Varicose Vein Treatment in Ludhiana
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that commonly appear on the legs. For some people, they are mainly a cosmetic concern, while others may experience aching, heaviness, swelling, itching or skin changes.
In some cases, untreated venous disease can lead to complications such as skin changes, venous ulcers, inflammation or bleeding. Early medical evaluation can help determine the severity of the condition and whether treatment is required.
At Prolife Hospital, Ludhiana, Dr. Harpreet Singh Jolly provides evaluation and treatment for varicose veins, including minimally invasive procedures such as Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) when clinically appropriate.
The recommended treatment depends on the affected veins, symptoms, ultrasound findings and the patient’s overall health.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins develop when the valves inside the veins do not work properly. This can allow blood to flow backward and collect in the veins, causing them to become enlarged and visible beneath the skin.
They most commonly affect the legs because blood has to travel upward against gravity to return to the heart.
Varicose veins can range from small visible veins to larger, bulging veins associated with symptoms and chronic venous changes.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing varicose veins, including:
- Family history of varicose veins
- Increasing age
- Pregnancy
- Being overweight or obese
- Prolonged standing or sitting
- Previous problems affecting the veins
- Reduced physical activity
Having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean that a person will develop complications.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins may not cause symptoms in every patient. When symptoms occur, they can include:
- Visible enlarged or twisted veins
- Aching or discomfort in the legs
- Heaviness or tiredness in the legs
- Swelling around the ankles or lower legs
- Itching around affected veins
- Burning or throbbing sensations
- Night-time leg cramps
- Skin discolouration around the ankles
- Skin changes associated with chronic venous disease
- Venous ulcers in more advanced cases
If symptoms are persistent, worsening or affecting your daily activities, a medical evaluation is recommended.
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should consider consulting a doctor if you have:
- Persistent leg pain or heaviness
- Recurrent swelling
- Increasingly prominent varicose veins
- Skin colour or texture changes
- A wound or ulcer around the ankle
- Bleeding from a varicose vein
- Painful, red or tender veins
Sudden leg swelling or severe leg pain requires prompt medical assessment because these symptoms can have causes other than ordinary varicose veins.
What Is Laser Varicose Vein Treatment?
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) is a minimally invasive treatment used to close an affected superficial vein.
During the procedure, a thin catheter or laser fibre is introduced into the vein, usually with ultrasound guidance. Laser energy is delivered to the inside of the vein, causing it to close. Blood can then continue to circulate through other healthy veins.
Over time, the treated vein is gradually broken down and absorbed by the body.
Laser treatment is not suitable for every patient. A clinical examination and venous duplex ultrasound can help determine whether EVLA is appropriate.
How Is Laser Treatment Performed?
The procedure generally involves:
- Venous assessment
The affected veins are assessed clinically and, when required, with duplex ultrasound. - Local anaesthesia
Local anaesthesia is used to numb the treatment area. - Catheter or laser fibre placement
A thin fibre is introduced into the affected vein through a small puncture. - Laser treatment
Controlled laser energy is delivered along the vein. - Closure of the affected vein
The treated vein closes, allowing blood to be redirected through healthier veins. - Post-treatment assessment
Your doctor will provide instructions regarding walking, activity, compression and follow-up according to your individual case.
Potential Benefits of Laser Varicose Vein Treatment
For appropriately selected patients, minimally invasive treatment may offer benefits compared with traditional surgical approaches, including:
- Small puncture rather than a large surgical incision
- Less tissue disruption
- Reduced postoperative discomfort
- Minimal scarring
- Shorter recovery in many patients
- Earlier return to routine activities
The benefits and recovery experience vary between individuals.
Your doctor will explain which treatment is most appropriate for your condition.
Other Treatment Options for Varicose Veins
Laser treatment is only one option.
Depending on the size and location of the veins and the underlying venous problem, treatment may include:
Endovenous Laser Ablation
EVLA uses laser energy to close an affected vein from inside the vessel. It may be recommended for suitable patients with venous reflux.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a medical solution into selected veins to make them close and gradually fade. It may be appropriate for certain smaller veins.
Foam Sclerotherapy
Foam sclerotherapy uses a foamed solution and may be considered for selected veins depending on their size and location.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation uses controlled thermal energy to close an affected vein. It is another minimally invasive option for appropriately selected patients.
Phlebectomy
In selected cases, superficial varicose veins can be removed through very small skin openings. This may sometimes be combined with another venous treatment.
