Laser Ablation

Chronic leg pain, swelling, or visible varicose veins can make daily life uncomfortable—and in many cases, underlying vein disease causes these symptoms. At Prospero Vascular, we offer Laser Ablation as a highly effective, non-surgical solution to eliminate varicose veins and restore healthy blood flow.

Laser Ablation, also known as Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT), is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that treats selected cases of chronic venous insufficiency by closing a refluxing superficial vein using targeted laser energy. Recovery time varies.

What Is Laser Ablation?

Laser Ablation is a technique used to close incompetent or refluxing superficial veins, typically the great saphenous vein or small saphenous vein. These veins, when damaged, allow blood to flow backward and pool in the legs, leading to symptoms like:

• Varicose veins
• Leg heaviness or aching
• Swelling
• Cramping
• Skin discoloration
• Restlessness or burning sensations
• By delivering laser energy inside the vein, the vein wall collapses and seals shut. The body then gradually absorbs the closed vein, and healthy surrounding veins take over normal circulation.

How It Works

A specialist performs the procedure under ultrasound guidance for accuracy. After applying local anesthesia, the specialist inserts a thin laser fiber through a small catheter into the target vein. Laser energy is activated and slowly withdrawn along the vein’s length, causing controlled heat damage to the vein wall and resulting in its closure.

Once closed, the diseased vein no longer allows backward blood flow, and symptoms begin to resolve. Because Laser Ablation targets the problem at its source, it is far more effective than surface treatments or compression stockings alone.

Conditions Treated with Laser Ablation

Laser Ablation is primarily used to treat chronic venous insufficiency and associated conditions, including:

• Varicose veins
• Venous reflux disease
• Symptomatic saphenous vein incompetence
• Leg pain and swelling caused by poor venous drainage
• Skin changes due to vein disease (venous stasis dermatitis or lipodermatosclerosis)
• It is not used for cosmetic spider veins, but can significantly reduce the symptoms and appearance of bulging varicose veins.

Benefits of Laser Ablation

Laser Ablation offers a modern, non-surgical solution for vein disease. Benefits include:

• Minimally invasive, outpatient procedure
• No general anesthesia required
• Less pain and bruising than traditional vein stripping
• For appropriately selected patients, vein closure rates can be high; individual results vary.
• Short recovery time—most patients resume normal activity within a day
• Significant symptom relief and cosmetic improvement
• Insurance coverage depends on the plan, diagnosis, and medical-necessity criteria.
• Patients often notice improvements in leg heaviness, cramping, and swelling within days, with further improvement over the following weeks.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Laser Ablation takes about 45 minutes to one hour and is performed in our outpatient interventional suite. Here’s what to expect:

• You’ll lie comfortably on an exam table while the skin is cleaned and prepped.
• The specialist applies local anesthesia to numb the treatment area.
• Using ultrasound guidance, the specialist inserts a catheter into the affected vein.
• The specialist guides a laser fiber through the catheter and positions it correctly.
• As the laser is activated and slowly withdrawn, it seals the vein shut from the inside.
• A compression stocking is applied, and you’ll be encouraged to walk immediately after the procedure.

Recovery and Aftercare

After the procedure, most patients walk out of the office and return to normal activities the same day. To aid healing and improve circulation:

• Wear compression stockings as directed (typically for 1–2 weeks)
• Walk regularly to encourage blood flow
• Avoid prolonged standing, sitting, or strenuous exercise for a few days
• Follow up with your provider for post-procedure imaging if needed
• Mild soreness, bruising, or tightness along the treated vein is normal and resolves quickly. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient for comfort.

Is Laser Ablation Right for You?

Laser Ablation may be right for you if you have:

• Visible varicose veins
• Leg pain, fatigue, or swelling that worsens with standing
• Ultrasound-confirmed venous reflux
• Symptoms that have not improved with conservative treatment (e.g., compression stockings)
• No active infection or clot in the target vein
• During your consultation at Prospero Vascular, we’ll perform a detailed venous ultrasound and review your symptoms to determine if Laser Ablation is appropriate. For patients with more complex vein issues, other treatments like ambulatory phlebectomy or sclerotherapy may be recommended in combination.

Risks and Considerations

Laser ablation has potential risks and side effects, as with any procedure:

• Minor bruising or discomfort at the access site
• Temporary leg tightness or tingling
• Rare risk of blood clot (deep vein thrombosis)
• Skin burns or nerve irritation (extremely rare)
• Experienced interventional specialists perform all procedures using advanced equipment and imaging, significantly reducing any risk.

Why Choose Prospero Vascular?

At Prospero Vascular, we combine advanced technology with personalized care to treat the root causes of vein disease. Our providers are experienced in minimally invasive techniques and are dedicated to helping you look and feel better—without surgery or lengthy downtime.

Experienced, board-certified interventional specialists

On-site vascular ultrasound for accurate diagnosis

State-of-the-art equipment and image-guided techniques

Compassionate care in a calm, outpatient setting

Focus on long-term results, not just cosmetic fixes

We believe in restoring your mobility, confidence, and comfort—one step at a time.

Schedule Your Vein Consultation

If you’ve been living with varicose veins or leg discomfort, it’s time to explore a lasting solution. Laser Ablation offers fast relief with minimal downtime—and it starts with a simple evaluation.

Contact Prospero Vascular today to schedule your vein consultation. Our team is ready to help you take the first step toward healthier, pain-free legs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Information on this page is educational and does not replace an individual medical evaluation. Please discuss expected benefits, alternatives, and risks with your treating clinician.