Am I too young to have Endovenous Laser Ablation?

I am only 15 years old, and I've had varicose veins since my 12th birthday. A few months ago I had vein inflammation. I already have a varicose vein surgery scheduled this month, and my doctor thinks I am not too young. But am I really too young to have surgery? I need a second opinion.

Answers from doctors (10)


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Go get a second opinion to be sure. If you have reflux and you are symptomatic, then you probably should be treated but you can try to manage it with compression hose (which is obviously not a popular choice in your age group).

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/464_1408044069.jpg
Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Go get a second opinion to be sure. If you have reflux and you are symptomatic, then you probably should be treated but you can try to manage it with compression hose (which is obviously not a popular choice in your age group).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Austin Vein Specialists

Published on Jul 03, 2012

You are not too young . . . even patients in their teenage years can have significant varicose vein problems requiring procedures to fix them.

Answered by Austin Vein Specialists (View Profile)

You are not too young . . . even patients in their teenage years can have significant varicose vein problems requiring procedures to fix them.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bellagio Vein Clinic

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Your best option is to make another consult / schedule an appointment with another doctor.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1242_1408044091.jpg
Answered by Bellagio Vein Clinic

Your best option is to make another consult / schedule an appointment with another doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Jul 03, 2012

There is not an age limit on either side of the spectrum. If your varicose veins are causing you discomfort, if you legs are swelling or if your legs are tired and achy at the end of the day, then endovenous ablation or
sealing is the ideal treatment for you. In the days before 2000, we only had stripping (painful and invasive) to offer our patients and you would not have been considered a candidate back then, but many others would not have been either.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/740_1408044075.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialists

There is not an age limit on either side of the spectrum. If your varicose veins are causing you discomfort, if you legs are swelling or if your legs are tired and achy at the end of the day, then endovenous ablation or
sealing is the ideal treatment for you. In the days before 2000, we only had stripping (painful and invasive) to offer our patients and you would not have been considered a candidate back then, but many others would not have been either.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Age is not the determinant of who needs treatment. The issue is whether you have significant venous insufficiency with symptoms that warrant treatment.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/755_1499906765.jpg
Answered by VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Age is not the determinant of who needs treatment. The issue is whether you have significant venous insufficiency with symptoms that warrant treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Jul 03, 2012

If you have the symptoms and appropriate indications, you are not too young for varicose vein surgery.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1187_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

If you have the symptoms and appropriate indications, you are not too young for varicose vein surgery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Jul 03, 2012

If your appendix becomes inflamed when you are 15, you had better have surgery. Likewise, if you have saphenous-derived varicose veins with symptoms, it would be wise to treat them before clots develop. Endovenous ablation is usually the best option for most people.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1015_1408044084.jpg
Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

If your appendix becomes inflamed when you are 15, you had better have surgery. Likewise, if you have saphenous-derived varicose veins with symptoms, it would be wise to treat them before clots develop. Endovenous ablation is usually the best option for most people.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jul 03, 2012

I don't recommend an operation usually since you will probably get many more varicose veins when you become pregnant later. You would need another operation at that time. Discuss with your parents.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/554_1447800116.jpg
Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

I don't recommend an operation usually since you will probably get many more varicose veins when you become pregnant later. You would need another operation at that time. Discuss with your parents.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Jun 11, 2012

The sooner you treat those veins, the better off you will be in the long term. As long as you have parental consent for the procedure, I wouldn't have any reason to consider you 'too young' for the treatment. It is always better to receive treatment sooner, rather than later.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1153_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

The sooner you treat those veins, the better off you will be in the long term. As long as you have parental consent for the procedure, I wouldn't have any reason to consider you 'too young' for the treatment. It is always better to receive treatment sooner, rather than later.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 04, 2012

You are not too young for venous surgery. I would recommend endovenous ablation rather then ligation and stripping. My youngest female patient was 13 and the youngest male was 11.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

You are not too young for venous surgery. I would recommend endovenous ablation rather then ligation and stripping. My youngest female patient was 13 and the youngest male was 11.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Varicose Vein Surgery

Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I am 21 years old and recently I have developed a varicose vein on my penis. The vein gives me slight discomfort. I am not sexually active. How can I fix this vein? Is there any medication or procedure which can fix it? I don't like the look of the vein.
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
And, are there any options in terms of colors or styles?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -10 answers
I am 21 years old and within the past four years I have developed spider veins and large veins that are visible in my legs. They are also elevated over my shins. Varicose veins run in my family, but is this really all genetic or do I have a health problem?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -4 answers
Had a phlebectomy and VNUS done 4 weeks ago. I have lumps all along where the vein used to be (ranging from pea size to walnut size). They were painful & had them drained twice now. I still have lumps. What can be done? Will these resolve?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -7 answers
How long should I wait after varicose vein surgery to take an airplane trip, or does it matter?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -5 answers
My wife had superficial blood clots in leg. They took ultrasound and she just collapsed 13 days ago in my arms and died in the hospital of a blood clot in the lung. She was healthy and young. No history, sickness, fever. How can this happen?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -5 answers
I had a phlebectomy that was not successful, then laser ablation and sclerotherapy within 2 months of each other. I now have shooting pains in my leg... is this something that is normal?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -9 answers
I am getting ready to have a varicose vein treatment but am afraid that I may develop blood clots and die. What should I do? Thanks.
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
This pain occurs after I have been active on my legs. My varicose vein surgery was about five months ago.
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -9 answers
I had a main vein stripped and incisions by knee done 4 days ago. It looks like its healing well, but I am getting a burning sensation. What does this mean?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Varicose Vein Surgery -6 answers
What is the recovery procedure after the vein is removed? For example, do I have to sit and rest it and how long will i need off work?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -5 answers
I'm scheduled for weight-loss surgery, and I have large varicose veins on both legs. Will losing the weight change the pressure in my legs enough to make the varicose veins go away, or will I need surgery or other treatments?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I am 24 yrs old, and after i had my daughter i noticed my legs are veiny. The veins don't bulge out nor are spidery. i was wondering what are they? How should I get rid of them?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -9 answers
I had varicose vein surgery 14 years ago to strip veins from my right leg. I have had severe pain in my groin and lower abdomen for years. Just found out the surgeon left three surgical clips in my groin. They are to be removed. Why would he do this?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -10 answers
Is this a side effect of having varicose veins and can varicose vein surgery effectively treat this condition?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I have a large number of varicose veins covering both legs. I want to get them treated but I'm afraid I won't have many veins left! Is there a point where you shouldn't have them all removed/injected because there won't be enough circulation?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -12 answers
One week after varicose vein surgery I developed a golf ball size swelling on the inside of my ankle that is very sensitive to touch. Is this normal?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
Can you fly safely with a superficial vein? I had some bleeding under the skin and I'm taking antibiotics. I fly on Friday and have a surgical stocking to wear. Is this OK?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -4 answers
If someone has had varicose vein surgery, can they come back? At any time? What are the odds of this?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I have spider veins and varicose veins. Will my insurance ppo bluecross pay for it? I was told by my insurance co they would pay if it is medically necessary, they hurt and are getting worse, I am a nurse.
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR