Best Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) in Melbourne

Introduction to Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)

EVLT plays a key role in safely treating varicose veins using the heat from a laser to close and shrink large, bulging veins. This procedure is increasing in popularity due to its safety, effectiveness and minimal discomfort. Whether you have varicose veins from pregnancy, lifestyle or family history, non-invasive treatments like EVLT offer welcome relief from the look and feel of enlarged veins. Nearly all varicose vein patients are suitable for EVLT, and Vein Care’s proven expertise in this area promises noticeable results.

Why Do We Use EVLT at Vein Care Melbourne

EVLT varicose veins laser therapy is offered as an alternative to traditional surgical vein “stripping” procedures, with the advantages of being more effective and less painful with minimal downtime.

EVLT utilises both ultrasound and laser technology to optimise varicose veins treatment, making it one of the most technologically advanced treatments available at Vein Care. After all, it’s suitable in both the summer and winter, and unlike traditional surgical vein stripping, you can end up walking right away.

What is Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)?

EVLT, also known as endovenous laser ablation, is a non-surgical vein treatment that uses laser heat to collapse varicose veins. Unlike sclerotherapy and microsclerotherapy which uses a liquid or foam sclerosant to target enlarged veins, EVLT uses innovative laser technology to cause the vein to close in on itself and eventually absorb naturally into the body.

 This minimally invasive procedure is guided by imaging to insert a thin catheter into the vein through a tiny puncture in the skin. A laser source is attached at the end, which sends laser energy into the entire vein length, causing the ablation or destruction of the wall. It’s a highly effective way to minimise visible varicose veins while improving physical comfort and self-confidence.

Why Choose EVLT for Varicose Veins?

There are many advantages of EVLT, such as minimal recovery time, reduced pain and high effectiveness. Compared to traditional methods like vein stripping surgery which requires general anaesthesia, endovenous laser ablation is considered a safer, simpler alternative.

With few side effects and long-lasting results, the endovenous laser treatment cost is worthwhile for twisted, enlarged varicose veins. If you’re looking for a cutting-edge solution to varicose veins, endovenous laser treatment at Vein Care could be perfect for you. Check out our free varicose veins guide to explore laser vein treatment options and costs in Melbourne.

The EVLT Procedure: Step-by-Step

Now let’s go through the steps involved in the EVLT procedure, from preparation to actual treatment and immediate post-procedure care. Here’s what to expect:

1. During your initial consultation, we will confirm if laser vein treatment is right for you or if an alternate treatment would work better.
2. We will go through your medical history and a physical exam to prepare for treatment. If you have any allergies, medical conditions or regular medications, we will discuss these accordingly.
3. Next, we schedule your outpatient appointment for non-surgical vein treatment.
4. On the day of, we will comfortably position you face-up or face-down and set up imaging technology to guide the procedure.
5. Local anaesthetic is applied to the affected area during EVLT varicose veins laser treatment to ensure patient comfort.
6. After anaesthetic is applied, ultrasound guidance is used to insert a laser fibre into the abnormal vein.
7. The laser is then activated, and the fibre is drawn through the length of the vein, causing it to seal.
8. Adjacent abnormal veins are typically treated with ultrasound guided sclerotherapy or ambulatory phlebectomy.
9. The total treatment time takes approximately 1.5 hours and after treatment, compression stockings are required to speed up the recovery process.

Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) Recovery 

Thanks to the compression stockings and local anaesthetic, there is very minimal discomfort with endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins, both during the procedure and throughout the recovery period. Patients can go home right away and just need to keep bandages on for the next 48 hours. 30 minutes of walking a day also ensures proper recovery from this low-risk procedure, with the lone possible side effects being bruising and minor discomfort.

Compression stockings and over-the-counter pain medication are suitable for managing common side effects. You should be able to return to work and other normal activities within a day or two, although you should try to keep your legs elevated while sitting and walk at least 10 to 20 minutes three times a day. While recovering from laser vein treatment, refrain from lifting heavy weights, running, jumping or other strenuous activities.

Laser Vein Removal Long-Term Results and Follow-Up

The success rate for EVLT over a 3-5-year period is approximately 90 percent, which makes it a highly recommended option for our patients who need fast, effective laser therapy for varicose veins with minimal recovery. We often recommend follow-up treatments as ongoing vein health maintenance is the best way to ensure long-lasting results with laser varicose vein removal. Healthy lifestyle choices can also help prevent more varicose veins from developing in the future.

Is Endovenous Laser Treatment Suitable for You?

Endovenous laser treatment is a relatively new treatment option for varicose vein management, but it is not appropriate for all cases, such as those with small recurrent veins following previous operations. To determine your suitability for EVLT treatment, it is required that you discuss this option with our expert medical staff during a consultation. Even if EVLT isn’t right for you, foam sclerotherapy may be an appropriate alternative.

Your vein doctor will help relieve any worries by going through each step of the laser treatment, which also includes aftercare management so you can get back to your everyday life as soon as possible.

Endovenous Laser Treatment: Things to Know Before Your Procedure

While the results of endovenous laser treatment are highly effective and worthwhile for most patients, there are some potential risks and complications to be aware of, as with any procedure. Thrombophlebitis, nerve damage, burns and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are possible side effects of this treatment, although we carefully manage these risks by keeping a close eye on patients before, during and after treatment. If we have any concerns at any stage, we will let you know so you can feel at ease every step of the way.

Generally speaking, when comparing EVLT with traditional treatments like vein surgery, there is much less discomfort and fewer side effects involved. This laser vein treatment boasts a 90% success rate over three to five years, while sclerotherapy offers a 70 to 80% improvement in treated veins after several sessions. If you need help deciding on which one works better for you, we can help you go through the pros and cons of different vein treatments.

EVLT Costs and Insurance Coverage

The use of innovative laser technology makes EVLT more expensive than sclerotherapy, with costs ranging from $500 to $3,500+ depending on your specific circumstances and the severity of your varicose veins. Scheduling a consultation with our trusted team is a great place to start.

As for Medicare coverage, the national benefits scheme does not apply to cosmetic treatments for varicose veins. If you are experiencing painful symptoms of varicose veins and they are 2.5mm in size or greater, then you may be eligible for Medicare benefits following non-invasive vein treatments. The majority of private health insurers also require varicose vein treatment to be medically necessary for coverage, however, it’s best to check with your specific insurer for more details.

Varicose Vein Treatment Patient Testimonials and Case Studies

With 20+ years of experience in varicose vein treatment, Dr. Gurjit Dhillon and his Vein Care team are dedicated to delivering noticeable results with non-invasive procedures. Many patients have undergone EVLT at our Melbourne vein clinic with exciting results, as you can see in our before and after gallery of case studies. With positive feedback on the treatment time, comfort levels and permanent results, endovenous laser treatment is a popular choice for eliminating varicose veins using the best of modern medical technology.

Discover Laser Varicose Vein Treatment Options at Vein Care in Melbourne

If you’re ready to explore endovenous laser treatment, our knowledgeable vein specialists are here to help. Rest assured you are in safe hands with Dr. Gurjit Dhillon and his reputable team. Call 1300 568 676 or contact us online to book your consultation with dedicated vein doctors in Melbourne.