Endovenous Laser Therapy or EVLA

Endovenous Laser Therapy is used to treat varicose veins without the need for heavily invasive procedures or surgery. Varicose veins are often described as unsightly, swollen and enlarged, with a dark, purple and blue appearance. They are often found on the legs and are a result of obesity, pregnancy and old age. Endovenous Laser Therapy works by using heated laser to treat varicose veins, to improve overall appearance and reduce visibility. 

On consultation, varicose veins will be identified and examined, and your consultant will talk you through the Endovenous Laser Therapy procedure, pre-and post-treatment, results and answer any of your questions.

The procedure usually begins with an ultrasound scan performed to determine precise location and treatment area of varicose veins, usually marked with a pen. This is followed by an anaesthetic injected into the treatment area, followed by a needle placed inside. A wire is then passed through the needle, and treated area, and up the vein. Once the needle has been removed, a thin plastic tubing, also commonly known as a catheter, is passed over the wire, up the vein and then the wire is removed. The laser fibre is then passed up the tube for around five minutes, with the heat destroying the walls of the varicose veins. The body will naturally absorb the dead cells or tissue caused by Endovenous Laser Therapy heat, and further destroying the appearance of varicose veins.

Once apparatus is removed safely, the treatment area is covered with a dressing.

During your treatment, you will be required to wear laser goggles to protect the eyes. Usually, the procedure takes around thirty minutes, and if repeated on the other leg, may take just over an one hour. It is not a painful process. 

It is recommended to avoid driving after your treatment, and patients can usually return home within 30 minutes after the procedure. Stockings are recommended to be worn up to two weeks’ post-treatment, and instructions on how to main results will be given on consultation and during treatment.

Lifestyle, work and activities should not be affected, and often continued as usual after treatment. However, during the first two weeks of wearing stockings, you cannot swim or get your legs wet.

There are little side effects other than experiencing a tightened sensation around treatment area, but this should soon disappear overtime. If this tightening sensation becomes painful, simple anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen are recommended. 

Most patients will require further treatment to maintain and improve further the appearance of skin and varicose veins.

Endovenous Laser Therapy can reduce the appearance of varicose veins but cannot eliminate them completely. 

There are little complications when it comes to ELVA treatment, however rare problems may arrive such as thrombophlebitis, nerve damage burns and DVT. 

Treatment price will depend on the individual and number of treatment areas. This can all be discussed on consultation.