Varicose Veins: Should You Consider Laser Surgery?

Varicose vein is a common problem that can occur to the elderly people and also to young ones who exert too much pressure on their legs. While vein laser surgery is the best option that most people opt for there are various things to consider while taking such decisions.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Veins are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-poor blood from back to your heart, after which it will be transported to the lungs to pick up more oxygen. One-way valves serve to ensure that the blood — which has to defy gravity to find its way to the heart — keeps on flowing in the right direction. When those valves are damaged or weakened, blood, rather than going back to the heart, can pool in the veins. In the long run, this can lead to varicose veins. We all know what they look like: blue, ugly and bulging. Though varicose veins usually don't cause harm beyond an unhappiness with your physical appearance, they can in some cases lead to pain, and even blood clots and skin ulcers. Itchy skin, swollen ankles and aching limbs are other possible complications

While varicose can veins appear all over the body, they are more commonly visible on the legs and feet. Some experts also call these veins "spider veins", and indeed they can look quite a bit like a spider's web. Varicose veins are a common condition and women are more prone to them than men.

Understanding Varicose Veins: A Closer Look

Arteries and veins form an intricate network throughout the body to circulate blood from and to the heart. While arteries transport oxygen-rich blood from the heart to different parts of the body, veins deliver blood to the heart. Cup-like valves situated in strategic places help ensure the blood flows in the right direction. When these valves do not function properly, blood accumulates in the vein, making it bulge. This also makes it difficult for the muscles to push the blood upwards. Over a period of time, more and more blood gets accumulated, making the vein bulge and twist. 

READ Varicose Veins: What, Why, And What To Do About Them

Superficial veins which normally exist right under the surface of the skin are more likely to become varicose since they have less muscle support than deep veins. In most cases, too much of pressure or exertion or very little leg movement may lead to varicose veins. People who stand for long hours or who suffer from obesity issues are much more likely to develop varicose veins. 

Apart from this, a leg injury that has damaged the valves in a vein can lead to varicose vein. Elderly people are prone to varicose veins because veins get weaker with age. It is also believed that genetics play a vital role, and therefore if your parents have or had varicose veins you may be at a higher risk of developing varicose veins yourself.

Should You Consider Laser Surgery For Varicose Veins?

The Pros And Cons Of Laser Surgery For Varicose Veins

Stripping the vein was one of the most common methods use to resolve varicose veins in the past, but things have changed today. With modern technology and equipment, most patients that have varicose veins prefer laser surgery. During laser treatment for varicose veins, a burst of concentrated light is sent into the vein, causing damage and subsequent scar-tissue formation. The scar formation closes the vein. Without access to blood, the vein eventually dies, after which is is reabsorbed by the body and disappears altogether.

There are two types of vein laser treatment; simple laser treatment and endovenous laser treatment.  The basic premise of both procedures is the same: the vein is damaged, develops scar tissue, and dies. The blood that used to flow through the targeted vein is re-routed through other veins, although the patient can never see this process happening.

While simple vein laser treatment is administered externally for tiny varicose veins just under the surface of the skin, endovenous laser treatment is focused to treat larger varicose veins in the legs — a catheter is inserted into the skin to get the laser beam closer to the vein. 

One of the reasons why most patients prefer vein laser surgery is because of the shorter recovery period compared to the stripping and vein ligation methods. If you undergo a simple laser treatment, you'll be able to walk and resume your normal activities right away. Those who undergo endovenous laser treatment will have to wear supportive stockings for a week, as well as returning to their physician's office for a follow-up ultrasound procedure to ensure the vein was successfully closed. 

Simple laser treatment has been used for two decades now, and it's a safe and effective procedure. Endovenous laser treatment represents a newer procedure. You have to be aware that there's roughly a six percent chance that endovenous laser treatment won't work the first time. In that case, returning for a second procedure is necessary — whether it's another laser surgery or a more traditional surgical removal of the vein.

You may want to consider the possible side effects of laser treatment for varicose veins too. Skin burns, pigmentation changes that will leave your skin looking discolored, and unpleasant skin sensations even after you should have fully recovered are possible, as are blood clots. Both blood clots and nerve damage are less prevalent among those who underwent laser surgery compared to the traditional vein stripping method, however.

Apart from that, you also need to consider the overall treatment cost because the total cost of the surgery will depend on various exams and tests that you need to undergo. You should always consult with the surgeon about the actual cost of the surgery to ensure that there are no additional expenses later on.

READ Varicose Veins Treatment Options

 If the laser surgery is not done by an experienced surgeon it can also burn the skin and lead to temporary nerve damage. Additionally, there is higher probability of early clinical recurrence in the near future.

Conclusion

Apart from laser treatment, there are many other ways to resolve varicose vein problem like sclerotherapy, microsclerotherapy, endothermal ablation, radiofrequency ablation, endoscopic vein surgery, ambulatory phlebectomy, transilluminated powered phlebectomy and vein stripping and ligation. Different types of varicose veins respond better to different treatment and therefore it is recommended that you take a look at all the options available before choosing the vein laser surgery. You have to look into various factors like the experience of the surgeon, the total cost of laser treatment and also the recovery period that suits your requirements to determine whether vein laser surgery is an ideal option for you or whether you should try out other treatment procedures.