ENDOVENOUS LASER ABLATION (EVLA)
What is Endovenous Laser Ablation?
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLA) is primarily employed for addressing the Large Great and Small Saphenous Veins, akin to the main trunks of a tree. These veins were traditionally treated through surgical ligation and stripping, a procedure performed in a hospital under general anesthesia.
Additionally, this method can also be applied to treat other substantial veins, such as the Anterior Accessory Vein or larger perforators.
What to expect when having Endovenous Laser Ablation
– Photos of your legs will be taken prior to treatment.
– You will be measured for medical grade compression stockings which must be worn post treatment for up to 7 days.
– With ultrasound guidance and through a series of small injections,local anaesthesia will be used to numb the area around your vein.
– If additional pain relief is required, your clinic offers both Penthrox (green whistle) and Entonox (laughing gas) Note: If you require this form of additional pain relief, you will be required to have someone drive you home.
– Your Dr will make a small incision in your leg, usually below your knee or near your ankle. Through this incision and with ultrasound guidance, the laser fibre is then fed into your abnormal vein The Doctor will activate the laser to generate heat. This produces a reaction in the vein wall along the treated section, resulting in collapse and sclerosis of the vein wall, permanently sealing off the vein.
What to expect post your microsclerotherapy treatment?
– You will be required to wear your medical grade compression stockings for a min of one week. The first 4 days, you must not take off your compression stockings. This means, even showering in them. The following 3 days, you can take your compression off to shower, but you must wear them during the day. You may sleep without your compression if you so desire.
– Note, your legs will look ‘worse’ before they look better.
– Avoid excessive sun exposure to treated areas for at least one month after treatment. This can cause hyperpigmentation.
– Avoid strenuous activities or high-impact workouts for one week after treatment.
– DO NOT take any hot baths, showers or sit in any hot tubs for one week after treatment.
– DO NOT be overly sedentary during your recovery.
– You will be requested to take 2 daily 30min walks of one week post treatment.