What to expect on your first visit to the Vein & Laser Treatment Center

Upon your first visit to the Vein & Laser Treatment Center, you will meet with the doctor(s) and assistants. The doctor will ask you a series of questions about your health history, including past surgeries or procedures, medications taken, family health history and about the problems you are having. He will then conduct a thorough physical examination to determine your diagnoses and which procedure(s) will best suit your needs.

What to wear:
You should wear loose-fitting shorts to the appointment, so the doctor can easily examine your legs. Gowns will be provided if needed.

What to bring:
Bring a list of medications, including over the counter and vitamins that you are currently taking to the appointment. If you are taking several medications, you may find it easier to bring all of the medication bottles with you.

Prior to the visit, prepare a list of questions about any concerns you may have and bring it with you.

Also, bring a list of prior surgeries and procedures with you. Knowing your past health history will help the doctor determine the best treatment for you. It may be necessary to obtain medical clearance from your primary care physician prior to any surgical procedures.


There are several treatment options available at the Vein & Laser Treatment Center. Below is a list of what to expect before and after your procedure.

Before your procedure:
If you are taking Plavix, Coumadin, or any home remedies such as Ginko Biloba or Vitamin E, be sure to tell your doctor. It is generally required that patients stop taking these medications for five days prior to undergoing a procedure. If you are taking any of these medications, it is imperative that you consult the prescribing physician before you stop taking the medication.

Alcoholic beverages, including beer should not be consumed the day before and the day of your procedure.

Smoking should be avoided the day before and the day of your procedure.

On the day of your procedure, shower and wash your legs thoroughly. Do not apply any cream or lotion to your legs.

To avoid any discomfort, do not shave your legs on the day of your procedure.

Bring loose-fitting slacks or shorts to wear after your procedure.

Depending on the type of anesthesia being used, you may be able to eat a light snack 1 ½ hours prior to your procedure. Ask your doctor about eating prior to surgery.

After your procedure:
Please make arrangements to have someone else drive you home after your procedure, so that you will be able to move your feet and legs around. To help prevent swelling, keep your legs elevated when you are sitting.

Immediately after the procedure, we will wrap your treated leg with elastic dressing. This dressing needs to be kept clean and dry to help prevent infection. You may notice a small amount of oozing through the dressing, which is normal. You should remove the dressing after 48 hours and put support stockings on. You may be able to return to work as early as the next day, provided you are able to work with the stockings on and are not required to perform strenuous activities or lift anything heavy.

You may be able to maintain normal activities. To maintain proper circulation, you should walk at least 10-15 minutes – or more – every hour while you are awake; however, you should avoid standing for long periods of time. After your procedure, wait at least seven days before participating in aerobics, strenuous exercise, or lifting anything heavy.

After your procedure, wait at least two weeks before bathing in hot water. Use cool water on your legs after each shower.

The support stockings will need to be worn for two weeks following your procedure. After your legs have healed, you may continue to use the stockings if your legs ache, if you are standing for prolonged periods of time or when you travel in a car or plane for a long distance.  

Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory, which should be taken as prescribed.

It is important that you attend any scheduled appointments and follow your doctor’s instructions before and after your procedure.

Please call our office if you have any questions or concerns at 239-277-1135.

Below is a list of what to expect with each procedure.

Endovenous Ablation of Vein with Laser
You will be given local anesthesia prior to the procedure. A small fiber will be inserted into the vein with ultrasound guidance. Laser energy is delivered to the target vein. After the procedure, you will need to wear a compression stocking for at least two weeks.

Microphlebectomy
You will be given local anesthesia prior to the procedure. Multiple small 2-3 millimeter incisions will be made and then the veins will slowly be teased out and removed. A compression dressing will be applied after the procedure is complete. Support stockings will need to be worn for approximately one week.

Sclerotherapy or Cutaneous Laser Treatment
During this procedure, the small spider, or bluish vein (reticular vein) is injected with sclerosing solution and/or treated with a laser. After the procedure, a compression dressing will be applied and will need to be worn for at least three days.

Risks and Benefits

Potential Risks and Side Effects
While patients typically see an improvement with endovenous laser treatment, microphlebectomy, and/or sclerotherapy, there is a possibility that the varicose veins will remain the same or even get worse. The potential side effects are thermal injury (burn to the overlying skin or surrounding tissue), perforation of the vein, breakage of the laser fiber, superficial phlebitis (inflammation of the vein), hyperpigmentation (darkening of the overlying skin), neovascularization (growth of new veins), or rarely an infection can occur. Problems and other side effects that are not known or are not common can also occur. Some of the more common side effects include: dizziness, minimal bleeding, bruising, discomfort or pain. Local anesthesia is used to minimize discomfort. Rarely, patients can have an allergic reaction to Lidocaine or other local anesthesia agents. It also is possible for varicose veins and spider veins to occur at a later date.

Benefits
While there is not a guarantee that the patient will receive any medical benefit from one of the above treatments, the potential benefits include both the reduction in size of the treated varicose veins and improved varicose vein-related symptoms.