed to stay off your feet for a couple of days and watch for signs of infection around the incision. Your doctor may send you home with compression stockings which you'll need to wear for several days. Although you may need to rest your legs initially, walking and gentle exercise a few times a day will help speed healing.
Even though laser vein treatments remove the varicose veins, the blood circulation in your legs won't be affected. The treated veins won't come back, but it's possible to develop problems in other veins. Your doctor will advise you on steps to take to prevent the development of other varicose veins such as avoiding prolonged standing without shifting your weight, losing weight if you need to, and getting regular exercise.
Talk to companies like Alaska Vein Care for more information.
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