Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) or laser vein removal is a non-invasive procedure used to target and treat unsightly spider veins and varicose veins that may appear blue, dark purple, red, twisted or bulging. Varicose veins are commonly found on the legs or ankles and are worsened by standing and walking, which increases the pressure in the veins of the lower body.
Laser vein removal works by emitting a thin beam of radiation that is hyper-focused directly on the treatment area. As the laser delivers heat to the treated vein, it becomes cauterized and closed. This allows the blood to flow through nearby, healthier veins, and the treated vein will begin to disappear.
Laser vein removal is most commonly used to treat spider and varicose veins in the legs, ankles and feet. Spider veins usually show up in the same areas as varicose veins, but may also appear on the face.