Laser for varicose vein removal: safe, effective and fast
You’ve surely already heard about laser for varicose vein removal. Usually, patients look for this treatment as an alternative to the traditional surgical option. It’s one of the most common treatment methods you’ll come across, at a simple Google search. Yet, most patients don’t really know what laser treatment actually is, what it does exactly or when it’s recommended.
In today’s article, we’re answering the most common questions varicose veins specialists get when it comes to laser for varicose vein removal. Keep reading if you want to learn what EVLA is, how it works, whether it hurts, who it’s for and what recovery looks like.
Table of contents
- What are varicose veins and why laser removal helps?
- How laser for varicose vein removal works?
- Benefits of choosing laser for varicose veins
- Laser treatment vs. surgery for varicose veins
- Is laser varicose vein removal painful?
- Who is a good candidate for varicose vein laser treatment?
- What to expect before your laser vein removal procedure?
- Recovery after laser varicose vein removal
- Side effects of laser for varicose veins
- Laser varicose vein removal results: before and after
What are varicose veins and why laser removal helps?
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are swollen, bulging and twisted veins that usually appear on the legs. They may have a blue or purple color and are often visible just under the skin. The mechanism behind varicose veins is quite simple: the valves inside the veins that help blood flow toward the heart stop working properly, which allows blood to stagnate and put pressure on the veins. Learn more from this youtube video, with Dr. Omar:
Why does laser treatment help?
Laser treatment for varicose veins is known as EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation). It is a minimally invasive procedure that “closes” the affected veins from the inside. Instead of being tied off or removed through surgery, the abnormal veins are heated with a laser beam, which causes them to close and eventually be absorbed by the body.
Endovenous means “inside the vein”, so the first thing the doctor does is get inside the affected vein. Which brings us to the next step: how does it work?
How laser for varicose vein removal works?
The EVLA procedure is carried out in a simple treatment room, not in an operating theatre. There’s no need for hospitalization or general anaesthesia.
- The specialist injects a local anaesthetic into the skin in the area where they will work.
- The doctor inserts a needle into the vein, allowing the laser fibre to reach the affected area.
- Then, the doctor activates the laser and gradually pulls it down the vein, releasing controlled heat that destroys the vein walls.
- The body then naturally absorbs the closed veins, and the healthy veins take over the circulation.
- At the end, the doctor removes the laser and covers the needle puncture with a small dressing.
How long does it take for one leg? 20–30 minutes. Sometimes, the procedure is combined with foam sclerotherapy (injecting a sclerosing agent) or avulsions (removing small veins through micro-incisions). A compression stocking will be placed at the end of the treatment.
Benefits of choosing laser for varicose veins
- Quick treatment
- No hospitalization
- No pain
- Zero recovery time
- Excellent long-term results
- Minimal risk of complications
Laser treatment vs. surgery for varicose veins
| Feature | Laser (EVLA) | Classic Surgery (Stripping) |
| Type of procedure | Minimally invasive | Invasive |
| Anaesthesia | Local | General anaesthesia |
| Procedure time | 20–30 min/leg | 1–2 hours |
| Recovery time | 0 days | 2–3 weeks |
Is laser varicose vein removal painful?
No, it doesn’t hurt. Before the procedure, a local anaesthetic is administered, so the patient won’t feel anything but pressure or movement, like someone is “doing something” in that area.
Some patients say they notice a slight burning smell or taste, totally harmless and temporary.
Plus, to make things more relaxed, Dr. Omar Abu-Bakr encourages his patients to tell a joke or a funny story. Laughter helps more than you’d think!
Who is a good candidate for varicose vein laser treatment?
If you’re wondering “Is EVLA right for me?”, the correct answer is: only a vein specialist can help you find out. First, you need to schedule a consultation with a phlebologist (a doctor specialised in vein diseases). The doctor will assess:
- Your symptoms
- The progression of the varicose veins
- Your medical history
- And will perform a Doppler ultrasound, which clearly shows blood flow and the condition of your veins.
Based on this information, the doctor will create a personalised treatment plan, which may include EVLA, but also other minimally invasive or even non-invasive options, depending on your particular case.
What to expect before your laser vein removal procedure?
- The treatment takes only 30 minutes/leg
- It’s done under local anaesthesia
- No need for hospitalization
- You can walk out on your own right after
- You’ll wear compression stockings for a few days
- You might need 1 dose of Paracetamol after the procedure.
Recovery after laser varicose vein removal
Recovery? Basically zero.
- After the procedure, patients are encouraged to start walking immediately (even in more complicated cases!).
- You’re advised to walk normally and resume your usual daily activities right away.
- You may be advised to avoid prolonged standing or sitting for the first 2-3 days, but other than that, your body knows what to do!
Side effects of laser for varicose veins
This procedure is safe, with minimal risk. But, like with any medical treatment, side effects may occur:
- Slight swelling or redness
- Tightness or mild itching
- Bruising in the treated area
- Slight burning smell or taste (temporary).
The risks of ignoring varicose veins are far more serious than the risks of treatment itself. Untreated varicose veins can lead to venous ulcers or thrombosis, both serious conditions that can impact both the sufferer and their families’ lives. Also, if clots form in the veins (Thrombophlebitis), the risk of strokes and Pulmonary Embolisms (clots in lungs) is very high and can be fatal.
Laser varicose vein removal results: before and after
We’ve prepared a selection of before and after images from patients treated by Dr. Omar Abu-Bakr, one of the most trusted specialists in UK. Let’s see real results from people who had the same condition as you:
Ready to say goodbye to varicose veins?
Book a consultation with a top London vein doctor—schedule your visit today and discover the solution that works best for you. Got questions? We’ll go through them together, step by step. Varicose veins won’t go away on their own, but the good news is that modern treatments like laser for varicose vein removal are here – fast, safe and effective.
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