Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) is an innovative treatment that offers a safe, minimally invasive way to treat varicose veins. After gently numbing the area, a small catheter is placed into the problem vein, and a laser fiber is guided through it. Using ultrasound precision, the laser seals the faulty vein, naturally redirecting blood flow to healthier veins. It’s quick and easy, with no hospital stay and very little downtime. You’ll be up and walking the same day, and can return to normal activities right away.
Over the next several weeks, symptoms like aching and swelling improve, and the treated veins will fade, leaving legs that look and feel renewed. With EVLT at Lake Area Vein Center, healthier, smoother legs are just an appointment away, without the need for invasive surgery.
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) is an excellent option for patients who struggle with the discomfort and appearance of varicose veins. If you experience aching, heaviness, swelling, or cramping in your legs—especially after standing or sitting for long periods—EVLT can provide real relief. Since the procedure is minimally invasive and performed right in our office, it’s a great fit for patients who want results without the downtime from surgery.
Whether your concern is cosmetic, medical, or a mix of both, EVLT can restore healthy circulation and ease symptoms. At Lake Area Vein Center, we’ll carefully evaluate each patient to ensure EVLT is the right choice, giving you peace of mind and a personalized treatment plan that works for you.
EVLT is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat varicose veins. It uses a thin laser fiber inserted into the vein to deliver a controlled amount of laser energy. This energy heats the vein from the inside, causing it to collapse and seal shut. The blood flow is then naturally redirected to other healthy veins. The body eventually absorbs the treated vein, and the varicose vein disappears.
No, EVLT is generally not painful and is well tolerated by most patients. Before the procedure, we will numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic. You might feel a slight pressure or a quick pinch when the laser fiber is inserted, but the rest of the procedure should be comfortable. After the treatment, you might experience some mild discomfort, bruising, or a tight feeling, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. These side effects should subside within a few days.
The procedure itself is quite fast, usually taking about 45 to 60 minutes per leg. This can vary depending on the number of veins being treated and the complexity of the case. Overall, you should plan to be at the clinic for about 1-2 hours to allow for prep and post-procedure care. During the consultation phase, we’ll discuss the timeline with you to help you prepare for post-treatment care.
Recovery is very quick and simple. You'll be able to walk immediately after the procedure to promote blood flow and reduce the risk of complications. You'll need to wear a compression stocking for a week or two to help with healing and reduce swelling. You can return to most normal activities, including work, within a day or two, but it's best to avoid strenuous exercise for about a week.
EVLT is a very safe procedure, but like any medical treatment, there are some minor risks. The most common side effects are temporary bruising, swelling, and a feeling of tightness along the treated vein. Less common risks include skin discoloration, minor nerve irritation (which usually resolves on its own), or blood clots. We’ll discuss all the potential risks with you before the procedure to make sure you're fully informed.
EVLT is a highly effective treatment for varicose veins, with a success rate of over 95%. For most people, the results are permanent. However, new varicose veins can develop over time due to genetic factors or lifestyle, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to long-term success.
Most insurance companies cover EVLT if it's considered medically necessary. This is usually the case when the varicose veins are causing symptoms like pain, swelling, or skin changes. Our team will work with you to verify your insurance coverage and obtain the necessary pre-authorizations to make sure you know exactly what to expect.
EVLT, sclerotherapy, and vein stripping all treat varicose veins, but they do it in different ways. EVLT uses a laser to close the vein from the inside. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into the vein to make it collapse and is typically used for smaller spider veins or small varicose veins. Vein stripping is an older, more invasive surgical procedure that involves physically removing the vein. EVLT and sclerotherapy are generally preferred today because they are less invasive, have quicker recovery times, and leave no scars.
