Varicose veins on the legs are a common pathology that occurs in people of different genders and ages, regardless of country of residence. For a long time, the only way to get rid of dilated veins on the bottom of the leg was surgery. But today doctors offer a painless and effective method - laser treatment of varicose veins.
The essence of the procedure culminates in the introduction of a special light guide into the vessel, under the influence of which the damaged vessel will stick together, and blood flow will be directed through healthy veins. If we consider alternative therapies, then:
- classic vein removal (phlebectomy) is characterized by pain and trauma, there is a risk of infectious complications;
- removing only part of the diseased vein (microflebectomy) leaving a scar on the skin;
- sclerotherapy causes allergies in some cases.
Given the listed disadvantages, which are the lack of lasers, it is the laser treatment of varicose veins that deserves to be called the best option than the existing ones. Doctors have been practicing this method for over 10 years, and currently, laser freezing does not cause any complaints. Not everyone can afford the price, but if we take into account the effectiveness of the procedure, it is quite possible to collect the required amount or make a loan.
Instructions for laser freezing
This procedure is indicated by the presence of large and small dilated saphenous veins. Moreover, the expansion of the vascular bed should not exceed 1 cm, and the vein itself should be mostly flat, without sharp bends. The branches of the veins should be either healthy or slightly dilated. In other words, laser coagulation is effective in the early stages of varicose veins, when the severity is small, and this only applies to superficial veins. For veins that are dilated more than 1 cm, they can also be "glued" with a laser, but there is a risk that in the future the vessel will miss again and all treatment will be in vain.
The laser acts on a small area, which eliminates the negative effects on adjacent tissues. For this reason, in cases of significant damage to blood vessels and to deep veins, lasers are ineffective. In such a situation, choose one of the classic methods listed above.
Contraindications to laser treatment
In addition to the cases listed above, when the technique becomes ineffective, endovasal laser coagulation of varicose veins is contraindicated in situations where it could harm the patient. There are sufficient contraindications, and they are all divided into relative and absolute.
Relatives include contraindications that only at this time do not allow surgery to be performed. It can be burns and inflammation of the skin, exacerbation of chronic pathology. It is necessary to cure the current problem, and then proceed with the removal of the vein with a laser. If you do the opposite, there is a high risk of complications. Pregnancy and hepatitis B are also considered relative contraindications, because during this period the body becomes weak, and the load on the legs is great. Due to congestion of the veins of the lower legs, surgery is not performed on obese people - complications may occur.
The absolute includes such contraindications, for which a person is prohibited from laser removal. These are the following states:
- damage to the walls of blood vessels;
- lymph and blood flow disorders in the legs;
- thrombophlebitis and a tendency to thrombosis.
Against the background of such conditions, lasers can cause venous thrombosis and damage blood vessels. Other contraindications relate to the lifestyle of the person - if it is not possible to actively move and wear compression underwear in the future (after surgery), then the vessels may become inflamed, and treatment will be ineffective.
How the procedure is performed
Laser treatment of varicose veins in the legs is carried out on an outpatient basis. General and local anesthesia are not required, because the area of influence is very small, and the process takes place in the blood vessels. If necessary, you can take sedatives on the recommendation of a doctor if there is a fear of surgery. The essence of the procedure:
- small incisions are made in the skin of the foot where a light guide is inserted into the damaged vein. This fixture will emit laser light at a controlled wavelength;
- due to radiation, blood is pushed out of the damaged vein;
- under the influence of the laser, the walls of the vessel stick together, blood no longer circulates here.
Typically, laser treatment takes up to 90 minutes. After the damaged vein is sealed, blood is directed through the deep veins located inside the muscle. After such a procedure, there are no scars and hematomas.
Benefits of laser therapy
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, compared to other methods, laser varicose vein removal has many advantages. Everyone should know about the main advantages:
- no need to go to the hospital, because the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, on the same day you can go home;
- the procedure gives the best cosmetic effect, as the doctor reaches the affected vein through a small puncture in the skin, which will then heal without scars and scars;
- modern laser equipment disperses the radiation well, which allows for high -quality treatment in -ship. This eliminates the risk of bleeding and bruising;
- it is possible to immediately remove the veins on both legs;
- the recovery period is very fast and painless. An hour after the procedure, you can go home, and after a few days - live the same life.
Given the advantages of the listed procedures, it becomes clear why the treatment of varicose veins using laser coagulation is recognized as the most effective and safe. Thereafter, no thrombophlebitis and secondary infections, scarring and discomfort, complications and relapses.
Disadvantages of laser vein treatment
Any medical manipulation has, in addition to its pros and cons. When removing veins in the legs, laser treatment is also not always cloudless. More precisely, before the procedure, you need to familiarize yourself with the possible difficulties and disadvantages of the technique:
- severe levels of varicose veins are not treated with laser;
- with large diameters of damaged vessels, laser therapy is combined with surgical operations, and one cannot perform without incisions and marks on the skin;
- laser treatment of varicose veins involves wearing compression socks for a week (at least) after surgery, which not everyone likes;
- The main disadvantage is considered by many to be the high price for laser procedures.
After weighing the named advantages and disadvantages, you can discuss with your doctor the best way to treat varicose veins in a particular case.
Recovery
There are no special measures to restore health after laser vein freezing. The patient quickly returns to normal life. Hospitalization is not required, nor is bed rest. The same can be said about antibiotic intake, physiotherapeutic procedures and tightly wrapped legs, such as mummies - modern procedures are completely free of these shortcomings.
At the end of the operation, the doctor allows the patient to get up gradually. First you need to sit on the couch for a while to normalize your condition, after which you can get up. A sudden rise after an hour of lying on the couch is not recommended, as it can cause vascular collapse, dizziness, etc.
The patient does not feel pain in the legs when transferring his weight to them. The only thing that can bother you is the slight tingling sensation in the spot on the foot where the light guide is inserted. Since there is no pain syndrome, then you do not need to take painkillers.
A prerequisite for the recovery period is the wearing of compression socks. The duration of wearing the underwear and its degree of compression should be discussed with the doctor individually. Thanks to compression stockings, swelling is eliminated and blood flow through the superficial veins is stopped, their role is taken over by the deep blood vessels. Pre -purchased compression garments are placed on the patient’s feet directly in the operating room after the end of laser coagulation.
In the first 2 days after the procedure, compression socks are left on the feet even at night, then worn during the day for the entire period recommended by the doctor, and removed at night. Since compression tights will keep the body warm, it is advisable to perform the procedure during the winter. This way you can avoid discomfort and the need to wear tight clothing on a hot day.
Physical activity is not limited - you can walk without assistance. The only thing that cannot be done with varicose veins and after surgery is weight lifting. During the first week, it is undesirable to visit the sauna and steam room in the bathtub. In the future, you can walk long distances safely, drive a car and do your normal activities.
The general recommendations for everyone who suffers from varicose veins in the legs are as follows:
- control weight, because extra pounds are a burden on the spine, heart and blood vessels;
- avoid static poses. If your professional activities involve prolonged sitting or standing, you should rest and warm up from time to time;
- you can’t sit with legs crossed - this narrows the blood vessels;
- smoking must stop forever;
- shoes should be comfortable, women's heels - up to 5 cm high;
- normalize the daily routine, supplement it with daily walks and regular gymnastics.
Observing the listed recommendations, you can prolong the effect of the operation for a long period of time.