Vein Ablation

Treat the source of varicose vein symptoms.

When aching, heaviness, swelling, or visible varicose veins are caused by venous reflux, vein ablation closes the faulty vein so blood can move through healthier veins.

Your visit starts with an exam and duplex ultrasound. Treatment is recommended only when the vein findings match your symptoms.

Vein ablation before and after treatment example Before + after
A real treatment example. Every result and treatment plan is individual.
Guided by ultrasound

The treatment follows your exact vein map

Small entry point

No vein-stripping incision

Planned around you

Your care and recovery instructions are individualized

Could Vein Ablation Help Your Symptoms?

Aching, heaviness, swelling, itching, visible varicose veins, and skin changes can be signs of a faulty vein. A duplex ultrasound can identify the cause and show whether vein ablation may be right for you.

Bulging varicose veins

Aching or heavy legs

Leg or ankle swelling

Itching or burning

Skin color or texture changes

A sore near the ankle

Not sure what is causing your leg symptoms?

Start with an exam and ultrasound—not a guess.

Request a Vein Evaluation

How vein ablation improves blood flow

See what happens when a faulty surface vein is closed and blood is redirected through healthier veins.

Ultrasound guided

Faulty vein

Weak valves allow blood to fall backward and pool in the leg.

Vein sealed

A thin catheter delivers radiofrequency or laser energy to close the problem vein.

Flow redirected

The treated vein closes, and blood moves through healthier veins.

This is a simplified explanation. A duplex ultrasound identifies the faulty vein and guides the treatment plan.

How Vein Ablation Works

The exact plan depends on your ultrasound, vein anatomy, symptoms, and whether radiofrequency or laser is the better fit.

01

Map the faulty vein

Ultrasound shows where blood is flowing backward and guides the treatment path.

02

Close it from the inside

A thin catheter delivers controlled energy along the problem vein through a small entry point.

03

Redirect blood flow

The treated vein closes, and blood moves through healthier veins in the leg.

Real Before-and-After Results

Ablation treats the faulty source vein. Visible veins may improve, and additional treatment may be recommended for remaining surface veins.

View More Patient Results
Vein ablation before and after result

Result 01

Before and after · Individual result

Vein ablation before and after result

Result 02

Before and after · Individual result

Vein ablation before and after result

Result 03

Before and after · Individual result

Photos are examples only. Results, symptom improvement, and the need for additional treatment vary by patient.

Is Vein Ablation Right for You?

A visible vein alone does not decide treatment. The right plan connects your symptoms with the exam and ultrasound findings.

  • Symptoms interfere with comfort, movement, or daily life
  • Duplex ultrasound confirms venous reflux
  • Conservative care has not provided enough relief
  • Your health and vein anatomy support treatment
See If Treatment Fits Your Symptoms

What Recovery Often Looks Like

Your instructions depend on the vein treated, the technique used, other procedures completed, and your health. Follow the plan your specialist gives you.

Treatment day

Walk before you leave

Most patients are encouraged to walk soon after the procedure. You receive access-site and activity instructions.

First few days

Expect some tenderness

Mild soreness, tightness, bruising, or a pulling sensation can occur along the treated vein.

Follow-up

Check the treated vein

Your plan may include ultrasound and a symptom review to confirm the vein is closed.

Next steps

Address remaining veins

If surface veins remain, your specialist may discuss sclerotherapy, phlebectomy, or observation.

Benefits, Risks, and Other Options

Your specialist should explain the likely benefit for your symptoms, the risks that matter in your case, and reasonable alternatives.

Potential benefits

  • Treat the faulty source vein
  • Reduce aching, heaviness, swelling, or pressure
  • Support healthier blood flow through working veins
  • Avoid a vein-stripping incision

Risks to discuss

  • Bruising, soreness, skin irritation, or nerve symptoms
  • Superficial inflammation or infection
  • Blood clot or injury to a nearby structure
  • Incomplete closure or the need for another treatment

Other options

  • Compression, walking, elevation, and symptom management
  • VenaSeal or another vein-closure method
  • Sclerotherapy or phlebectomy for remaining surface veins
  • Observation when treatment is not yet needed

Check Your Coverage Before Treatment

Know what to expect before treatment. Share your plan details and our team will help check your benefits, explain what may be covered, and tell you what is needed before scheduling.

Specialist Care From Evaluation Through Follow-Up

Meet the specialists who evaluate vascular conditions, plan treatment, and stay involved in follow-up.

Meet All Physicians
Dr. Harout Dermendjian

Harout Dermendjian, MD

Endovascular Specialist

Dr. Dermendjian is a highly experienced specialist known for his steady presence in the procedure room. Patients value his direct and reassuring approach.

Meet Dr. Dermendjian
Dr. Kartik Kansagra

Kartik Kansagra, MD

Endovascular Specialist

Dr. Kansagra prioritizes clear, direct communication and brings a collaborative approach to complex endovascular care.

Meet Dr. Kansagra
Dr. Sipan Mathevosian

Sipan Mathevosian, MD

Endovascular Specialist

Dr. Mathevosian's training in Vascular Interventional Radiology spans arterial disease, venous conditions, and interventional oncology.

Meet Dr. Mathevosian

Three Los Angeles-Area Locations

Choose the office that works best for your evaluation and follow-up.

Procedure availability can vary by location and clinical need. The scheduling team will confirm the appropriate site.

Your Vein Ablation Questions, Answered

Drug-coated balloon therapy, explained plainly. Your specialist will explain what applies to your artery, health, and treatment plan.

What is vein ablation?

Vein ablation is an ultrasound-guided treatment that closes a faulty superficial vein with radiofrequency or laser energy. Blood then moves through healthier veins.

What is the difference between radiofrequency and laser vein ablation?

Both use heat to close a faulty vein. Radiofrequency uses controlled radiofrequency energy, while endovenous laser ablation uses laser energy. The choice depends on the vein, anatomy, and your specialist's plan.

Is it safe to close a vein?

A refluxing superficial vein is not carrying blood efficiently. After it is closed, blood is redirected through healthier veins. Ultrasound confirms which vein is causing the problem before treatment is recommended.

How do I know if I am a candidate?

Candidacy depends on your symptoms, exam, and duplex ultrasound. Ablation may be considered when a superficial vein has reflux and the findings match your symptoms.

What is recovery like?

Many patients walk soon after treatment, but activity, compression, and follow-up instructions are individualized. Mild soreness, tightness, or bruising can occur while the treated vein closes.

Will all visible veins disappear after ablation?

Ablation treats the faulty source vein. Some surface varicose or spider veins may improve, while others may need a separate treatment such as sclerotherapy or phlebectomy.

Does insurance cover vein ablation?

Coverage depends on the plan, network, symptoms, ultrasound findings, medical-necessity rules, and authorization requirements. EVSLA can review your plan details and explain the next steps before scheduling.

Find Out What Is Causing Your Leg Symptoms

An EVSLA specialist can review your symptoms, examine your legs, and use ultrasound to show whether vein ablation or another option makes sense.