Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins: Side Effects, Recovery

Laser treatment for varicose veins uses heat to reduce swelling and bulging in the affected area. Most commonly, swelling is observed in the thighs and calves due to varicose veins. A thin beam of radiation/ light is focused through the catheter during laser treatment. This helps close off the affected veins and provides relief.

Laser surgery shrinks the veins and causes scar tissue (damaged normal tissue due to injury or surgery) within the vessel. This procedure allows blood to flow through neighbouring veins.

A medical consultant can advise the accurate treatment for varicose veins. Below are the cases in which a laser treatment might be most useful:

1. Swollen Veins: Individuals with sore and inflamed varicose veins causing unbearable pain may be advised for this procedure.

2. Issues with Blood Circulation: Blood flow is also impacted by the affected veins. This induces discolouration in the affected area. People may want to change the appearance of their skin.

Conditions Treated with Laser Treatment

Endovenous laser treatment is suggested by a healthcare provider when veins become red or swollen primarily due to inflammation. It also provides relief in cases of:

1. Varicose Veins: Inflamed, swollen, and bulging veins that appear dark in colour, primarily on thighs or calves.

2. Ulceration: Open wounds are caused by swelling in the veins, resulting in blood flow and circulation problems.

The laser treatment for varicose veins is performed at the doctor’s clinic. It usually takes 30-60 minutes to complete and includes the following steps:

1. The affected area is mapped out with the help of a duplex ultrasound.

2. Local anaesthesia is administered.

3. A tiny incision is made, which is usually closer to the knee.

4. A catheter is inserted to reach the actual site of the veins.

5. A thin laser beam is focused through a catheter.

6. The laser beam seals the inflamed vein.

People suffering from varicose veins prefer this treatment over others primarily due to its minimally invasive method. Other benefits of opting for laser surgery for varicose veins in India include:

1. High Success Rate: Laser treatment helps patients recover from varicose veins with a long-lasting effect and improves the appearance of the affected area.

2. Less Pain: There is minimal discomfort during the procedure compared to traditional open surgery.

3. Faster Recovery: There is almost no downtime after the surgery. Patients can continue to follow a daily routine immediately after.

4. Outpatient Procedure: Hospitalisation is also not required for patients.

5. Reduced Complications: Laser treatment is safer than open surgery, which may often result in scarring, infection, or nerve injury.

Knowing how to be prepared for a procedure like this can put the patient at ease. Individuals should consider consulting with their doctor about steps to follow to ensure maximum results.

Before the Procedure 

During this phase, the patient needs to prepare themselves for the procedure. This may involve: 

On the Day of the Procedure

Being aware of what to expect or follow on the day of the procedure can make it better for both the patient and the doctor. Here is what usually undergoes: 

After laser treatment for varicose veins, patients are encouraged to walk immediately and resume daily activity. The following is what they can expect during recovery:

 In Hospital Recovery

Staying at the hospital is not required. Patients can go back to their everyday activities. They may be advised to rest if any side effects of anaesthesia are involved.

At-home Recovery

 The patients will experience minimal swelling. The recovery time is only 6-8 weeks. Following cautions can be advised to maximise recovery:

1. Going out in sunlight should be avoided for 48 hours at least.

2. No rigorous workouts or activities for a couple of days, including swimming, running, and gym workouts.

3. To manage pain and discomfort, only over-the-counter medications should be taken.

4. Taking a brisk walk and keeping legs elevated helps. This maintains proper blood flow in the body and at the affected site.

5. The treated area should be kept clean and dry.

6. Compression socks need to be worn for a week to support healing.

7. Standing for long durations is not recommended.

8. Ice pack compression is suggested to lessen the swelling.

Patients should contact their health supervisor immediately in case of excessive swelling or redness.

Even though laser treatment is one of the safest options to treat varicose veins, there are some risks involved:

1. Patients may have allergic reactions due to anaesthesia or other medications involved.

2. Internal bleeding can be caused in some instances due to the laser beam.

3. The insertion of a catheter may result in the formation of blood clots.

4. Bruising or changes in skin colour can be caused.

5. The patient may also experience redness or swelling at the affected site.

6. Slight pain or infection at the surgical site may occur.

Untreated varicose veins can lead to more complications. Some of them include:

1. Nerve damage due to the formation of blood clots

2. Redness and swelling of the veins

3. Change in colour of skin over the untreated veins

The laser surgery cost for varicose veins in India starts from ₹ 55,000 and can go up to ₹ 85,000. The average cost of the procedure is ₹ 75,000. The prices can differ depending on several factors, including:

1. Location of the Hospital: The varicose vein laser surgery cost depends on the location where the facility is based. It may cost more in metropolitan cities. For semi-urban areas, the cost may be less.

2. Tests Involved: Several tests can count towards a higher bill amount.

3. The Expertise of the Surgeon/ Medical Expert: A surgeon with higher experience may charge more for the treatment.

4. Severity of the Issue: If the affected area is large, more sessions may be required. This will impact the overall price.

Note: These prices are approximate. Patients are advised to consult HexaHealth experts for accurate prices.

Laser treatment for varicose veins is an attractive option for patients as it has a quick recovery time and is minimally invasive. It is a safe choice for most age groups and requires no downtime.

If you are looking for laser treatment for varicose veins near me, you can easily find optimum solutions with HexaHealth. We help you connect with the best doctors and hospitals. Contact us today to find out what's best for you.