Endovenous Laser Vein Treatment (EVLT)

Endovenous Laser Vein Treatment is a non-surgical procedure for treating varicose veins. Unlike surgical vein stripping, EVLT can be performed in an outpatient setting and doesn’t require a long, painful recovery period. It also demonstrates a substantially higher success rate than other varicose vein treatments.

The EVLT procedure can alleviate painful, uncomfortable, and visible vein symptoms such as leg swelling, cramping, aching, itching, skin discoloration, and bulging veins. This type of laser vein treatment removes the impacts of diseased veins by targeting them at the source. EVLT may also reduce the risk of developing serious health conditions like venous ulcers and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the future.

At USA Vein Clinics, our vein specialists specialize in treating diseased veins using non-surgical procedures, including endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins. 

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What Is Endovenous Laser Vein Treatment?

Endovenous Laser Vein Treatment (EVLT), also known as Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), is a type of laser therapy used to treat varicose veins. Varicose veins occur after vein valves that keep blood flowing in one direction become damaged, causing blood to get backed up. This condition is known as vein disease or chronic venous insufficiency. Endovenous laser vein treatment targets these damaged veins, allowing the body to use other routes for delivering blood.

EVLT is a minimally invasive laser vein procedure performed on an outpatient basis. Advanced ultrasound imaging guides a thin fiber through a small incision into diseased, malfunctioning veins. This fiber delivers laser energy, causing the targeted veins to collapse and sealing them closed. Afterward, the fiber is removed, and blood flow is naturally redirected to healthy, surrounding veins.

Watch our video on the EVLT procedure to learn more about what happens during this laser treatment for varicose veins:

Benefits of Endovenous Laser Vein Treatment 

EVLT is one of the most effective procedures for treating damaged veins, the root cause of painful varicose vein symptoms. Clinical studies show that it offers long-lasting results in most patients with minimal risk of side effects.¹

Additional benefits of endovenous laser vein treatment: 

• Less invasive than surgery
• Shorter recovery
• No scarring or stitches
• Decreased risk of DVT
• Reduced appearance of visible veins
• Success rate of 98%² 

Treating varicose veins using endovenous laser treatment effectively relieves pain and discomfort while reducing bulging veins. At the same time, patients experience improvements in vein health and blood circulation.

Preparing for Endovenous Laser Vein Treatment

Because EVLT is a quick, non-surgical procedure performed at our outpatient vein clinics, preparation instructions are usually minimal. 

To decrease the chance of infection, patients should avoid shaving or moisturizing the treatment areas. We also recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing to the treatment appointment. Patients can eat something light before their treatment and are advised to hydrate well before arriving.

EVLT takes less than an hour from arrival to the time you leave. 

Recovery from Endovenous Laser Vein Treatment

Our patients can go home immediately and resume most normal activities including walking. Most patients are comfortable returning to strenuous exercise after two weeks. 

Some of our patients bring someone to accompany them to the appointment, but it’s not required. Because no general anesthesia is used, driving home after treatment is permitted.  

Patients should walk around as much as possible during the first several days after the procedure. This helps boost circulation, prevent blood clot formation, and reduce swelling during recovery. Some patients may experience temporary bruising, tenderness, tightening, swelling, burning, and redness in treated areas. There might also be pink or clear fluid on the bandages; however, these effects should resolve within one to two weeks.

To promote healing after EVLT, your vein doctor may recommend:

Compression socks: It’s recommended to wear compression socks for at least 24 hours after the EVLT procedure. Some patients are advised to use compression socks as a preventive measure for future vein issues, especially when standing or sitting for long periods.

Physical activity: Patients can resume most daily activities after endovenous laser vein treatment. Walking can support recovery — short, frequent activity sessions (10 to 15 minutes every hour) are best to promote rapid healing. Avoid standing for long periods, air travel, and strenuous physical exercise for two weeks.

Bathing: Following EVLT treatment, keeping the catheter insertion site completely dry for 48 hours is important. Patients should avoid immersion in bathtubs, hot tubs, and pools for seven to ten days to reduce the risk of infection and keep the veins from dilating.

Is Endovenous Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins Safe?

Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is proven to be safe to treat chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins. EVLT is FDA-approved and has been widely performed since the early 2000s.³ For these reasons, our vein doctors recommend treating varicose veins with EVLT in most cases. However, it is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing.

