Clinical Results: Endovenous Laser Therapy
Published clinical trials and long‑term studies consistently demonstrate that endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) achieves significantly higher success rates than traditional vein stripping. Surgical stripping is no longer considered the gold standard for varicose vein treatment, having been replaced by minimally invasive endovenous techniques such as EVLT and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Recent five‑ to ten‑year follow‑up studies confirm that EVLT maintains closure rates of around 90–95%, with lower recurrence, faster recovery, and fewer wound‑related complications compared with surgery.
EVLT is effective in treating the majority of varicose veins. In some cases, additional therapy such as ultrasound‑guided foam sclerotherapy or microsclerotherapy may be recommended to address smaller veins and spider veins, ensuring a complete cosmetic and symptomatic result.
The images on the right illustrate typical before‑and‑after outcomes of EVLT in patients with varicose veins, showing both visible improvement and relief of symptoms. A small number of patients may experience more noticeable discomfort, which can usually be eased with ice packs and rest. Any residual tightness in the leg typically resolves within two weeks, allowing patients to return quickly to normal activities.