In-office · ultrasound-guided
Laser Ablation (EVLT) for Varicose Veins
Endovenous laser treatment closes diseased veins from the inside — performed in-office, under local anesthesia, with most patients back to normal activity the same day.
Laser ablation for symptomatic venous disease is covered by most major insurance plans, and our team verifies your benefits before any procedure is scheduled.
Book a vein consultationMedically reviewed by Jose I. Almeida, MD, FACS, RPVI, RVT — Vascular Surgery, medical director
What Is Endovenous Laser Ablation?
Endovenous laser ablation — often called EVLT — is a minimally invasive procedure that uses targeted laser energy to close diseased superficial veins from the inside. A thin laser fiber is guided into the affected vein under ultrasound, and as the fiber is slowly withdrawn, laser energy heats the vein wall, causing it to collapse and seal shut.
Once the vein is closed, your body reroutes blood through healthier vessels and gradually absorbs the treated vein. Like radiofrequency ablation, EVLT treats the underlying reflux that drives varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency — not just the visible veins at the surface.
The procedure is performed in our office under local anesthesia. There is no general anesthesia and no hospital stay, and most patients walk out and return to their normal day immediately.
Who Laser Ablation Is For
Laser ablation may be right for you if any of the following apply. Your ultrasound findings determine whether laser or radiofrequency is the better fit.
Varicose veins driven by venous reflux
When faulty valves let blood flow backward and pool, surface veins bulge under the pressure. EVLT closes the refluxing vein so the veins it feeds can settle.
Symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency
Aching, heaviness, swelling, and skin changes often trace back to chronic venous insufficiency. Treating the diseased vein addresses the source of those symptoms.
Veins that persist despite compression therapy
If conservative measures have not relieved your symptoms, ablation is typically the next step — and completing a compression trial often satisfies your insurer's coverage criteria.
Anatomy suited to laser treatment
Some vein anatomy responds best to laser energy, some to radiofrequency. Your duplex ultrasound tells us which technology fits your veins — we offer both, so the choice is driven by your imaging, not by what a clinic happens to own.
What to Expect During Laser Ablation
EVLT follows the same walk-in, walk-out rhythm as the rest of our vein care.
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Local anesthesia, fully awake
The treatment area is numbed with local anesthesia. You are awake and comfortable throughout — no general anesthesia, no hospital.
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Ultrasound-guided fiber placement
Real-time imaging guides the laser fiber into the diseased vein and confirms precise positioning before any energy is delivered.
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Controlled laser closure
As the fiber is slowly withdrawn, laser energy seals the vein wall along its length. The vein closes; healthy veins take over.
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Walk out the same day
Most visits take under an hour, and walking immediately afterward is encouraged. Compression stockings are worn for a short period to support healing.
Laser or Radiofrequency? Your Ultrasound Decides
We offer both ablation technologies in-office, so the recommendation you get is based on your imaging — not on the only tool available. Start with a consultation.
Book a consultationWhy Choose Miami Vein and Wellness for EVLT in Jacksonville
Cristal Boatright, MMS, PA-C has spent 16 years specializing exclusively in vein and vascular medicine — performing thousands of procedures and training under Dr. Jose Almeida at Miami Vein Center, author of the foundational textbook on endovascular venous surgery.
Because we offer radiofrequency ablation, laser ablation, sclerotherapy, and Varithena under one roof, our recommendation is based on your ultrasound findings — not on fitting you to the one tool available.
- 16 years of exclusive vein and vascular specialization
- Both laser and radiofrequency ablation offered in-office
- Ultrasound-guided diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up
- Insurance verification and prior authorization handled for you
- Serving St. Johns County and greater Jacksonville
Is Laser Ablation Covered by Insurance?
Yes. Endovenous laser ablation for symptomatic varicose vein disease and chronic venous insufficiency is covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, when medical necessity criteria are met.
Our team verifies your coverage and manages prior authorization before your procedure — you will know what your plan covers before anything is scheduled.
Coverage criteria vary by plan; we confirm your specific benefits at consultation.
Pricing is current as of the latest service menu and is subject to change. Your provider will confirm the right plan and final pricing at your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation?
Both are minimally invasive, in-office procedures that close diseased veins from the inside using thermal energy — laser ablation uses laser light, while radiofrequency ablation uses radiofrequency energy.
Outcomes are comparable for most patients. We offer both and recommend the one your ultrasound findings support.
Does laser vein ablation hurt?
The treatment area is numbed with local anesthesia, so most patients feel pressure or warmth rather than pain. Some mild soreness or a pulling sensation along the treated vein in the days after treatment is normal and typically eases quickly.
How soon can I get back to normal activity?
Most patients return to normal activity the same day — walking right away is encouraged. We recommend avoiding strenuous leg workouts and long periods of standing for a few days, and wearing compression stockings for a short period as directed.
Is EVLT a cosmetic procedure?
No. EVLT treats the underlying venous reflux that causes symptoms like aching, heaviness, and swelling — a medical condition, which is why insurance covers it when criteria are met.
Visible surface veins often improve after the underlying disease is treated, and remaining cosmetic veins can be addressed with sclerotherapy.
Do I need an ultrasound first?
Yes. An in-office vascular duplex ultrasound maps your veins, confirms reflux, and determines whether laser or radiofrequency ablation fits your anatomy. Most insurers also require it to establish medical necessity.
Laser Ablation (EVLT) is available at our St. Johns County office in the Durbin Park area — serving Jacksonville, St. Johns, Ponte Vedra, Mandarin, Durbin, Silverleaf, Nocatee, Julington Creek, Fleming Island, and St. Augustine.
Treat the Source, Not Just the Surface
Bulging veins and heavy, aching legs almost always trace back to reflux in a vein you cannot see. Laser ablation closes that vein in under an hour, in our office, with most patients back to their day immediately.
Book a vein consultation — we will map your veins, explain your options honestly, and verify your insurance before recommending anything.
Book a vein consultationOr call/text (904) 310-7186.