varicose vein treatment options

Laser vs Chemical Ablation for Varicose Veins

Laser and chemical ablation are generally considered to be the best options nowadays for treating varicose veins. Both are noninvasive techniques using new technology.

Once upon a time, the main treatment for varicose veins was surgical vein stripping, but this involved a much longer recovery period than either of the newer options.

Laser/Thermal Ablation

Laser ablation uses intense heat to destroy the vein from within. The technique is called ‘endovenous laser ablation’ or ‘EVLA‘. Endovenous means inside the vein, laser is the instrument used and ablation refers to destroying the vein.

This technique is carried out under local anaesthetic and offers quick recovery, minimal scarring and excellent outcomes.

Chemical Ablation

By contrast, chemical ablation uses an injectable substance instead of heat. This substance is called a ‘sclerosant’ and works to break down the vein from within. The treatment is known as ‘sclerotherapy‘ (for thread veins) or ‘foam sclerotherapy‘ (for varicose veins or larger thread veins).

This technique has minimal side-effects and like EVLA, offers quick recovery, minimal scarring and excellent outcomes.

Which Procedure?

Choosing the most appropriate treatment depends on the nature of the veins. EVLA is generally considered the newest solution, but in some cases, chemical treatment may be more appropriate or more cost effective.

Sometimes a combination of both approaches may be beneficial for optimum results.

Cosmedics’ London Vein Treatment Centre offers an exclusive combination treatment ‘Tumescent Foam Sclerotherapy‘.

The best way to understand which treatment is most appropriate is to have a consultation with a Vascular Surgeon, including a duplex scan to give full visibility on the vein functioning from within.

Varicose Vein Treatment

They also offer foam sclerotherapy and micro surgery in order to provide a tailor-made service with the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

Thread veins can be treated with sclerotherapy injections, micro cautery laser or Nd:Yag laser.

For more information, please complete the form to the right hand side or call 020 7386 0464.

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