What is EVLT?
Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) is an ablative technique for varicose veins using 1420 nm diode laser energy. EVLT is one of our ultrasound-guided therapies we have available at Lynch Vein & Aesthetics. Our board-certified general surgeon and medical director, Dr. Matthew Lynch, performs EVLT with the Harmony XL PRO in his office with a local anesthetic. While there are multiple treatment avenues Dr. Lynch can provide for bulging varicose veins, EVLT is an effective treatment of chronic venous insufficiency for men and women.
This is a type of endovenous thermal vein ablation that can be combined with other varicose vein treatments, such as ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy and/or a microphlebectomy. All EVLT treatments are performed at our office in Peoria, AZ. You can have a consultation, examination, and a diagnostic Doppler ultrasound to see if EVLT is an appropriate treatment for you.
What are the benefits of endovenous laser therapy?
Bulging varicose veins are common but can cause problems like pain, swelling, discolored skin, and poor blood flow that interfere with your daily life. Many people find themselves avoiding social activities and certain kinds of clothing because of unsightly veins. Luckily, endovenous laser therapy is a minimally-invasive procedure at Lynch Vein & Aesthetics. This procedure safely closes the vein causing the issue, allowing it to naturally absorb into the body over time. Patients can feel more confident, comfortable, and stylish in no time at all!
Endovenous Laser Therapy Reviews
Am I a Candidate for EVLT?
Many people believe that varicose vein treatment is only for an aesthetic benefit. Candidates for EVLT know that the appearance of their skin is only one of the benefits of treatment. Why? Generally, men and women with oversized, painful varicose veins know that there may be a medical issue involved (like venous reflux or insufficiency) with their symptoms. You may qualify for EVLT if you have:
- Protruding veins on the surface of your skin
- Discolored skin where the vein bulges
- Painful legs/vein cramps
- Swelling
- Leg ulcers
- Poor blood flow
- Skin that is sometimes warm to the touch
- Restless legs at night
- Itchy skin
If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of varicose veins, it is best to have a vein specialist examine you. Even if you do not make a great candidate for EVLT, Dr. Lynch has the expertise to get you the medical treatment you need. He will help you select the best treatment options (alone or as a combination of therapies) for you.
Dr. Lynch's EVLT ablative Vein Technique
We will have a private treatment room set up for you at Lynch Vein & Aesthetics. We will ask that you wear a paper gown for Dr. Lynch to have full access to your skin during the treatment. He will inject you with a local anesthetic to numb you before inserting the catheter in the vein. Once the Doppler ultrasound and catheter are in place, Dr. Lynch will begin the laser portion of the treatment. He will view your vein on a monitor as he performs the procedure. The heat from the laser will cauterize the vein and close it. After the vein has closed, Dr. Lynch can remove the catheter and secure the tiny incision with a bandage. You can expect the treatment to last less than an hour in most cases. Before you leave our office, Dr. Lynch will have you wear compression stockings for the first two weeks of your recovery. You will also need to make a follow-up appointment.
Your Care after vein ablation
We advise that you do not resume strenuous physical activity after EVLT, but we do want you to remain active. For proper recovery, we ask that you take a 10 – 15-minute walk every day. Also, it is important for you to wear your compression stockings as directed by Dr. Lynch. You may feel sore or tender in the convalescing area(s).
When you come in for your follow-up appointment, Dr. Lynch will conduct another ultrasound where the treatment was performed to see the improvements, to detect if any blood clots have formed, and to confirm if you need additional EVLT treatments.
Endovenous laser therapy FAQs
Is endovenous laser therapy painful?
Most patients at Lynch Vein & Aesthetics report little to no pain with EVLT. Our professionals use a local anesthetic to make sure you feel as comfortable as possible. While you may feel some discomfort during EVLT, people find that it is preferable to the pain associated with varicose veins.
Am I a good candidate for EVLT?
Endovenous laser therapy is minimally invasive, and treatment is performed on an outpatient basis, which makes this an excellent option for most men and women. If your varicose veins are very small or you are not a candidate for EVLT, other treatment options may be available. You’ll learn about your options during an initial consultation.
How do I prepare for EVLT?
Our team can provide any detailed instructions before scheduling your appointment. We recommend wearing loose-fitted and comfortable clothing on the day of your treatment. Please arrive early to your appointment so you can check in and prepare for the procedure.
for innovative treatments – call Dr. Lynch
If you are searching for a vein doctor for the first time or would like Dr. Lynch to manage your future vascular care needs, please reach out to our team in Peoria, AZ. We offer EVLT with the Harmony XL PRO laser to patients who want an alternative to sclerosing infusions and other types of vein treatment. See if you qualify by meeting with Dr. Lynch one-on-one for a consultation at Lynch Vein & Aesthetics.
