How long does it take for a wound and scar to heal post-endovenous laser ablation?

I had a place on my leg that would profusely bleed before my endovenous laser ablation and phlebectomy. I was hoping that the scabbed area would go away, but it's been two weeks since my surgery and although it is not bulging, the area is still dark and has a small scar. How long will it take for the wound to heal and for my scar to disappear?

Answers from doctors (10)


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on May 28, 2013

Based on what you have told us, your scar can take a long time to go away; that is, if it goes away entirely. Most people who have discoloration from vein disease, like you are describing, will often see the dark color lighten up over time and become a brownish/rust like color. The scab/scar will take even longer because, based on what you are describing, the doc who treated you only addressed part of your vein issues. The mistake a lot of doctors make when treating patients' veins is that they often only treat the saphenous vessels and any large protruding veins; they never address the spider and reticular veins that account for 90+percent of a person's vein disease. Contrary to popular belief, those remaining spiders and reticular veins are not just cosmetic, but also account for much of a person's venous circulatory deficits. The result is a suboptimal perfusion of the skin, which is why people with significant vein disease often notice that cuts or injuries below the knee often take weeks to months to heal. Address you reticular veins and spider veins and you will see your wound heal faster.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Based on what you have told us, your scar can take a long time to go away; that is, if it goes away entirely. Most people who have discoloration from vein disease, like you are describing, will often see the dark color lighten up over time and become a brownish/rust like color. The scab/scar will take even longer because, based on what you are describing, the doc who treated you only addressed part of your vein issues. The mistake a lot of doctors make when treating patients' veins is that they often only treat the saphenous vessels and any large protruding veins; they never address the spider and reticular veins that account for 90+percent of a person's vein disease. Contrary to popular belief, those remaining spiders and reticular veins are not just cosmetic, but also account for much of a person's venous circulatory deficits. The result is a suboptimal perfusion of the skin, which is why people with significant vein disease often notice that cuts or injuries below the knee often take weeks to months to heal. Address you reticular veins and spider veins and you will see your wound heal faster.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on May 09, 2013

The scar will not disappear, but will improve in appearance. This can take several months to a year.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

The scar will not disappear, but will improve in appearance. This can take several months to a year.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on May 07, 2013

Everyone has different healing times following endovenous laser ablation. Some people will heal within a few weeks, while others may take a few months to fully heal.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Everyone has different healing times following endovenous laser ablation. Some people will heal within a few weeks, while others may take a few months to fully heal.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein 911

Published on May 06, 2013

Ulceration caused by vein disease indicates the most serious stage of vein disease and almost always requires additional ancillary procedures besides endovenous laser ablation to eliminate. Residual abnormal vein branches are typically present after endovenous laser ablation, and most patients require ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy and/or ambulatory phlebectomy to achieve complete control of venous disease symptoms. My opinion is that ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is far superior to the surgical option of ambulatory phlebectomy, also known as microphlebectomy. Surgical phlebectomy inevitably leaves some abnormal veins behind because not all abnormal veins can be removed surgically. Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy allows for complete eradication of abnormal veins, many of which lie deep beneath the skin and cannot be safely removed with surgery. We see patients almost every day incompletely treated elsewhere because ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy was not offered by the vein care physician.

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Answered by Vein 911

Ulceration caused by vein disease indicates the most serious stage of vein disease and almost always requires additional ancillary procedures besides endovenous laser ablation to eliminate. Residual abnormal vein branches are typically present after endovenous laser ablation, and most patients require ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy and/or ambulatory phlebectomy to achieve complete control of venous disease symptoms. My opinion is that ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is far superior to the surgical option of ambulatory phlebectomy, also known as microphlebectomy. Surgical phlebectomy inevitably leaves some abnormal veins behind because not all abnormal veins can be removed surgically. Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy allows for complete eradication of abnormal veins, many of which lie deep beneath the skin and cannot be safely removed with surgery. We see patients almost every day incompletely treated elsewhere because ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy was not offered by the vein care physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on May 06, 2013

It may take a month or two for your wound to heal and for the scar to diminish in appearance. You should ask your MD to re-evaluate you.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

It may take a month or two for your wound to heal and for the scar to diminish in appearance. You should ask your MD to re-evaluate you.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on May 06, 2013

It takes months for areas such as darkened (hyperpigmented) skin to improve in appearance. In some cases, it may never be completely normal.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

It takes months for areas such as darkened (hyperpigmented) skin to improve in appearance. In some cases, it may never be completely normal.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on May 06, 2013

It is vital to know where the scar/wound is located on your leg. For example, is it near the ankle?

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

It is vital to know where the scar/wound is located on your leg. For example, is it near the ankle?

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on May 06, 2013

Healing times differ for each patient, but keep in mind that the bleeding area may still need sclerotherapy.


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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Healing times differ for each patient, but keep in mind that the bleeding area may still need sclerotherapy.


Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on May 06, 2013

Wounds of the lower leg can take a long time to heal. Though healing times vary according to each individual, resolution may take several weeks to several months. However, two weeks post-EVLA is still very early. Be patient. Wear compression stockings as prescribed to you by your physician.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Wounds of the lower leg can take a long time to heal. Though healing times vary according to each individual, resolution may take several weeks to several months. However, two weeks post-EVLA is still very early. Be patient. Wear compression stockings as prescribed to you by your physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on May 06, 2013

Most wounds will heal 6 weeks after the endovenous laser ablation procedure. Scars could take over a year to heal and up to 2 years to remold.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Most wounds will heal 6 weeks after the endovenous laser ablation procedure. Scars could take over a year to heal and up to 2 years to remold.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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