EVLA and Phlebectomy - before and after
4 days ago, I (F35) had Endovenous Laser Ablation and phlebectomy on both legs and just wanted to provide some insight for those considering treatment.
For background, I have suffered bulging varicose veins in my right leg for about 15 years and then noticed small bulges in my left leg around 5 years ago that have gradually worsened since pregnancy so decided I wanted to do something about it.
At the consultation I had my legs scanned via ultrasound and they found that my main vein (GSV) in left leg was faulty and pooling blood, and that my anterior vein in right leg (bulging one) was indeed faulty too. The doctors advised that he would perform EVLA on both legs and to expect some pain during the procedure even though it would be under local anaesthesia.
On the day of the procedure, we talked through what would happen, and I was set up on a bed ready for surgery. He started on the right leg first, then worked his way to the left leg. The anaesthesia stings, of course, but when that's done, the leg is pretty much numb, and you can't feel the incisions. However, during the EVLA, you can feel cramping (similar to menstrual/muscle cramps) in the leg, and these last for around 20 seconds as the vein is sealed closed. After this, I had a phlebectomy where the veins were pulled out, and this can be very uncomfortable as you can feel tugging, and when it's out, it feels almost like a hair being plucked from the leg.
He continued to do this for all obvious varicose veins on both legs as well as the main vein in the left leg, and in total, it took 90 minutes.
Following the procedure, I did feel a little woozy but was told that's normal and was given a cup of tea and biscuits in the recovery room. After an hour, my partner took me home, and I was very sleepy (understandably).
Since then, healing has gone really well. I do wear compression stockings every day ( I have taken them off for bed) and expect to wear these for up to 2 weeks, but it is really helping the tenderness and aching.
The procedure cost around £4500 because I went private, but I'm already pleased with the results. My only regret is not doing it sooner!
I hope that's helped anyone considering treatments, but I'm happy to answer any questions 😊