Can treated veins reappear after going away?

I had a treated vein reappear six weeks after the VNUS closure procedure. It was not visible the night before. I admit that I have been doing a lot of exercising and flexing of my legs. Could this be the reason why the vein is present again? Is it possible for a treated vein to reappear after going away?

Answers from doctors (7)


West Coast Vein & Aesthetic Center

Published on Jan 19, 2018

Yes it is possible to treat a symptomatic varicosity that reappears. The flow in the venous system is finding a new equilibrium after the closure of the GSV. It is therefore not surprising that varocosities are disappearing and appearing.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8558_1514999255.jpg
Answered by West Coast Vein & Aesthetic Center

Yes it is possible to treat a symptomatic varicosity that reappears. The flow in the venous system is finding a new equilibrium after the closure of the GSV. It is therefore not surprising that varocosities are disappearing and appearing.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Ozark Regional Vein Center

Published on Apr 11, 2013

The long-term closure rate with the VNUS closure procedure is about 98%. You could be one of those 2% that opens up. Have your doctor perform an ultrasound to make sure that the vein is in fact closed.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1075_1499983011.jpg
Answered by Ozark Regional Vein Center

The long-term closure rate with the VNUS closure procedure is about 98%. You could be one of those 2% that opens up. Have your doctor perform an ultrasound to make sure that the vein is in fact closed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Apr 01, 2013

Venous insufficiency is considered a chronic condition, and sometimes patients need to be treated again in the future. However, over 90% of veins that have been closed remain this way and future treatment is usually after a long time. If you have a vein that has recurred in only a matter of weeks, it could mean that your vein has reopened (which is possible up to 10 % of the time). I would recommend getting an ultrasound.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/873_1500663762.jpg
Answered by Miller Vein

Venous insufficiency is considered a chronic condition, and sometimes patients need to be treated again in the future. However, over 90% of veins that have been closed remain this way and future treatment is usually after a long time. If you have a vein that has recurred in only a matter of weeks, it could mean that your vein has reopened (which is possible up to 10 % of the time). I would recommend getting an ultrasound.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Milford Vascular Institute

Published on Apr 01, 2013

A vein can close and reopen if it has not fully scarred down. I would ask your physician to perform another ultrasound to be sure the treated vein has not reopened.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1373_1445876067.jpg
Answered by Milford Vascular Institute

A vein can close and reopen if it has not fully scarred down. I would ask your physician to perform another ultrasound to be sure the treated vein has not reopened.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Mar 29, 2013

Since you experienced the reappearance of a treated vein after thermal ablation, it obviously can happen. If the surface vein was not treated when the saphenous vein was treated, it is not uncommon for the surface
vein to diminish somewhat but not go away. Because of this, most doctors treat the surface vein with either injection sclerotherapy or phlebectomy when they ablate the saphenous vein.

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

Since you experienced the reappearance of a treated vein after thermal ablation, it obviously can happen. If the surface vein was not treated when the saphenous vein was treated, it is not uncommon for the surface
vein to diminish somewhat but not go away. Because of this, most doctors treat the surface vein with either injection sclerotherapy or phlebectomy when they ablate the saphenous vein.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Mar 29, 2013

Treated veins can "reappear." The VNUS treated vein needs to be rechecked with an ultrasound to confirm it is closed. If so, this bulging vein can be treated by phlebectomy or sclerotherapy.

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

Treated veins can "reappear." The VNUS treated vein needs to be rechecked with an ultrasound to confirm it is closed. If so, this bulging vein can be treated by phlebectomy or sclerotherapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Mar 29, 2013

I am not sure what veins your are describing. Varicose veins will not resolve following a closure procedure unless they are treated by microphlebectomies or sclerotherapy. The treated GSV should dissolve over time. Initially after the procedure because of the swelling and the tumescent anesthesia used, the veins may appear to be gone only to reappear when the swelling subsides. Follow up with your treating physician for a reevaluation.

