Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT): A Modern Solution for Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are more than a cosmetic concern. They can cause aching, swelling, heaviness, and even long-term complications if left untreated. For decades, patients had few options beyond painful surgical vein stripping. Thankfully, modern medicine now offers a much safer and simpler alternative: Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT).

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) here in St. Louis, EVLT is one of our most trusted treatments for venous insufficiency. It allows patients to address the root cause of varicose veins, improve circulation, and get back to daily activities with minimal downtime.

Let’s take a closer look at what EVLT is, how it works, and why it may be the right choice for you.

What Is Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)?

EVLT is a minimally invasive vein treatment that uses laser energy to seal off diseased veins. Instead of surgically removing varicose veins, EVLT works from the inside by closing faulty veins and rerouting blood flow to healthier ones.

The procedure is done in-office under local anesthesia and usually takes less than an hour. Because it addresses the underlying cause of varicose veins—failing vein valves—it not only improves leg appearance but also relieves pain, swelling, and fatigue.

How Does EVLT Work?

The process of EVLT is straightforward and patient-friendly:

  1. Ultrasound Mapping: First, an ultrasound is used to identify the diseased vein and map out treatment.
  2. Local Numbing: A numbing solution is applied along the vein for comfort.
  3. Laser Fiber Insertion: A tiny laser fiber is inserted into the vein through a small puncture in the skin.
  4. Laser Energy Delivery: The laser fiber delivers controlled heat energy, which causes the vein walls to collapse and seal shut.
  5. Blood Flow Redirected: Once closed, the vein is no longer able to pool blood. Instead, blood naturally reroutes through healthier nearby veins.

Over time, the treated vein is absorbed by the body and symptoms resolve.

Benefits of EVLT

EVLT has quickly become the gold standard in varicose vein treatment because of its many advantages:

  • Minimally invasive: No large incisions or stitches.
  • Quick recovery: Most patients return to work and normal activities the next day.
  • Effective: High success rates (over 95%) in closing diseased veins.
  • Comfortable: Performed under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort.
  • Improves symptoms: Relieves pain, heaviness, swelling, and cramping.
  • Cosmetic benefits: Reduces visible bulging veins for improved appearance.

Who Is a Candidate for EVLT?

EVLT is recommended for patients with chronic venous insufficiency, the underlying cause of varicose veins. You may be a good candidate if you have:

  • Large, bulging varicose veins
  • Leg pain, heaviness, or throbbing
  • Swelling around the ankles or calves
  • Skin discoloration or thickening around the veins
  • Venous ulcers or slow-healing sores

During a consultation at our St. Louis clinic, we perform a venous ultrasound to confirm whether EVLT is the best treatment for your vein disease.

What to Expect After EVLT

One of the biggest advantages of EVLT is the short recovery time. Here’s what most patients experience:

  • Immediate improvement in heaviness, aching, and swelling.
  • Mild soreness or bruising for a few days, easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
  • Compression stockings worn for 1–2 weeks to support healing.
  • Return to daily activities the same day or next day—strenuous exercise can resume within about a week.

Follow-up ultrasound exams are performed to confirm successful vein closure and healthy circulation.

Why EVLT Is Better Than Vein Stripping

In the past, the only option for varicose veins was surgical vein stripping, which required general anesthesia, long incisions, and weeks of recovery. EVLT offers a much better alternative:

  • No hospital stay
  • Minimal scarring
  • Lower risk of complications
  • Faster recovery
  • More comfortable overall experience

For most patients, EVLT is safer, easier, and more effective than older surgical techniques.

EVLT at Sheen Vein in St. Louis

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we perform EVLT with precision, compassion, and the latest technology. As a practice dedicated to both vein health and aesthetics, our approach ensures that patients not only feel better but also regain confidence in the appearance of their legs.

Insurance often covers EVLT when performed for medical reasons, such as pain, swelling, or venous insufficiency. Our team helps guide patients through the insurance process so they can access care without unnecessary stress.

Final Thoughts

Varicose veins don’t just affect how your legs look—they affect how your legs feel. If you’re living with pain, heaviness, or swelling, Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) offers a safe, effective, and minimally invasive solution.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we specialize in diagnosing and treating vein disease with state-of-the-art therapies like EVLT. Relief from painful varicose veins is possible—and it starts with a simple consultation.

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