Laser vs Surgery for Varicose Veins: Which Treatment Is Best for You?

Understanding Your Varicose Vein Treatment Options

If you are dealing with painful, swollen, or visibly bulging varicose veins, you are not alone. Varicose veins affect millions of people and can cause discomfort, leg fatigue, swelling, and skin changes. Today, there are both surgical and minimally invasive treatment options available, and one of the most common questions patients ask is whether laser treatment or surgery is the better choice.

The right treatment depends on the severity of your vein disease, symptoms, and overall health.

What Surgical Treatments Are Used for Varicose Veins?

Traditional varicose vein surgery typically includes procedures such as vein ligation and vein stripping. Ligation involves tying off the affected vein through a small incision, while vein stripping removes the damaged vein entirely through multiple incisions.

These procedures usually require general anesthesia and have been used successfully for decades. However, because they are more invasive and involve longer recovery times, surgical treatments are now used less frequently and are generally reserved for complex or advanced cases that cannot be treated with minimally invasive techniques.

What Is Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins?

Laser vein treatment, medically known as endovenous laser ablation (EVLA or EVLT), is a minimally invasive procedure used to close damaged veins. During the procedure, a thin laser fiber is inserted into the affected vein through a small catheter. Laser energy is then delivered to the vein walls, causing the vein to collapse and seal shut.

Once closed, blood is naturally redirected to healthier veins, and the treated vein is gradually absorbed by the body. Laser vein treatment is typically performed using local anesthesia and does not require large incisions or stitches.

Laser Treatment vs Surgery: Key Differences

Invasiveness

Laser treatment is minimally invasive, while surgery involves multiple incisions and removal of veins.

Anesthesia

Laser vein treatment usually requires only local anesthesia, whereas surgery often requires general anesthesia.

Recovery Time

Most patients return to normal activities within 24 hours after laser treatment. Surgical recovery may take several weeks and often involves more post-procedure discomfort.

Pain and Scarring

Laser treatment generally causes less pain and minimal scarring compared to traditional surgery.

Cost and Coverage

Laser treatment is often less expensive than surgery, though costs and insurance coverage vary based on medical necessity and individual plans.

Which Varicose Vein Treatment Is Right for You?

Laser vein treatment is highly effective for many patients, especially those with chronic venous insufficiency or symptomatic varicose veins caused by faulty vein valves. However, surgery may still be recommended for patients with extensive vein damage, very large veins, or complications that cannot be treated with laser technology alone.

A comprehensive vein evaluation, including diagnostic ultrasound, is the best way to determine which treatment option is appropriate for your condition.

When to See a Vein Specialist

If you experience leg pain, swelling, heaviness, skin discoloration, or visible varicose veins, it is important to seek evaluation from a vein specialist. Early treatment can relieve symptoms, improve appearance, and help prevent progression to more serious complications such as skin ulcers.

At BASS Vein Center, our vein specialists offer both minimally invasive and surgical treatment options. We take the time to explain each approach, review insurance considerations, and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.