A Journey from Discomfort to Confidence – A Real Case Managed by Dr. Parul Garg
For many, varicose veins are just a cosmetic issue. But for this male patient, they became a serious concern—not just because of the discomfort, but because they were standing in the way of a crucial milestone in his career.
This is the real story of a man who underwent Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) and phlebectomy to treat varicose veins in his right lower limb, and saw remarkable results within just 1.5 months. The treatment allowed him to not only relieve his symptoms but also successfully clear a mandatory medical examination that could impact his professional life.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Before diving into his journey, it helps to understand the condition.
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted, and often bulging veins that commonly occur in the legs. They’re the result of faulty valves in the veins, which allow blood to pool instead of flowing smoothly back to the heart.
While they’re sometimes brushed off as cosmetic, varicose veins can lead to:
- Pain and heaviness
- Swelling
- Skin discoloration
- Cramps
- Itching and burning
- And in severe cases, ulcers
The Patient’s Initial Concern
This patient was a working professional with aspirations that depended on passing a medical clearance.
For months, he had been living with visible swelling, prominent veins, and a sensation of heaviness in his right leg. The discomfort wasn’t just physical, it was beginning to affect his confidence and mobility.
More importantly, the bulging veins posed a risk to his chances of passing a detailed medical examination.
That’s when he chose to consult Dr. Parul Garg, a senior Interventional Radiologist known for her expertise in non-surgical, image-guided treatments.
Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis
During the consultation, Dr. Parul conducted a clinical examination and a duplex ultrasound scan of the affected limb.
Findings:
- Prominent varicosities in the right lower limb
- Incompetent valves in the superficial venous system
- Symptoms consistent with Chronic Venous Insufficiency
The diagnosis was clear: the patient had a case of significant varicose veins, and a combined interventional approach would be required for both functional and aesthetic improvement, especially considering the medical clearance he needed.
The Recommended Treatment Plan
Dr. Parul recommended a two-step treatment for this case:
- Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA):
A minimally invasive procedure where a laser fiber is inserted into the faulty vein under ultrasound guidance to close it off from the inside. - Phlebectomy:
A procedure where superficial, bulging veins are removed through small punctures using specialized instruments.
The goal? Eliminate the root cause of the issue (via EVLA) while also clearing the visible, symptomatic veins (via phlebectomy) with minimal downtime and maximum impact.
Undergoing EVLA and Phlebectomy
The treatment was scheduled on a daycare basis.
What Happened on the Day:
- The patient was admitted in the morning.
- Local anesthesia was used, no general anesthesia, no hospital stay.
- Under real-time ultrasound guidance, the laser fiber was inserted into the main defective vein.
- Once in position, laser energy was delivered to close the vein permanently (EVLA).
- After that, phlebectomy was done through tiny incisions, removing the superficial twisted veins responsible for the visible bulge.
The entire procedure took less than 2 hours, and the patient was able to walk out the same day.
Recovery Journey: From Day 1 to 1.5 Months
The patient was prescribed compression stockings and advised light walking to maintain circulation.
First Week:
- Slight soreness and tightness were expected and experienced.
- There was already a noticeable reduction in swelling and heaviness.
Two Weeks:
- The pain was gone.
- Most of the bruising had faded.
- The leg began to look more symmetrical and less congested.
One Month:
- The patient reported zero discomfort.
- No visible varicosities or bulging veins.
- Skin texture and color had improved.
1.5 Months:
He resumed full activity without restrictions.
A follow-up scan confirmed complete vein closure and normal blood flow through healthy veins.
The patient cleared his medical test with confidence.
Doctor’s Note: Why This Approach Works
Dr. Parul Garg shared her perspective on the case:
“Varicose veins aren’t just a cosmetic concern , especially for people in professions requiring medical clearance or long hours of standing. In this case, a combination of EVLA and phlebectomy allowed us to treat both the root cause and the cosmetic aspect with minimal trauma. The patient recovered well and on time.”
She adds,
“It’s important for patients to know that they don’t always need surgery. Interventional procedures like these are safe, precise, and require no hospital stay or major incisions.”
The Role of an Interventional Radiologist
Interventional radiologists like Dr. Parul Garg are specialists in image-guided, minimally invasive procedures. Unlike conventional surgery, they use tools like ultrasound and advanced imaging to guide treatments through tiny entry points that results in:
- Less pain
- Lower risk of complications
- Shorter recovery time
- No stitches or scars
When it comes to varicose veins, they’re often the best-equipped specialists to not just diagnose but also treat the condition with maximum precision.
Why Early Treatment Matters
In India, many people live with varicose veins for years without treatment, assuming it’s just a cosmetic issue — until it starts affecting mobility or causing skin damage.
But delaying treatment can lead to:
- Skin darkening
- Ulcers
- Blood clots
- Long-term venous damage
Early interventional procedures can prevent these complications entirely and also offer better cosmetic outcomes.
7 Signs You Might Need Treatment for Varicose Veins
- Visible, bulging veins in the legs
- Aching, heaviness, or discomfort
- Itching or burning around the veins
- Skin discoloration or dryness
- Swelling that worsens during the day
- Frequent leg cramps or restlessness
- History of varicose veins in the family
If you identify with any of these, it’s a good idea to consult a specialist.
The Takeaway: Fast, Safe, and Effective
This patient’s journey highlights just how effective minimally invasive vein treatment can be.
✅ No hospitalization
✅ No general anesthesia
✅ Resume normal activity in a day
✅ Results visible in 4–6 weeks
✅ Safe for professionals needing fast recovery
Whether you’re preparing for a medical exam, struggling with chronic leg discomfort, or simply want to restore confidence, there are gentle, effective solutions available.
Thinking About Treatment?
If you’re dealing with varicose veins or similar symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. Parul Garg.
With her expertise in EVLA, phlebectomy, and other vascular interventions, she can help you explore the best options tailored to your needs.