“Vein procedure” has a way of sounding like something that’s going to eat up your entire day. Maybe several days. Fortunately, an EVLT procedure isn’t that kind of production.

Endovenous laser treatments are typically performed right in the office, and the treatment itself often takes less than an hour. You’ll need some additional time for preparation and aftercare, but we’re not talking about checking into a hospital, spending hours in recovery, and clearing the rest of your week.

For people who have been putting off varicose vein treatment because they’re too busy to deal with a complicated procedure, that’s worth knowing.

What Exactly Happens During EVLT?

EVLT stands for endovenous laser treatment. It treats an unhealthy vein from the inside using laser energy rather than surgically removing the vein.

Your provider uses ultrasound guidance to place a thin laser fiber into the problem vein. Local anesthetic is used to numb the treatment area. The laser then delivers controlled heat that causes the vein to close.

And no, your leg doesn’t suddenly lose an important route for blood.

A vein being treated with EVLT already isn’t doing its job properly. Once it closes, blood reroutes through healthier veins. Over time, your body gradually absorbs the treated vessel.

No large incision. No vein stripping. No hospital stay.

How Long Does an EVLT Procedure in MD Take From Start to Finish?

The actual EVLT portion may take roughly 30 to 60 minutes, although treatment time varies depending on the vein and how much work needs to be done.

Plan on being at the office longer than the procedure itself.

There’s paperwork and preparation beforehand. Your leg needs to be cleaned and positioned, ultrasound is used to map and guide treatment, and local anesthetic has to be administered. Afterward, the treatment area is checked and you’ll receive instructions for the next few days.

In other words, don’t schedule an 11 a.m. EVLT and a noon lunch across town. Give yourself some breathing room.

Still, compared with traditional vein surgery, this is a remarkably compact process.

What Happens When the EVLT Procedure Is Over?

Walking shortly after EVLT is generally encouraged because movement helps keep blood circulating through the healthy veins in your legs.

Most people can return to routine daily activities fairly quickly. Your provider may ask you to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or other intense activity for a short period. Compression stockings may also be recommended after treatment.

Some soreness, tightness, or bruising around the treated vein can happen. That’s considerably different from being laid up in bed recovering from surgery.

Exactly when you can return to workouts or more demanding activities depends on the patient and how they recover. It’s best to listen to your doctor before deciding to get back out there for your morning jog.

The Appointment Is Short. The Evaluation Still Matters.

Fast treatment shouldn’t mean rushed treatment.

Before EVLT is recommended, The Vein Center of Maryland uses Duplex Ultrasound to see how blood is moving through your legs and identify faulty vein valves. That tells the team where venous reflux is occurring and whether EVLT actually makes sense for your particular veins.

Dr. Yash Kumar has more than 25 years of experience treating varicose veins, and EVLT is only one of the minimally invasive options available at The Vein Center of Maryland. The practice also offers radiofrequency ablation, VenaSeal, ClariVein, and sclerotherapy.

If aching, swelling, heaviness, or bulging varicose veins have been hanging around longer than they’re welcome, call The Vein Center of Maryland at 410-970-2314 to speak with a member of our team or request a free vein evaluation.