Laser energy, delivered through a thin catheter, seals a leaking vein so blood reroutes to healthy veins.1
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLT) closes a leaking main vein, usually the great or small saphenous vein, from the inside. Once closed, the vein can no longer leak blood backward into the varicose veins.1
Laser and radiofrequency ablation work the same way, using heat through a catheter. Dr. Malik recommends the one that fits your veins.
Not sure if this is right for you? A visit with Dr. Malik, with an on-site ultrasound, gives you a clear answer.
Recovery depends on your health and what was treated. Dr. Malik gives you written instructions for your own procedure.
Dr. Malik recommends the option that fits your condition after an exam and ultrasound.
| Treatment | Best for | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) | Leaking main veins (saphenous reflux) | Catheter heat seals the vein |
| Laser ablation (EVLT) | Leaking main veins (saphenous reflux) | Laser heat through a catheter seals the vein |
| Varithena foam | Main veins and visible varicose veins of the great saphenous system | Medicated foam injected under ultrasound |
| Ambulatory phlebectomy | Bulging surface varicose veins | Removed through 2 to 3 mm skin nicks |
| Sclerotherapy | Spider veins and small varicose veins | Injected solution closes the vein |
| Compression therapy | Aching, swelling, early vein disease | Graduated stockings worn daily |
I have been seeing Dr Rema Malik for about 2 years now. She is amazing and all of her staff is amazing. I wish that all my doctors and there staff could be at least half of what this team is just so incredible and can’t thank her and her staff enough for always making my legs good again.
Dr. Malik was very kind and thorough. She looks out for your best interest and explained the process of the diagnostic and treatment plan. Her staff was very kind and made me feel comfortable with their evaluation.
I love love love Dr. Malik. She has taken very good care of me. She listens and answers all my questions and concerns. She is compassionate and caring.
Dr. Malik and her team are wonderful! Very friendly, easy to understand my questions and the process with my procedure. I never have to wait for the team to get back to me when I have called.
Dr. Rema Malik, MD, FACS, RPVI, is board certified in Vascular Surgery, General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care. She sees patients in English and Urdu. No referral is needed.
Treatment is often covered by insurance when it is medically necessary. Our team checks your plan before your visit.
Short answers. For your own situation, talk to Dr. Malik.
Endovenous laser ablation uses laser energy through a thin catheter to close a leaking main vein from the inside.
No. Vein ablation is done in the vascular surgeon’s office.
Both use heat through a catheter to close the vein. Dr. Malik recommends the option that fits your veins after an ultrasound.
You wear a compression stocking or bandage and walk out the same day.
Closing the leaking main vein treats the cause. Bulging surface veins may also need phlebectomy or sclerotherapy.
It is often covered when veins cause symptoms. Our team checks your plan first.
This page is general education, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Unnumbered statements describe Dr. Malik’s usual practice. In an emergency, call 911. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Same-week appointments, no referral needed, three Houston-area clinics.
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