For professional flight attendant and new mom Karen Lyons of Oxford, what began as a cosmetic varicose vein problem rapidly evolved into major discomfort and danger of phlebitis.

Her high altitude career, with all of its walking, compounded her problem.

For Ms. Lyons, altitude equaled added swelling. Then she became pregnant. She called it the perfect storm.

Two years before her pregnancy, Dr. Richard Margules diagnosed Ms. Lyons' problem at the Laser Vein Center of Connecticut.

Initially he used compression therapy to control her swelling before and then, during her pregnancy, he monitored her closely.

He wanted to wait until the baby was born to solve the problem.

After delivery, he performed the new endovenous laser treatment. Her outcome was excellent.

The Laser Vein Center of Connecticut improves patients' venous health through the complete evaluation and comprehensive management of venous problems.

A range of techniques to restore the patient's venous health includes leg compression stockings, sclerotherapy, laser therapy and various surgical procedures.

Under Dr. Margules' direction, individualized therapeutic regimens and personalized patient care are central to the center's mission.

Dr. Margules is a general and vascular surgeon and has been treating patients in Connecticut for 33 years. He has been performing the EVLT procedure for the past five years.

Done in the office, EVLT is relatively painless and requires a much shorter, less arduous recuperation than the in-hospital ligation and stripping procedure that was the standard procedure for removing varicose veins.

With EVLT, the surgeon inserts a tiny laser into the saphenous vein and collapses the varicose veins in the leg, eliminating the pain and swelling. Full recovery can be expected in two to three weeks.

"After the one-hour, in-office EVLT, Dr. Margules told me to walk a little. I asked him if he was serious.

"It had been so painful before the procedure. He just smiled. So I went to the mall and couldn't believe the difference.

"It took a couple of days to feel completely normal, but the immediate relief was startling. And after those few days, I was back to my old hyperactive self again and haven't looked back," said Ms. Lyons.

She called the experience the most patient-friendly she had ever had.

To learn more about EVLT and other services offered at the Laser Vein Center of Connecticut, visit www.laserveinct.com.

Those seeking additional information may call 203-778-5955.

The Laser Vein Center of Connecticut is located at 22 Old Waterbury Rd.