EVLT Recovery, Risks, Side Effects and Complications.

EVLT is very effective, with excellent results after a single treatment — better than sclerotherapy, and about the same as endovenous radiofrequency ablation.

The procedure usually takes an hour or so and is done on an outpatient basis or in the doctors office. You can resume normal activity right away, except for flying or taking long car trips. Youll also need to wear a compression bandage for at least a few days. No extra bed rest — you should remain active.

EVLT doesnt leave visible scars. Side effects are typically minimal, but can include tenderness and bruising. The compression bandage helps with that. The vein can also get inflamed (thrombophlebitis), which can be painful, but over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medications usually help.

Less common complications include heat damage to nearby nerves, which can occasionally cause localized numbness, though it should go away over time. Infection is a possibility with any surgical procedure.

With EVLT there have been rare cases of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where a clot forms in a vein. If that clot breaks loose, it can cause a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism.