As many as half of American women are affected by varicose veins – a condition in which blood pools in the veins, causing them to bulge. For some individuals, these veins are small and may improve on their own. Others, however, may experience severe or worsening varicosities that become painful and may even rupture. Fortunately, treatment is available to reduce the size of varicose veins and improve the symptoms associated with them. Endovascular laser therapy, or EVLT, is a non-surgical treatment that uses laser energy to heat the inside of the vein and closes it off to refluxing blood.
Now men and women alike are making unsightly facial and leg veins a thing of the past, thanks to Cutera CoolGlide. No more painful injections! With the most advanced technology, a unique design, and a longer wavelength, the Cutera CoolGlide can safely and effectively treat both tiny superficial face veins and deeper blue leg veins on men and women of all skin tones.
The Cutera CoolGlide combines the ideal laser wavelength with the most flexible parameters to deliver pulses of light energy which cause the blood within the vein to coagulate, eventually destroying the vessel which is later reabsorbed by your body. It treats a broad range of vessels from tiny spider veins to deep blue reticular veins quickly, safely, and effectively. Patients with dark, light or tanned skin can experience outstanding results with minimal bruising or blistering.
Did you know…
that varicose veins can form anywhere on the legs though they tend to develop on the insides of the legs and the backs of the calves? The exact cause of varicose veins is unknown though hormones, pregnancy, genetics and age may increase a person’s risk factor. Certain lifestyle habits may also contribute to the development of varicose veins, such as working in a job that requires long periods of standing.
Virtually any area of the body can be treated. Some examples of laser vein treatment areas are around the nose and eyes, the mouth, cheeks, and chin as wells as legs, ankles and thighs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for EVLT treatments?
You may be a candidate for EVLT if you are affected by one or more varicose veins in your legs. Many patients select EVLT because it is minimally invasive and leaves the treated vein intact, rather than removing it. Only your doctor can determine if EVLT is right for you, so contact our office to schedule a consultation or request more information.
What should I expect during endovascular laser treatment?
You will be awake during your EVLT procedure. You will lie on a table, and a local anesthetic will be applied to the treatment area. Once the skin is numbed and cleansed, your doctor will make a tiny incision through which a catheter will be placed into the affected vein. A thin laser fiber will be inserted through the catheter, which your doctor will use to heat and ablate the vein. Once the laser is removed, your leg will be cleansed and a dressing applied to the incision site. Most patients can return home the same day, requiring only 1 or 2 hours of total office time.
Will I need to follow any special instructions following my procedure?
It is normal to experience some bruising at the treatment site following EVLT. Your doctor will provide you with special compression hose and instructions to wear them for several days following the procedure. You may be instructed to avoid driving for the first several hours after undergoing EVLT. Most patients experience a short recovery time with no scarring. Results may continue to improve for up to 8 weeks following the procedure, at which time you may speak with your doctor about additional treatment options if necessary.
Does the treatment hurt?
Most patients experience a stinging sensation as the pulses of energy are delivered through the handpiece. Although no local anesthesia or pain medication is typically required, many patients opt to use a topical anesthetic prior to treatment, the pain is minimal to nonexistent.
How many laser vein removal treatments are needed and how long does it last?
This depends on the extent of your blood vessel damage that you have already accumulated. The amount of accumulated skin damage depends on your age, your genetic type and severity of your skin condition. Typically, 2-3 laser vein removal treatments maybe needed at monthly intervals with gratifying results. Touch up vein treatments every 6-12 months are usually needed in order to maintain the improvement of the skin. Since individual results vary, ask your medical professional about your specific condition.
Are there any restrictions on my activity after treatment?
Patients generally resume most normal activities immediately. However, it is recommended that you avoid vigorous activities such as strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours after treatment. The use of sunscreen is recommended on any treated areas exposed to the sun. As always, it is a good idea to limit your sun exposure.