The most appropriate treatment depends on the patient’s venous anatomy, symptoms, ultrasound findings and treatment goals.
Why Is Duplex Ultrasound Important?
A venous duplex ultrasound can help evaluate blood flow and identify abnormal venous reflux.
It may help the surgeon determine:
- Which veins are affected
- Where abnormal blood flow is occurring
- The extent of venous disease
- Whether a minimally invasive procedure may be appropriate
- Which treatment approach is most suitable
Treatment should be planned after an appropriate clinical assessment rather than based only on the appearance of visible veins.
What Happens If Varicose Veins Are Not Treated?
Not every varicose vein requires treatment. However, chronic venous disease can sometimes progress and cause complications.
Possible complications include:
- Skin discolouration
- Venous eczema
- Skin thickening
- Superficial thrombophlebitis
- Venous leg ulcers
- Bleeding from enlarged veins
The presence of varicose veins does not mean that these complications will necessarily occur.
Early assessment can help identify patients who may benefit from treatment.
Recovery After Laser Varicose Vein Treatment
Recovery varies according to the procedure performed and the individual patient.
Many patients are encouraged to walk soon after minimally invasive vein treatment. Mild bruising, tightness or discomfort may occur during the early recovery period.
Your doctor may provide advice regarding:
- Walking and physical activity
- Compression garments when appropriate
- Wound care
- Pain relief
- When to return to work
- Follow-up appointments
Do not use a fixed recovery timeline as a substitute for your surgeon’s individual instructions.
Why Choose Dr. Harpreet Singh Jolly?
Dr. Harpreet Singh Jolly is a senior surgeon and the Director & Chief Consultant at Prolife Hospital, Ludhiana.
He has more than 20 years of surgical experience and has performed over 20,000 surgeries.
His surgical expertise includes advanced laparoscopic, bariatric, gastrointestinal and general surgery, along with the evaluation and treatment of selected venous conditions.
Patients receive an individualised treatment plan based on:
- Their symptoms
- Clinical examination
- Venous ultrasound findings
- Severity and extent of the condition
- Overall health
- Previous treatment
- Suitability for minimally invasive treatment
The aim is to select an appropriate treatment rather than recommending the same procedure for every patient.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Jolly will:
- Review your symptoms and medical history
- Examine the affected legs
- Assess the visible veins and associated symptoms
- Recommend appropriate investigations when necessary
- Discuss duplex ultrasound findings when available
- Explain suitable treatment options
- Discuss potential benefits and risks
- Provide guidance regarding recovery and follow-up
Not every patient with varicose veins requires a procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is laser treatment for varicose veins painful?
EVLA is generally performed using local anaesthesia. Patients may experience some pressure, pulling or mild discomfort during or after the procedure. The level of discomfort varies between individuals.
How long does laser varicose vein treatment take?
The duration depends on the number and location of veins being treated and the individual patient’s condition. Your surgeon can provide a more accurate estimate after assessment.
Can I walk after laser treatment?
Walking is commonly encouraged after minimally invasive vein treatment, unless your doctor advises otherwise. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions based on your procedure.
Will varicose veins come back after laser treatment?
The treated vein is closed by the procedure, but varicose veins can develop in other veins over time. Recurrence or the development of new veins depends on several factors, including the underlying venous disease.
Do all varicose veins require laser treatment?
No. Some patients may not require an intervention, while others may benefit from compression treatment, sclerotherapy, laser ablation, radiofrequency treatment, phlebectomy or another approach.
How are varicose veins diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves a medical history and physical examination. A venous duplex ultrasound may be recommended to assess blood flow and identify venous reflux.
When should I seek urgent medical attention?
Seek prompt medical attention if a varicose vein begins bleeding significantly, or if you develop sudden leg swelling, severe pain, redness or other rapidly developing symptoms.
Where can I get varicose vein treatment in Ludhiana?
Dr. Harpreet Singh Jolly provides consultation and treatment for varicose vein conditions at Prolife Hospital, Ludhiana. The appropriate treatment is determined after evaluating the patient’s symptoms and venous condition.
Looking for Varicose Vein Treatment in Ludhiana?
If varicose veins are causing pain, heaviness, swelling, skin changes or other persistent symptoms, a proper medical evaluation can help determine whether treatment is necessary.
Consult Dr. Harpreet Singh Jolly at Prolife Hospital, Ludhiana, to discuss your symptoms and available treatment options.