Endovascular laser treats varicose veins by using heat to close the faulty vein that is causing blood to pool. At FCCI it is a minimally invasive procedure that lasts about an hour, and FCCI describes little to no pain with it.
Why varicose veins happen
Veins in your legs work against gravity. Tiny one-way valves keep blood moving up toward your heart. When those valves weaken, blood leaks backward and collects. Over time, the veins nearer the surface stretch, twist and bulge. That is what you see as varicose veins, and it is often a sign of chronic venous insufficiency.
The bulging veins you see are often fed by a larger faulty vein you cannot see. Treating only the surface can leave the real cause behind. Laser goes after that cause.
How the laser works
Your doctor uses ultrasound to guide a thin laser fiber into the faulty vein. The laser warms the vein wall so it closes. Blood then reroutes through healthy veins. The closed vein is no longer part of the circulation, so it stops feeding the bulging veins near the surface.
Before your procedure
- You will have a venous insufficiency ultrasound first. It maps which vein segments are not working, and usually takes about an hour.
- Your doctor reviews your medicines. Tell them about blood thinners.
- The team checks your insurance benefits for the procedure.
- You get written instructions for the day. Follow them closely.
The day of treatment
Laser treatment is done in an outpatient setting, not a hospital stay. The procedure itself lasts about an hour. Plan for some extra time to check in and get settled. Wear loose clothes and arrange for someone to bring you if your doctor suggests it.
After treatment
Your care team will tell you how to care for your leg afterward, which may include walking, compression and a follow-up ultrasound. Every person is different, so follow the instructions you are given rather than general advice online. Call the office during business hours if you have questions. If you ever have chest pain or trouble breathing, call 911.
Is laser right for you?
Laser is one of several options. Some people also need phlebectomy, which removes stubborn surface veins through a tiny needle puncture, or sclerotherapy for spider and reticular veins. Deep vein problems need different tools. Your ultrasound and your doctor decide which mix fits you.
Questions to ask
- Which vein will you treat, and why that one?
- Will I need more than one session or another treatment after?
- What should I avoid in the days after?
- Is my treatment considered medically necessary by my plan?
A quick word on CVI
Varicose veins are often the visible tip of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which FCCI says affects about 25 million Americans; half of women and 40% of men have some venous problem. CVI can come from family history, hormones, injury or an old deep vein clot. Left alone it can lead to swelling, serious leg infections and clots. Watch for deep aching when you stand that eases with your legs raised, plus swelling, itching, skin color changes or ulcers.
How to get the most from your visit
- Bring your insurance card, ID and a list of all medicines, especially any blood thinner, since that matters before laser treatment.
- Jot down which veins bother you most and when they ache.
- Mention any earlier clot, surgery or relatives with varicose veins.
- Bring someone along if a second set of ears helps.
- Ask the team whether your plan covers laser treatment before it is scheduled.
Need to move your laser consult? Please call at least 24 hours ahead, and keep health details off online forms.
If bulging, aching veins are pointing you toward laser treatment, start with an ultrasound and a conversation. Call 904.493.3333 on weekdays from 8am to 5pm or send a request from our booking page. Sudden leg swelling paired with chest pain or breathlessness needs 911 right away.