Laser therapy for varicose veins is less risky than surgical treatment. Although EVLT is not surgery, there is always some risk associated with any medical procedure. Serious complications from EVLT are rare, but some patients may experience skin burns, discoloration, or nerve damage.

Following the doctor’s recommendations after treatment can help ensure relief from varicose veins and reduce the chance of complications. 

Schedule a Consultation and Find Out if EVLT Is Right for You

Endovenous Laser Vein Treatment is a popular therapy for varicose veins because it is safe and effective. EVLT offers a convenient solution for people seeking relief from bulging veins and painful symptoms. With minimal risk of side effects and long-lasting benefits, including reduced risk of dangerous blood clots, EVLT is a good option for most people with varicose veins. 

At USA Vein Clinics, we offer endovenous laser vein treatment and other minimally invasive vein procedures. We have a team of trusted vein specialists who will recommend a personalized treatment plan that fits your unique needs. Our other non-surgical treatments include ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, ClariVein®, Varithena Vein Treatment, VenaSeal™ and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment.

Schedule an initial consultation with one of our leading vein specialists today to determine if EVLT is right for you. EVLT is covered by most major health insurance plans.

We offer over 160 clinic locations nationwide. Book a consultation at a location near you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Endovenous Laser Vein Treatment for Varicose Veins

Is EVLT painful?

Most patients experience little to no pain during an EVLT session. However, they may experience minor discomfort when the targeted vein is first accessed, which can feel similar to getting an IV placed.

What happens after laser treatment for varicose veins?

After the EVLT procedure, you can go home. Some patients return to work right away. Your doctor will advise wearing compression socks and walking for about 10 to 15 minutes every couple of hours. This will keep the blood flowing and support your veins. 

What should I do for any discomfort after the EVLT procedure?

If you have pain or swelling, you can apply arnica cream or an ice pack for about 15 minutes. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication such as Advil or Motrin. 

Who is a good candidate for Endovenous Laser Vein Treatment for varicose veins?

Most individuals with varicose veins are good candidates for EVLT. However, treatment is not appropriate for individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have serious obstructions in their deep venous system.

Should I shave my leg before the EVLT procedure?

You should avoid shaving your legs within 72 hours of the procedure. Shaving can increase the risk of skin infection post-procedure.

Can I eat before the procedure?

You can enjoy a light meal before your varicose vein laser treatment. We recommend increasing your fluid intake with water and other caffeine-free beverages. This makes it easier for the vein specialist to access your veins.

Can I return to work after the procedure?

Most patients can return to work or other activities immediately following the procedure.

Could my varicose veins go away on their own?

Unfortunately, varicose veins do not go away on their own. Lifestyle improvements may help reduce vein symptoms and prevent additional varicose veins from developing, but only medical treatment can address the underlying cause of vein disease.

Can varicose veins come back after EVLT?

EVLT has a high success rate, and treated varicose veins are unlikely to return.² However, to maintain healthy veins, creating an individual treatment plan with a vein specialist is a good idea. Vein doctors can monitor a patient’s vein health over time.

Is EVLT covered by insurance?

Yes, EVLT is usually covered by most insurances. 

USA Vein Clinics participates with most insurance plans, including Medicaid and some Medicare plans. We also have affordable payment options available for uncovered insurance costs. 

How does EVLT compare to other varicose vein treatments?

EVLT is one of the most effective non-surgical vein treatments for patients with large varicose veins. Vein doctors can get the same or similar results with one session of endovenous laser vein treatment compared to multiple sessions of other vein treatments, such as sclerotherapy. EVLT is also less painful and has a shorter recovery than vein stripping. But multiple treatment options are available through USA Vein Clinics, and the key is choosing the right one for each patient. 

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Sources

1. Arash Mohammadi Tofigh, Hamed Tahmasebi, and Javad Zebarjadi, “Comparing the success rate and side effects of endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation to treat varicose veins in the lower limbs: A randomized clinical trial,” Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, https://journals.sbmu.ac.ir/jlms/article/view/32825
2. N Nwaejike, PD Srodon, and C Kyriakides, “5-years of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for the treatment of varicose veins – a prospective study,” International Journal of Surgery, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1743919109000685
3. Seung Je Go, Byung Sun Cho, Yun Sun Mun, Yoon Jung Kang, and Hye Young Ahn, “Study on the long-term results of endovenous laser ablation for treating varicose veins,” The International Journal of Angiology, https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0035-1555749