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

I am not sure what veins your are describing. Varicose veins will not resolve following a closure procedure unless they are treated by microphlebectomies or sclerotherapy. The treated GSV should dissolve over time. Initially after the procedure because of the swelling and the tumescent anesthesia used, the veins may appear to be gone only to reappear when the swelling subsides. Follow up with your treating physician for a reevaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for VNUS

VNUS -7 answers
I am 34 years old and want to proceed with VNUS and phlebectomy as a treatment for saphenous vein reflux. I have unsightly red, blue, and brown spots and enlarged veins on my feet. Are there any long-term effects of saphenous vein removal to consider?
See More
VNUS -8 answers
I am 34 years old and have severe spider veins. My legs ache sometimes, but there is no sign of swelling. My left GS has .66 sec reflux. The right was WNL. I am a runner and of normal weight. A vascular surgeon has suggested the VNUS closure procedure. I am nervous. What are the risks vs benefits?
See More
VNUS -12 answers
I am a skinny 25 year old who has never been pregnant. I live an active lifestyle and maintain a healthy diet. I work out for an hour a day, plus I take my dog on 3-4 walks a day. I don't keep my legs crossed and I wear compression socks. Why do I have varicose veins?
See More
VNUS -10 answers
I had VNUS radio-frequency ablation (from knee to my groin) 2 weeks ago with a review scheduled in 4 weeks. The unsightly vein in my calf is now reduced, but is still about 30 percent the size it was previously. Will it reduce completely and finally disappear? How long would this take?
See More
VNUS -9 answers
I had the VNUS closure 9 days ago, and until now the part around and below the area where I had the incision is still numb. Every once in a while I experience some sharp, tolerable pain near my ankle. Are these side effects normal?
See More
VNUS -8 answers
Does the procedure have down time?
See More
VNUS -8 answers
I had vnus closure on both legs in July/August 2011. I recently increased my exercise to get my legs in shape. I now have dark blue veins appearing, getting worse by the minute down my entire outer thighs, back of legs, and back of knees and calves. Why is this?
See More
VNUS -7 answers
I've heard that squatting puts added pressure on your leg veins, which is not good for people prone to varicose veins. I've also heard that squatting is a good exercise for people with vein issues. Which is true? Is it safe to squat 7 weeks after the VNUS closure procedure?
See More
VNUS -9 answers
I need to have the VNUS procedure done, and the doctor I was referred to said they have a nurse practitioner who does this VNUS procedure. Is that safe? Is that legal? I thought only physicians (MDs) were authorized to perform the VNUS procedure.
See More
VNUS -8 answers
I had the VNUS closure procedure done almost five weeks ago and still have swollen, tender and cord-like veins on the inside of my leg. When will they disappear? Also, can sleeping on my side with the veins pressing against the mattress delay the healing?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
VNUS -8 answers
It has been suggested by a vascular surgeon that I have CVI or venous reflux. She performed sclerotherapy yesterday on my ankle after a spider vein burst. She suggested that I may be a candidate for VNUS, but my weight is a concern (I am 375 at 5'8").
See More
VNUS -5 answers
How is it different from EVLT and ELVeS?
See More
VNUS -2 answers
Ijust had VNUS closure surgery 4 days ago and the pain is minimal. But, I did notice today it feels like there is a throbbing or heartbeat, almost like a twitching or pumping in my upper leg. It doesn't hurt. Is this normal? What's causing the pulsing/throbbing? Also, am I able to tan (tanning bed or stand up) if I wear my support hose so my leg is not directly exposed to the light, and if I don't use tanning lotion on the leg?? When will the fat, worm-like veins go down or look better?
See More
VNUS -5 answers
I just had the VNUS closure procedure this AM. Is it normal to feel nauseated and just a little light headed since the procedure?
See More
VNUS -4 answers
I had the procedure done a little over three weeks ago and am still having pain/heaviness. It was started at the ankle and up to my groin. Does that mean the vein has not fully closed?
See More
VNUS -5 answers
I had VNUS surgery 3 years ago on my left leg. I have a dull ache in my leg that I never had before surgery. I especially notice it at night in bed. It often bothers me enough to wake me up. I never had the ache before surgery. What causes this?
See More
VNUS -3 answers
I had VNUS done a year ago. It doesn't seem like there is any difference in the appearance of my veins. They still bulge when I stand. My doctor says this is caused by new veins which developed after the surgery. Do I need to have it done again?
See More
VNUS -4 answers
I had the closure procedure done October 2010. I am suffering with the left leg. I have tingling/numbness by the inner ankle, and sharp pains when I run. My Surgeon said this was normal. Can I expect this pain to go away? I am only 24.
See More
VNUS -4 answers
I have swam & used hot saunas almost every day for 30 years, so much so that my body has gotten used to it. I also exercise. How long before I can safely return to my routine? Also, how long after the procedure is it safe to travel by airplane? I am a 59 yo F who is 5'5.
See More
VNUS -5 answers
If I drink alcohol on a nightly basis post-procedure, will it affect the outcome and success of the VNUS closure procedure?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR