Laser treatments for veins in Erie, PA, is also known as endovenous laser ablation or laser therapy. The therapy uses the heat generated by laser energy to seal off blood veins that are damaged. The vein is closed off by zapping it with bursts of high-intensity light. No cuts or needles are used in laser vein treatment. The blood flow is diverted to nearby healthy veins, and after treatment, the treated vein is reabsorbed into the surrounding tissue.
What Causes Varicose and Spider Veins?
You may think that varicose veins are simply a cosmetic issue, but that is not the case. Varicose and spider veins can be a sign of more serious underlying vein diseases.
Arteries carry oxygenated blood from your lungs to the rest of your body. When all the oxygen has been delivered, veins move the blood back to your heart, which in turn pushes the blood to the lungs. Once veins move to the lungs; they receive a new oxygen supply. Hard-working veins work against gravity when transporting blood from your feet and legs, and a system of one-way valves are used to ensure there is no backflow.
Valves in veins can become diseased or damaged and this causes blood to leak blood. Blood pools in the lower half of your body and increases pressure on vein walls. Your veins become swollen and twisted; they begin to protrude against your skin. When you notice varicose veins, you see this pooling blood. The vein most at risk for this issue is the saphenous vein that carries blood from your feet to the top of your thighs.
Spider veins have the same causes, but they look different. Instead of the thick, swollen bulges of varicose veins, spider veins create networks of thin purple, red or blue lines just beneath the skin’s surface.
Those who are at risk of varicose and spider veins include pregnant ladies, those who are overweight or obese, and people who smoke. If you sit or stand a great deal of time, you may notice that spidery and ropy veins are showing under your skin.
How Do Laser Treatment for Veins in Erie, PA Work?
Endovenous laser treatments use laser energy to close unhealthy vessels, and the procedure is referred to as Endovenous Laser Ablation or EVLA. It is minimally invasive and takes less than an hour to resolve.
Laser treatments for veins in Erie, PA include; first, a local anesthetic applied so you don’t feel pain during the procedure. Next, an ultrasound is used for guidance and a thin laser fiber is inserted in the unhealthy vessel. Laser energy is then utilized to seal the vein permanently. Blood is then rerouted to healthier veins. Eventually, the tissue from treated veins is reabsorbed by your body and all signs of the spider and varicose veins are gone.
Are Laser Treatment for Veins in Erie, PA Safe?
Endovenous laser treatment is minimally invasive. After your diagnosis, one of our qualified professionals at Glow Laser & Beauty Center will decide what laser treatment for veins in Erie, PA, is best for you. All options will be discussed with you and if EVLT is the best treatment, a customized plan to use laser energy for your damaged veins is formulated.
Before laser treatment for veins in Erie, PA, surgery that involved removing veins or tying them closed was required. Excisions were required and recovery took long, painful weeks. Now, laser treatments in Erie PA use laser energy to treat veins and all that is needed is one incision.
The Pros of Laser Treatments in Erie Pa include:
- Mild discomfort
- Skin does not discolor
- No scars of marks
- Procedure time is low (1hour)
- Return to normal activity immediately.
Laser treatments for veins in Erie, PA, are very safe. It takes minimal time to perform (about 1 hour for each leg), and a majority of patients have no side effects. Laser treatments for veins in Erie, PA are designed to reduce any infection to patients. There are some side effects of EVLT and the professionals at Glow Laser & Beauty Center request that you report the following symptoms.
- Burns
- Swelling and redness
- Nerve damage that may cause a tingling or numbing sensation
- Change of skin color around the vein
- Excessive bleeding at the treatment site
- Blood clots
- Itchy or painful veins
Watch for deep vein thrombosis that could be a side effect of EVLT. It is very rare but does need to be considered. Consult with the professionals at Glow Laser & Beauty Center to find your options for laser treatments for veins in Erie, PA. They will give you the best advice.