Understanding Optima Laser Treatment for Eliminating Varicose Veins

Understanding Optima Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins

Varicose veins affect over 30 million adults in the United States. They occur when the valves inside the veins stop working properly, allowing blood to flow backwards and pool inside the veins. This causes the veins to become enlarged, swollen and twisted. Varicose veins are often painful and can significantly impact quality of life.

While varicose veins are not life-threatening, they often worsen over time. Seeking treatment is important to alleviate symptoms and prevent potential complications like leg ulcers, blood clots and skin discoloration.

There are various treatment options available for varicose veins, including surgical procedures and minimally invasive treatments. One of the leading minimally invasive treatments is endovenous laser ablation, also known as EVLA or laser ablation.

What is Optima Laser Treatment?

Optima laser treatment is a brand name for endovenous laser ablation using a 980 nm diode laser. It is manufactured by biolitec, an innovative medical technology company based in Germany.

The optima laser is a minimally invasive treatment that uses heat energy to collapse and seal off damaged veins. A small laser fiber is inserted into the abnormal vein through a tiny incision in the skin. The laser applies heat to the vein walls as it is gradually pulled back, causing the vein to collapse.

Blood flow is redirected to other healthy veins. Over time, the sealed vein is reabsorbed by the body. Most patients report a significant improvement in symptoms after optima laser treatment.

Why Optima Laser is Effective for Varicose Veins

There are several reasons why optima laser ablation is an effective treatment option for varicose veins:

• Precise - The laser fiber can deliver heat energy directly inside the vein without damaging surrounding tissues.
• Effective - It seals the vein shut, redirecting blood flow to healthy veins.
• Minimally invasive - Only small incisions are needed, resulting in less pain and faster recovery compared to surgical vein stripping.
• Accurate guidance - Ultrasound imaging is used to guide the laser fiber into the correct position inside the vein.
• Versatile - The laser can treat varicose veins in all parts of the leg, including below the knee.
• Minimal complications - Major side effects and risks are uncommon.
• Fast recovery - Most people can resume normal activities within 1-2 days.
• Clinically proven - Endovenous laser ablation is supported by years of clinical studies demonstrating its safety and effectiveness.

What to Expect During Optima Laser Treatment

The optima laser procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. The steps generally include:

1. Ultrasound mapping - The abnormal veins are identified and marked on the skin.
2. Anesthesia - Local anesthetic is injected around the small incision site.
3. Laser fiber insertion - A thin laser fiber is threaded into the damaged vein guided by ultrasound.
4. Laser energy delivery - The laser is activated as the fiber is gradually withdrawn, sealing the vein.
5. Incision closure - The tiny skin incision is closed with a bandage.

Some mild discomfort, bruising or tightness may be felt during the numbing and laser treatment. The procedure takes 30-60 minutes depending on the extent of varicose veins being treated. Patients can usually walk immediately after the procedure.

Recovery After Optima Laser Ablation

Recovery time after optima laser treatment for varicose veins is minimal. Recommendations include:

• Rest the day of treatment.
• Resume light activity after 24 hours.
• Temporary bruising and tenderness may occur.
• Wear compression stockings for 1-2 weeks to minimize swelling.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 2-3 days.
• Over-the-counter pain medication can treat discomfort.
• Follow up ultrasound scans to assess effectiveness.
• Most people return to normal activities within 1-2 days.

The treated vein will be reabsorbed and disappear over time. Initial results are seen quickly as blood flow is redirected to healthy veins. Symptoms like pain, aching and swelling improve dramatically for most patients.

Is Repeat Treatment Needed?

Some patients only require a single optima laser treatment session to address their varicose veins. However, it is common to develop varicose veins in other parts of the leg over time. This occurs as a result of the underlying weak vein valves.

Additional laser procedures may be performed at later dates to treat recurrent varicose veins. This is a normal part of ongoing vein care and maintenance for many patients.

Benefits of Optima Laser Treatment

Compared to traditional vein stripping surgery, optima laser vein ablation offers numerous benefits including:

• No general anesthesia requirement
• No large incisions or scarring
• Less pain and bruising
• Shorter treatment time
• Faster recovery with less downtime
• No need for overnight hospital stay
• Normal activities can be resumed more quickly
• Clinically proven safe and effective
• Covered by most insurance plans

Risks and Side Effects

Optima laser treatment involves minimal risks. Potential side effects include:

• Mild pain, bruising or swelling near the injection site
• Leg tightness or muscle spasms
• Numbness or tingling near treated vein
• Blood clots are very rare
• Skin burns are unlikely due to heat protection and ultrasound guidance
• Nerve injury is extremely rare

Serious complications are uncommon when procedures are performed by an experienced vein specialist. Patients are closely monitored for any reactions during the treatment.

Who is a Good Candidate for Optima Laser?

The best candidates for optima laser vein ablation include those with:

• Symptomatic varicose veins causing pain or discomfort
• Spider veins or varicosities in the great saphenous vein
• Varicose veins below the knee
• Venous reflux or leaky valves
• Vein inflammation or venous thrombosis
• Leg heaviness, fatigue or restlessness
• Skin damage or leg ulcers due to varicose veins

An ultrasound scan is performed during the initial consultation to assess the venous system and determine if laser treatment is appropriate.

Seeking Treatment at Our Vein Care Center

Our vein clinic offers advanced treatment for all types of varicose veins, including optima laser ablation. Our board certified vein experts have extensive experience performing minimally invasive procedures.

We utilize state-of-the-art technology to customize treatment plans for each patient. Ultrasound imaging allows accurate mapping of damaged veins to guide precise laser placement.

Our goal is to provide pain relief, improve appearance, and prevent complications related to venous disease. Most insurance plans cover varicose vein treatments like optima laser ablation.

We welcome you to schedule a consultation to determine if you are a candidate for optima laser or other minimally invasive treatments to alleviate varicose veins.

FAQs

How long does the optima laser procedure take?

The treatment usually takes between 30-60 minutes depending on the extent of veins being treated. A single leg can often be treated in under an hour.

Is the optima laser treatment painful?

There is minimal pain with the procedure. A local anesthetic is used to numb the insertion site. Patients may feel some mild discomfort or tightness during the numbing and laser treatment.

How long is the recovery time after optima laser?

Most patients can resume light activities within 1-2 days after treatment. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 2-3 days. Bruising and tenderness often resolve within 1-2 weeks.

When can I see results from the optima laser?

Patients often notice an improvement in symptoms like pain and swelling within the first week after treatment. Full effects are seen over several weeks as treated veins heal and blood flow redirects to healthy veins.

Is optima laser treatment covered by insurance?

Yes, most insurance plans including Medicare cover varicose vein treatments like optima laser ablation when medically necessary to alleviate symptoms.