Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins in Visakhapatnam

Overview

Laser treatment for varicose veins in Visakhapatnam, medically known as endovenous laser varicose vein surgery, is a procedure that treats varicose veins with the help of high-frequency laser beams. Varicose veins are swollen veins that appear just below your skin. These veins are formed when the valves in your vein are weak and malfunctioning, leading to the blood flowing backward. Varicose veins can cause symptoms like pain and heaviness in the legs, itching, and cramps in the middle of the night.

The common treatment options for varicose veins include Sclerotherapy (using a chemical solution to collapse the varicose vein), VenaSeal Varicose Veins Treatment in Visakhapatnam (using a special glue to seal the damaged varicose vein), radiofrequency ablation (using radiofrequency waves to destroy the varicose vein) and laser treatment.

Laser treatment for varicose veins in Visakhapatnam is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser waves to treat your condition. The laser waves destroy and close the damaged vein. The blood flow is redirected towards healthy veins. The collapsed vein is converted into scar tissue that eventually fades away. Read on to learn the preparation, procedure, aftercare, and varicose veins laser treatment cost.

Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are usually caused due to an increase in blood pressure in your veins, which affects the veins in the superficial layer of your skin. The blood circulation to your heart is through the one-way valves present in the veins, which prevents the backward flow of the blood. When the valves weaken or get damaged, the blood may collect in the veins instead of continuing to the heart. This blood pooling causes increased pressure within the veins, enlarging them. 

The affected veins are usually dark purple or blue, appearing twisted and bulging like cords on the legs. Varicose veins might not cause any pain, however, sometimes you may experience pain, swelling, achiness, and a heavy feeling around the enlarged veins. 

Mild cases Varicose veins treatment includes self-care measures, lifestyle changes, and compression stockings for mild cases, while more severe cases are treated with surgical intervention like laser therapy.

Laser treatment for varicose veins in Visakhapatnam aims to use laser beams to reduce or shrink the affected veins. The blood from the diseased vein is re-routed to the healthy veins. In laser therapy, your surgeon inserts a tiny fiber via a catheter into your veins. This fiber sends out laser beams that heat the vein and destroy it. The blood flow is then redirected towards the healthier veins, and the diseased varicose vein shrinks over a period of time.

How to Prepare for a Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins?

Here is how you can prepare for the procedure:

• You can ask your surgeon to explain the procedure and the expected outcome.
• Discuss your complete medical history with your surgeon.
• Inform him about all the medications you are taking currently, including herbs and supplements.
• Inform your surgeon about all your allergies, especially to medications.
• You will be advised to stop medications like blood thinners 1 to 2 weeks before the surgery (to avoid excessive bleeding).
• There are no dietary restrictions, and fasting is to be followed.
• You will be asked not to shave your legs. Moisturizers and creams are also not advised to be used.
• You will be advised to quit smoking and drinking a few weeks before the surgery, as they delay the healing process.
• As it is an outpatient procedure, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

How is Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins performed?

Laser treatment for varicose veins is performed by a vascular surgeon who specializes in surgeries of the veins and arteries. The procedure is done under local anesthesia and takes 15 to 30 minutes. 
It is a minimally invasive procedure, so there will not be major incisions and sutures. 
The procedure involves the following steps-

• The legs are cleaned and disinfected.
• Local anesthesia is administered to numb you to the pain.
• A small incision is made on the lower end of your leg.
• A catheter is inserted into the varicose vein with the help of a needle and a wire.
• The surgeon now inserts the laser fiber into the catheter. The laser heats up and shrinks the varicose vein.
• Once the procedure is completed, your leg will be wrapped in bandages.
• The procedure is repeated on the other leg, as required.

Laser therapy for varicose veins is done on an outpatient basis. It does not require a hospital stay. Once the procedure is done, you can go home the same day.

What to Expect after a Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins?

Once the laser treatment in Visakhapatnam is completed, the veins take about a week to close completely. Recovery from this procedure is quick, and you will be advised to be up and about immediately after the procedure. This helps improve circulation through the veins and prevents clots from forming. However, you will be advised to refrain from strenuous activities that can strain your legs.
 You may feel pain or discomfort along the length of the treated vein. This is usually mild and is relieved by prescribed pain medications. The bruising at the procedure site will take about 2 weeks to heal. A week later, an ultrasound test will be performed on your legs to confirm the vein's closure and rule out other complications.

You can hasten the recovery process at home by adhering to the following-

• Apply ice packs on the leg for 15 minutes at a time to reduce the swelling.
• Walk for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Do this 3 times a day for 1-2 weeks. 
• Do not sit idle for a long time. Engage your leg muscles by being up on your feet frequently.
• Keep your legs elevated while you are sitting or lying down.
• Do not let water enter the bandaged area. You will be advised to opt for sponge baths during this time. 
• Avoid hot compression to the treated area, swimming, sauna baths, beaches, and bathing with warm water.
• Compression stockings may be worn as instructed for around a week. These stockings gently squeeze your leg and prevent swelling. They also promote blood flow and prevent blood pooling.

Keep a watch on your leg. Call your surgeon if you notice the following:

• Signs of infection like redness and warmth of the leg, fever.
• Swelling that does not reduce or increase.
• Pain that prevents you from doing your normal activities.

Benefits and Risks of Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins in Visakhapatnam

Laser for varicose veins is an effective, non-surgical method to treat varicose veins. However, you should be aware of the risks as well as benefits before you consent to it. 

Benefits of laser treatment for varicose veins

• It is a quick procedure and takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete
• It is done as an outpatient procedure.
• The surgical incision is very small. The scarring will be minimal, almost inconspicuous.
• Recovery is quick, with no downtime.
• Results are visible almost immediately.
• After about a year, the treated vein is not visible, even over the ultrasound and color Doppler tests.

Risks of laser treatment for varicose veins

• There may be an infection at the site.
• Development of deep vein thrombosis (formation of blood clots) is possible.
• Thromboembolism (when the clot travels from the legs to the lungs) may occur.
• The nearby nerves may get damaged due to the heat.
• Thrombophlebitis is seen in rare cases. This is the inflammation (redness and swelling) of the vein.
• There may be changes in skin color over the treated vein.

Why Choose Medfin?

Surgery can be a daunting aspect, and feeling anxious is absolutely normal. The massive amount of information you can get from the internet may confuse you even more. This is where Medfin can help. Leave us the hefty task of finding the best hospital, the best doctors for varicose veins treatment, and the latest procedure at the lowest cost. Let us take charge while you sit back and focus on your health and recovery. Think surgery! Think Medfin!