Treat Your Varicose Veins with EVLT

Minimally-invasive laser procedure closes problem leg veins

You know it’s time to address your unsightly and painful varicose veins, but aren’t sure how. Varicose veins are actually a symptom of venous reflux, also known as venous insufficiency. Other symptoms include tired, heavy and aching legs as well as muscle cramping, burning and throbbing in the lower legs. An inherited genetic disposition and the normal process of aging are underlying causes of chronic venous insufficiency that are unavoidable and can lead to varicose veins.

The EVLT procedure at Hedden & Gunn Plastic Surgery uses a minimally-invasive endovenous laser to treat varicose veins and is a clinically proven alternative to traditional and painful surgery. EVLT requires no general anesthesia and offers minimal risk and a shorter recovery time.

EVLT varicose vein laser treatment

The cosmetic surgeons of Hedden & Gunn Plastic Surgery are available for complimentary leg vein evaluations at our Birmingham-Hoover, AL offices and spa location. Please call 205-980-1744 to make your appointment.

The EVLT procedure uses a laser fiber which is inserted directly inside of the faulty vein under local anesthesia. The laser delivers a precise dose of energy into the vein wall, causing it to collapse. This process, called ablation, closes the vein and diverts blood flow to nearby veins that are functional. The resulting increase in circulation significantly reduces the symptoms of varicose veins and improves their appearance on the surface of the skin.

With a success rate as high as 98%, the EVLT procedure in Birmingham, Alabama generally takes less than an hour and offers immediate relief with minimal-to-no scarring. Patients can usually resume normal activities immediately with almost no pain.

Does insurance cover the EVLT procedure?

Most health insurance providers cover EVLT treatments when deemed medically necessary. Patients must demonstrate symptomatic venous reflux disease, which may include:

• Pain, swelling, leg cramps, ulcers, bleeding from varicosities.
• Presence of reflux on ultrasound scan.

Most carriers require 3 to 6 months of conservative therapy (compression, elevation of legs, possibly weight loss) before providing coverage for the EVLT procedure.

Be sure to check with your insurance company to determine which treatment options are covered under your plan. Coverage for the EVLT procedure is subject to the terms of your coverage policy, and co-payments and deductibles may apply.