Endovenous Laser Therapy

Endovenous laser therapy is a treatment for painful, swollen, or unsightly varicose veins. Performed with a local anaesthetic, EVLT is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser heat to destroy varicose veins.

Under ultrasound guidance, a laser fibre is inserted directly into your vein to shrink it and cause scar tissue to seal off your vein. Your blood then flows through other nearby veins instead.

EVLT is the preferred surgical option for varicose veins by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as opposed to invasive vein stripping surgery.

About 70 to 80% of patients have varicose veins that are suitable for EVLA. You are an appropriate candidate for EVLA if your varicose veins are caused by the backward flow of blood in your long saphenous vein in your thigh or its major branches.

However, not all patients with varicose veins are suitable for this treatment. EVLA is not recommended for people who are in poor general health, unable to walk, have a clotting disorder, or are pregnant. A pre-procedure ultrasound scan may show that your varicose veins are not suitable for EVLT if it finds excessive twisting or inflammation of your vein. Your surgeon will advise you about alternative treatments if EVLA is not suitable for you.

There are a variety of lasers to perform EVLT. They are all very similar.

Some lasers are thought to cause less discomfort than other standard lasers. However, the pain patients experience with standard lasers is minimal and easily tolerated. Also, these newer lasers have not undergone the same extensive clinical testing as the standard ones. It is therefore uncertain about their long-term effectiveness.

The costs of endovenous laser surgery vary from patient to patient. They will depend on the number of veins that need treating and your Ramsay hospital of choice.

You will receive a formal quotation price for your EVLT after your consultation with one of our experienced vascular surgeons. This formal quote will be valid for 60 days.

The costs of your endovenous laser therapy may be covered by medical insurance. Health insurance typically does not cover this procedure if it is for cosmetic reasons. However, if it is recommended for medical reasons such as your varicose veins are causing you pain and discomfort, EVLT may be covered by your insurance. We advise you get written confirmation from your insurance provider before your vein treatment commences.

If you are paying for yourself, we offer a variety of payment options including interest-free finance.

Most people recover quickly from endovenous laser treatment.

After treatment, you will have compression bandages on for five to seven days. You will then wear a compression stocking which you should keep on for a further one to two weeks.

You can expect bruising and aching or pain in the treated area. This usually resolves after a few days but may be longer for some patients. Painkillers can help.

Typically, you can get back to your normal activities within a day or two.

Vigorous activity and hot baths should be avoided for the first week. Also, avoid flying and excessively long journeys for the first four weeks.

We will arrange a follow-up appointment after your treatment to determine the success of your treatment and to discuss if any additional treatment might be useful, such as sclerotherapy.