Bulging varicose veins can have a huge impact on how you view your legs. These unsightly bulging blood vessels can make it difficult to wear the clothes you love and participate in actives you enjoy. However, their impact goes far beyond the aesthetic: untreated varicosities can have a serious impact on your overall health.
If you have heard older friends or relatives relay stories about undergoing vein treatment you may worry that addressing varicose veins is a painful, arduous process. Fortunately today’s medical technology makes sure that’s not the case. Today’s leading vein doctors, including Dr. Ramon Castro here at the Chicago Vein Center, recommend undergoing Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT). This minimally invasive vein treatment addresses diseased veins quickly, easily, and safely, making it an effective way to address circulation issues.
How does EVLT in Chicago, IL work?
EVLT Treatment is a popular choice for doctors and patients because it is an effective way to treat vein disease without requiring surgical incisions, general anesthesia, or lengthy hospital stays. Before undergoing this form of treatment you will meet with your vein doctor to determine if you are a good candidate. EVLT is suited for people with varicosities that are caused by damage to tiny valves inside the veins. This damage allows blood to flow backwards, causing pressure that leads to varicose veins. EVLT fixes the problem by sealing off the diseased vein, allowing blood to flow through healthier vessels.
If your doctor determines that EVLT is a good fit for your situation, you will come back to the office on another day for your procedure. A local anesthetic will likely be applied to the treatment area beforehand to make sure the procedure does not cause you any discomfort. A laser expert will then insert a tiny catheter into the diseased vein. This catheter holds a very small laser which, when activated, will apply heat to the vein. This heat causes the vein walls to swell shut, reliving the pressure and reducing the appearance of the varicose vein.
Why choose EVLT over other forms of vein treatment?
Choosing EVLT as the way you treat your vein problems has a number of advantages. One of the things that patients appreciate the most is the lack of discomfort associated with this procedure. Because a local anesthetic is often used there is little chance that you will feel any discomfort while the catheter is put in place. Because there are no surgical incisions involved you also will not have to deal with a lengthy, painful recovery period.
One of the advantages of EVLT is its speed. The procedure itself can be completed in as little as an hour. Afterwards most patients are able to return to their daily life immediately. You may be asked to refrain from engaging in strenuous activity for a few days. You may also be encouraged to wear a compression stocking for a few days after the procedure to help improve the treatment’s effectiveness.
If you are experiencing painful or unsightly varicose veins, Endovenous Laser Treatment may be what you need to address the problem. Here at the Chicago Vein Care Center we have the experience and expertise you need to make sure your circulation issues are treated effectively. If you have any questions about this form of treatment or about any other vein health issue, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Chicago, IL office. We look forward to meeting you!