Can endovenous laser ablation cause Leg Ulcers?

After having the endovenous laser ablation on both legs, I developed large ulcers on one of my legs.What could have caused this? This has been a very long & painful experience.

Answers from doctors (9)


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Oct 08, 2010

This is a difficult question to answer. Was the ulcer in the area of the laser treatment? Was sclerotherapy also done or microphlebectomies? You should discuss this with your treating physician.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

This is a difficult question to answer. Was the ulcer in the area of the laser treatment? Was sclerotherapy also done or microphlebectomies? You should discuss this with your treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Nov 16, 2009

Very unlikely to cause leg ulcers, unless the vein treated was very superficial and a skin burn was caused which is theoretically possible, although I have never seen this.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Very unlikely to cause leg ulcers, unless the vein treated was very superficial and a skin burn was caused which is theoretically possible, although I have never seen this.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Nov 16, 2009

Potentially you incurred a skin burn. Alternatively, sclerotherapy could have been performed at the same time and this is a potential complication of sclerotherapy.

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Answered by Miller Vein

Potentially you incurred a skin burn. Alternatively, sclerotherapy could have been performed at the same time and this is a potential complication of sclerotherapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Published on Nov 14, 2009

Only a physican experienced in thermal ablation who personally examines you can help you sort out this unusual event.

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Answered by VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Only a physican experienced in thermal ablation who personally examines you can help you sort out this unusual event.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Nov 10, 2009

Not sure based on what you are describing. Causing leg ulcers would be very unusual for EVLT. I have not seen this ever.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Not sure based on what you are describing. Causing leg ulcers would be very unusual for EVLT. I have not seen this ever.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Nov 10, 2009

Very unlikely to cause leg ulcers, unless the vein treated was very superficial and a skin burn was caused which is theoretically possible, although I have never seen this. I a patient also has deep venous or perforator vein insufficiency this can cause leg ulcers however. It would depend on the location or chronology

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Very unlikely to cause leg ulcers, unless the vein treated was very superficial and a skin burn was caused which is theoretically possible, although I have never seen this. I a patient also has deep venous or perforator vein insufficiency this can cause leg ulcers however. It would depend on the location or chronology

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Nov 10, 2009

The likely cause of the ulcer is an incompetent perforating vein that was not treated. The ulcer is due to venous insufficiency, not the ablation. You need a venous ultrasound exam to look for the incompetent perforating vein and then treatment of the perforating vein.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

The likely cause of the ulcer is an incompetent perforating vein that was not treated. The ulcer is due to venous insufficiency, not the ablation. You need a venous ultrasound exam to look for the incompetent perforating vein and then treatment of the perforating vein.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center Houston

Published on Nov 10, 2009

Endovenous Laser Ablation does not usually cause leg ulcers. It is used to treat the high venous pressure associated with some leg ulcers.

To properly respond it is necessary to know the location of the ulcers, the time elapsed between treatment and appearance of the ulcers, the follow up ultrasound examination, etc. Without this information the question may not be answered.

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Answered by Vein Center Houston

Endovenous Laser Ablation does not usually cause leg ulcers. It is used to treat the high venous pressure associated with some leg ulcers.

To properly respond it is necessary to know the location of the ulcers, the time elapsed between treatment and appearance of the ulcers, the follow up ultrasound examination, etc. Without this information the question may not be answered.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Innovative Vein

Published on Nov 10, 2009

I can't comment on a new ulcer after a procedure without seeing the ulcer or wound and knowingthe details of the procedure.That is a very difficult question to answer. I would assume that you followed up with the physician for an ultrasound evaluation. If not, then that is the next step. Commenting on a new "wound" without quite a bit of information is not possible. Sorry.

Answered by Innovative Vein (View Profile)

I can't comment on a new ulcer after a procedure without seeing the ulcer or wound and knowingthe details of the procedure.That is a very difficult question to answer. I would assume that you followed up with the physician for an ultrasound evaluation. If not, then that is the next step. Commenting on a new "wound" without quite a bit of information is not possible. Sorry.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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