Endovenous Laser Ablation Treatment
Eliminate painful varicose veins with precision laser technology—minimally invasive treatment delivering proven results in under an hour with same-day recovery.
What Is Endovenous Laser Ablation?
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), also called endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive procedure that uses targeted laser energy to treat varicose veins caused by chronic venous insufficiency. Under ultrasound guidance, a thin laser fiber is inserted directly into the diseased vein through a tiny entry point—typically no larger than a needle stick. As the fiber is slowly withdrawn, controlled laser pulses heat the vein wall from the inside, causing it to collapse and seal shut permanently. Blood immediately reroutes through healthy veins, eliminating both the appearance and symptoms of varicose veins.
For over two decades, EVLA has been recognized as the gold-standard treatment for large, symptomatic varicose veins. Clinical studies consistently demonstrate success rates exceeding 95% at five years, with significantly fewer complications and faster recovery compared to traditional surgical stripping. The procedure is performed entirely in-office under local anesthesia, allowing most patients to return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.
- Minimally Invasive: Tiny entry point, no surgical incisions required
- Ultrasound-Guided Precision: Real-time imaging ensures accurate treatment
- 95%+ Success Rate: Clinically proven long-term vein closure
- Office-Based Procedure: No hospital stay, completed in under an hour
- Rapid Recovery: Resume daily activities within 1-2 days
What Conditions Does EVLA/EVLT Treat?
- Varicose Veins: EVLA targets the incompetent saphenous veins (great or small saphenous) that feed bulging, rope-like varicose veins on the legs. By closing the source vein, visible varicosities shrink and symptoms resolve.
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): When vein valves fail to function properly, blood pools in the lower legs, causing swelling, heaviness, and skin changes. EVLA restores healthy circulation by eliminating the diseased vein pathway.
- Leg Pain and Heaviness: Aching, throbbing, or fatigue in the legs—especially after prolonged standing—often results from venous reflux. Sealing the damaged vein alleviates discomfort within weeks.
- Leg Swelling and Edema: Persistent swelling in the ankles and calves caused by poor venous return responds well to EVLA as healthy veins resume normal drainage.
- Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS): In cases where RLS symptoms stem from underlying venous insufficiency, treating the diseased vein can significantly reduce nighttime leg discomfort and restlessness.
How Endovenous Laser Ablation Works
While the following steps outline the standard EVLA procedure, Dr. Verebelyi customizes every treatment to your unique venous anatomy, symptom profile, and lifestyle needs.
- Pre-Treatment Mapping:
Using ultrasound imaging, Dr. Verebelyi maps the entire venous system, identifying the precise location and extent of venous reflux. This diagnostic step ensures only diseased veins are treated while preserving healthy vessels. - Local Anesthesia:
A series of small injections deliver tumescent anesthesia—a dilute numbing solution—around the vein to be treated. This provides complete comfort during the procedure and protects surrounding tissue from heat. - Laser Fiber Insertion:
Under continuous ultrasound guidance, a thin catheter is inserted into the diseased vein through a tiny entry point near the knee or ankle. A specialized laser fiber is then threaded through the catheter to the treatment area. - Controlled Laser Delivery:
As the fiber is slowly withdrawn along the length of the vein, laser energy heats the vein wall to approximately 120°C, causing immediate collagen contraction and vein collapse. The vein seals permanently shut. - Immediate Vascular Rerouting:
Once the diseased vein is closed, blood instantly redirects through deeper, healthy veins that are designed to handle the increased flow. The body gradually absorbs the sealed vein over the following weeks. - Post-Procedure Compression:
A compression bandage or stocking is applied to the treated leg, supporting the healing process and optimizing results. Most patients walk out of the office immediately following treatment.
What to Expect
Our comprehensive approach begins with thorough evaluation and continues through every stage of your treatment journey, ensuring optimal results and complete patient comfort.
Before Treatment
Your consultation includes a comprehensive vascular ultrasound performed by Dr. Verebelyi, a Registered Vascular Technician (RVT) with over 20 years of diagnostic expertise. You’ll receive personalized pre-treatment guidance to ensure optimal results.
- Diagnostic Ultrasound: Maps venous anatomy, confirms candidacy
- Pre-Treatment Instructions: Medication adjustments, clothing guidance
- Consultation Duration: 30-45 minutes
During Treatment
Tumescent anesthesia is administered through small injections, ensuring complete comfort while Dr. Verebelyi uses live ultrasound guidance to deliver precise laser treatment. You remain awake and pain-free throughout.
- Local Anesthesia: Brief pinching, then complete numbness
- Ultrasound-Guided: Real-time laser fiber positioning and monitoring
- Minimal Discomfort: Gentle warmth or tugging, no pain
- Treatment Duration: 45-60 minutes
After Treatment
A compression bandage or stocking is typically applied immediately, and you’ll walk for 10-15 minutes in-office before being released. Most patients return to normal routines within 24-48 hours.
- Immediate Walking: 10-15 minutes in-office
- Mild Side Effects: Tenderness or bruising, resolves in 7-10 days
- Activity Limits: Avoid strenuous exercise one week; walking encouraged
- Return to Work: Within 24-48 hours for most patients
What Results Can You Expect?
While EVLA delivers consistently strong outcomes across a broad patient population, individual results depend on factors including vein anatomy, symptom severity, and adherence to post-treatment care. The following timelines represent typical experiences based on clinical data and our practice outcomes.
Immediate & Short-Term Recovery
- Same-Day Mobility: Walk out immediately; driving permitted (ride recommended)
- Return to Work: Next day for desk jobs; 48 hours for most routines
- Common Side Effects: Mild bruising, tenderness, tightness (1-2 weeks)
- Compression Stockings: Continuous wear 48-72 hours, then daytime only for one week
- Activity Restrictions: Avoid high-impact exercise, heavy lifting, prolonged standing 7-10 days
- Daily Walking: Encouraged throughout recovery
- Visible Improvement: Begins within 2-4 weeks as vein is reabsorbed
Long-Term Outcomes
- Success Rate: 95-98% permanent vein closure at five years
- Symptom Resolution: Pain, heaviness, swelling resolve within 4-6 weeks
- Vein Absorption: Treated vein absorbed over 3-6 months, no scarring
- Aesthetic Results: Smoother, clearer skin with significantly improved appearance
- Quality of Life: Greater mobility, reduced discomfort, renewed confidence
- Recurrence: Treated veins won’t reopen; new veins may develop over time
Questions About EVLA? Ask Ava.
Ava, our AI assistant, is available 24/7 to provide instant, personalized responses to your questions about endovenous laser ablation—including candidacy, recovery expectations, insurance coverage, and how to prepare for your procedure.
20+ Years of Vascular Excellence
The team at Colorado Skin & Vein, led by David Verebelyi, MD, RVT, and Christina Jordan, FNP, CANS, has been treating vein conditions for over two decades, earning a reputation as leaders in advanced vascular and laser medicine.
Dr. David Verebelyi serves as Chief of Laser Surgery at Colorado Skin & Vein, bringing over 20 years of specialized experience in venous care and minimally invasive vein treatments.
- Double board-certified physician
- Registered Vascular Technician with advanced diagnostic imaging expertise
- Fellow & Instructor, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
- Personally performs all vein procedures using state-of-the-art technology
- Holds honors MD and B.S. in Science & Psychology
