North Carolina EVLT: What You Should Know Before Treatment

You may be familiar with the phrase, “There are only two guarantees in life: Death and taxes.” But perhaps we should add varicose veins to that short list. These bothersome, often unsightly veins can occur in almost anyone, regardless of age or gender, and they affect up to 35 percent of Americans.

But that doesn’t mean you have to live with varicose veins, especially in beautiful North Carolina, where the weather is mild enough to wear shorts and dresses for much of the year. That’s because advanced treatments are close to home.

If you’re bothered by large, bulging varicose veins that cause swelling, ulcers and aches in your legs, you could be an ideal candidate for endovenous laser ablation treatment (EVLT/EVLA). EVLT is a minimally invasive procedure we perform, for medical and cosmetic purposes, in our Greensboro and Winston-Salem offices at Carolina Vein Specialists.

What you should know before having EVLT

EVLT uses targeted laser energy to heat a vein from the inside, causing it to collapse and eventually disappear. Here are a few key facts about EVLT:

  • It’s quick and comfortable for most people – EVLT usually takes about an hour and is performed on an outpatient basis. You should be able resume normal activities right away, but should avoid flying or taking long car trips. You’ll also need to wear a compression bandage for a few days. Typically, no extra bed rest is needed. In fact, we suggest that most people remain active after the procedure.
  • Side effects, if any, are minimal – You may have a little tenderness and bruising after EVLT, but compression bandages will help minimize those. In some instances, the treated vein can become inflamed (thrombophlebitis), which can be painful, but over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medications usually help. A far less common complication — heat damage to nearby nerves — can cause localized numbness, but it usually goes away over time.
  • Some insurance plans cover EVLT – If your varicose veins are causing severe symptoms, EVLT is performed out of medical necessity. In this situation, the procedure is covered by most insurance plans. Carolina Vein Specialists work diligently with insurers to secure coverage for your evaluation and medical treatment.

Get advanced, effective EVLT in the North Carolina Triad

When you’re ready to restore the health and beauty of your legs, trust the caring, experienced doctors at Carolina Vein Specialists. Our doctors have been successfully performed thousands of EVLT in North Carolina, and our nurses and staff are here to support you before, during and after your EVLT procedure. Let us help you achieve your treatment goals, whether cosmetic or medical, starting today.

To learn more or schedule an appointment in Greensboro or Winston-Salem, call 336-218-8346 or click here to use our online form.