Varicose veins affect approximately 25% of adults in the US and cause cosmetic concerns as well as uncomfortable symptoms that can significantly impact your quality of life. If you're tired of hiding your legs or experiencing daily discomfort, Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT™) offers a minimally invasive solution with remarkable results.
Varicose veins are dilated, enlarged veins that appear swollen and twisted beneath your skin's surface. They develop when the one-way valves in your veins weaken or become damaged, allowing blood to pool rather than flow efficiently back to your heart.
Beyond cosmetic concerns, untreated varicose veins can lead to more serious complications including bleeding, inflammation, skin changes and, in severe cases, ulcers or blood clots. These complications are uncomfortable and can significantly impact your health and daily activities.
Endovenous Laser Treatment, sometimes called endovenous laser therapy, has revolutionized varicose vein therapy. Before EVLT, vein stripping surgery was the standard approach. This invasive procedure required general anesthesia, hospitalization and extended recovery time.
EVLT offers numerous advantages, including:
As Marianne B., one of Dr. J's patients, shares: "EVLT is a pain-free procedure. Within a short period of time, you can see the results, and in the case of varicose veins, the pain is gone! The veins in my legs always embarrassed me. Now I can wear different clothes rather than always wearing pants to cover up. The doctor and staff were very professional and fully explained the procedures. I certainly would recommend Dr. Jimenez."
Endovenous Laser Treatment works through an elegantly simple approach to vein problems. Rather than removing problematic veins through surgical extraction, EVLT uses thermal energy to close them from within. A specialized laser fiber delivers precisely controlled heat to the vein walls, which causes them to collapse and seal shut. This process triggers your body's natural healing response, which gradually transforms the treated vein into scar tissue that your body absorbs over time.
What makes EVLT particularly effective is its ability to address the cause of varicose veins, not just their symptoms or surface appearance. By targeting the source veins where valve failure begins, this treatment stops the backwards pressure that leads to bulging, painful veins. Your circulatory system naturally adapts by redirecting blood flow through healthy nearby veins, improving circulation and appearance. The precision of ultrasound guidance throughout the procedure allows Dr. J to treat only the problematic veins while completely preserving surrounding tissues and structures.
Your treatment at The Vein Center begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. J himself. Unlike many practices where you might see different providers throughout your care, Dr. J believes in continuity of care and personally handles every step of your treatment journey.
During your initial visit, Dr. J will review your medical history and venous symptoms, perform a thorough examination of your legs, and use ultrasound imaging to evaluate your venous system. He'll discuss treatment options based on your condition and create a specialized treatment plan that addresses the visible symptoms and underlying causes of your varicose veins.
Once you decide to proceed with EVLT, our team will provide detailed pre-procedure instructions tailored to your needs. General preparation guidelines include wearing loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment and staying well-hydrated before your procedure. You should continue taking your regular medications unless instructed otherwise by Dr. J. If you'll be receiving sedative medication during your treatment, we recommend arranging for someone to drive you home after your appointment for your safety and comfort.
On the day of your procedure, you'll be comfortably positioned on an examination table. The treatment area will be cleaned and draped, and local anesthesia will be administered for your comfort. For anxious patients, mild sedation is available.
The EVLT procedure typically follows these steps:
The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes, though this can vary depending on the number and complexity of veins being treated.
One remarkable aspect of EVLT is the minimal recovery time. After your procedure, you can walk immediately and resume most normal activities within 24 hours. Dr. J will recommend wearing compression stockings for a specific period to optimize your results and comfort.
While you should avoid strenuous exercise for about two weeks following treatment, most daily activities can be resumed right away. We recommend avoiding soaking in baths, swimming or flying for approximately two weeks after your procedure. If traveling by car or sitting for extended periods, take breaks every two hours to walk for five to 10 minutes to maintain healthy circulation.
Most patients experience little to no pain after EVLT, and any discomfort is typically managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Bruising, tenderness and mild swelling are normal and typically resolve within a few days as the body begins the healing process.
While some patients notice improvements immediately after EVLT, most experience dramatic improvements in the weeks following their procedure. As your body naturally processes the treated veins, you'll notice:
Most patients require two to four minimally invasive procedures to address all problematic veins. The exact number of treatments needed depends on the severity and extent of your condition.
Unlike temporary treatments that only mask symptoms, EVLT provides lasting results by addressing the underlying cause of varicose veins. Though the treated veins won't return, it's essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to minimize the risk of developing new varicose veins in the future.
Dr. James Jimenez brings unparalleled experience to every EVLT procedure he performs. As the first physician to bring this revolutionary treatment to the Panhandle region over two decades ago, he has refined his technique through thousands of successful procedures.
Yes, EVLT is considered very safe when performed by an experienced physician like Dr. Jimenez. The procedure has been used successfully at his practice for over two decades with an excellent safety profile.
Thanks to local anesthesia, most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure. After treatment, any discomfort is typically mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
After EVLT, the treated veins shrink and are gradually absorbed by your body. Blood flow naturally redirects through healthy veins, improving circulation and eliminating the appearance of varicose veins.
EVLT can benefit most people with varicose veins. During your consultation, Dr. J will evaluate your condition to determine if EVLT is the right treatment option.
Many insurance plans cover EVLT when medically necessary. Coverage depends on your specific insurance policy and whether you meet certain medical criteria. Our staff can help verify your coverage and assist with insurance requirements.
Dr. J personally conducts all follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and promote optimal results. Your first follow-up will typically be scheduled within one week of your procedure, with additional appointments approximately three months later.
During these follow-up visits, Dr. J will:
With EVLT at The Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin, you can achieve relief from painful varicose vein symptoms and regain confidence in your appearance. Put your health in the hands of the region's pioneering vein specialist, and prepare to show off your legs instead of hiding them.
To learn more about how EVLT can help you, call The Vein Center at 1-800-910-VEIN (8346) or complete our online contact form to get started at our Pensacola, Destin or Foley location.
Put your health in the hands of the best vein doctor, and get ready to show off your legs instead of hiding them. Call The Vein Center at 1-800-910-VEIN or click here to book your FREE consultation today with Dr. J!