Your Trusted Cardiologist In NYC

Current Articles | RSS Feed   RSS Feed

What Are My Options For Laser Vein Removal

What Are My Options For Laser Vein Removal

Varicose veins are present in 30 to 60 percent of adults. They are characterized by a dark red, blue, or purple coloration. The veins often appear twisted and raised. Initially, they may pose very little threat even though they look serious.

Under normal circumstances, the veins are not painful, but if you are at risk for developing blood clots or genetically predisposed to changes in your vascular structure; it may be wise to speak to a cardiologist about your options for laser vein removal.

Why ask about removal?twitter-logo

The sensation changes within the veins themselves may be assigned of deep vein thrombosis. A condition where clots form inside of the vein walls. It can cause vulnerable sections of vein to sting, burn, swell, and become painful or hard to the touch.

If left untreated, this condition can cause serious injury or death. The clots that form can use your vascular system as a pathway into your vital organs, which causes:

  • heart attack
  • stroke
  • pulmonary embolism

It is important to know your options for laser vein removal so any interventional steps can be taken quickly to effectively address the problem.

What are my options?

There are three basic options for laser vein removal:

  1. Endovenous Laser Treatment-a small laser fiber is inserted directly into the vein through a small incision. The heat from the fiber is delivered inside the vein to collapse it. There is minimal bleeding due to the cauterizing effect of the laser fiber. This is an outpatient procedure done under local anesthesia.
  2. Radiofrequency Occlusion-similar to endovenous treatment; radiofrequency methodology uses a small catheter to deliver energy pulses directly into the vein wall. As a result, the vein seals shut and collapses. The procedure can be done in-office under local anesthesia.
  3. Intense Pulsed Light-this method uses a light emitted by lasers to externally treat abnormal vein formations. There’s no need to use needles or inject any solutions into the vein, but some patients have reported discomfort such as blistering on the skin. Some discoloration is normal while the light works to collapse the vein. Unlike the other options listed; this treatment can take up to six weeks to work.

Surgical options are also available, but they are more invasive in nature. Get evaluated by a specialist and ask about insurance coverage before making your final decision.

In most cases, insurance covers deep vein removal procedures, including options for laser vein removal because it is viewed as a medical necessity, not a cosmetic or elective choice.

Consult a specialist.

Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site.  Call us at (212) 367-8000.

file-377486013

Comments

Currently, there are no comments. Be the first to post one!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All Posts