Do Laser Treatments for Spider & Varicose Veins Hurt?
Varicose and spider veins occur when your veins stop functioning as they should. In a normal vein, blood flows in one direction with the support of a one-way valve and the surrounding muscles. When these valves fail, blood can flow backward or pool within the vein. Spider veins are a milder form and tend to be closer to the surface of the skin, often looking like a spider web.
Varicose veins are larger veins and tend to rise above the skin, often looking like twisted cords in the legs. One of the most common treatments for varicose and spider veins is endovenous thermal ablation or laser treatment.
A big question people want to know is, does this treatment hurt? The good news is, thanks to many advances, this treatment method results in less pain and quicker recovery time than other treatment options, such as vein stripping.
Laser Treatment Preparation May Cause Discomfort
Laser treatment for varicose or spider veins occurs with a laser that is inside the vein. To do this, your provider places a catheter inside the vein to thread the laser in. The procedure typically begins with a topical numbing agent before injections of numbing medicine are placed throughout the length of the vein being treated. During these injections, you may experience mild pain or discomfort, similar to a mosquito bite. This part of the procedure is usually the most uncomfortable.You Likely Won’t Feel the Laser
After all the numbing injections, your provider will make a small incision to insert the catheter. The catheter is then guided into the vein. Once in place, the laser is inserted through the catheter and the catheter is removed. At this point, the laser begins heating and treating your varicose or spider vein. Thanks to the numbing medications, you will likely not feel this part at all.Numbing medications help to keep your varicose vein laser treatment from hurting or causing discomfort.
