How long will it take for the veins in my legs to disappear after endovenous laser ablation?

I had an endovenous laser ablation procedure done 5 days ago. I am bruised and extremely sore, even when I walk. I am currently wearing support stockings. Will some of the ugly veins in my legs disappear in due time? It would be depressing if they were still there after going though this pain.

Answers from doctors (9)


The Vascular Institute at Teton Radiology

Published on Feb 13, 2013

It depends on whether you had phlebectomy with the ablation. If you did, the ugly veins were pulled out. You will not see the end result until you heal up and the bruising is gone.

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Answered by The Vascular Institute at Teton Radiology

It depends on whether you had phlebectomy with the ablation. If you did, the ugly veins were pulled out. You will not see the end result until you heal up and the bruising is gone.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Feb 07, 2013

It would depend if those 'ugly' veins were connected to the vein that was ablated. If those veins have another source, then they will not go away until the source is treated. Or, if they bulge out, then they will have to be pulled out by ambulatory phlebectomy.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

It would depend if those 'ugly' veins were connected to the vein that was ablated. If those veins have another source, then they will not go away until the source is treated. Or, if they bulge out, then they will have to be pulled out by ambulatory phlebectomy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Feb 06, 2013

First, who did this to you and what did they tell you? Generally, there is very little pain following an endovenous laser ablation procedure, provided you wear the compression stockings and walk a lot. Inflammation from the laser can occur day 4 to 7, and Advil (ibuprofen) helps. Bulging veins may not regress if they have another source of reflux. Injection or phlebectomy are options to discuss. Wait time can be 1 to 3 months for regression to be fully apparent.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

First, who did this to you and what did they tell you? Generally, there is very little pain following an endovenous laser ablation procedure, provided you wear the compression stockings and walk a lot. Inflammation from the laser can occur day 4 to 7, and Advil (ibuprofen) helps. Bulging veins may not regress if they have another source of reflux. Injection or phlebectomy are options to discuss. Wait time can be 1 to 3 months for regression to be fully apparent.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Feb 06, 2013

If you are talking about varicose veins (bulging blue veins), they can decrease over a period of 3 months. We encourage patients to wear their compression stockings for as long as possible during this time. If they are this type (varicose veins), we typically remove them through tiny punctures at the time of ablation (microphlebectomy) so they are gone instantly. If you are concerned about spider veins (flatter, small blue and red clusters of veins), they may fade in the same time frame but in many cases they do not. We then would treat them cosmetically with injections/topical laser. This is typically a series of 3-5 treatments and not covered by insurance. WE do no recommend injecting the larger varicose veins, as it involves many treatments and additional visits to release trapped blood. They can cause skin discoloration over the veins. As a surgeon, I prefer to remove these as described above: one procedure, one downtime. Our patients typically don't' experience as much discomfort as you describe. Are you taking Ibuprofen several times per day? This helps with the inflammation caused by the laser. Additionally cold packs and/or warmth to the thigh area may increase your comfort and speed up the resolution of the inflammation.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

If you are talking about varicose veins (bulging blue veins), they can decrease over a period of 3 months. We encourage patients to wear their compression stockings for as long as possible during this time. If they are this type (varicose veins), we typically remove them through tiny punctures at the time of ablation (microphlebectomy) so they are gone instantly. If you are concerned about spider veins (flatter, small blue and red clusters of veins), they may fade in the same time frame but in many cases they do not. We then would treat them cosmetically with injections/topical laser. This is typically a series of 3-5 treatments and not covered by insurance. WE do no recommend injecting the larger varicose veins, as it involves many treatments and additional visits to release trapped blood. They can cause skin discoloration over the veins. As a surgeon, I prefer to remove these as described above: one procedure, one downtime. Our patients typically don't' experience as much discomfort as you describe. Are you taking Ibuprofen several times per day? This helps with the inflammation caused by the laser. Additionally cold packs and/or warmth to the thigh area may increase your comfort and speed up the resolution of the inflammation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Feb 06, 2013

Usually 3-4 months

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Usually 3-4 months

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Feb 06, 2013

I give them a month to resolve and if they are still there, I'd have microphlebectomy to remove them.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

I give them a month to resolve and if they are still there, I'd have microphlebectomy to remove them.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Feb 06, 2013

Endovenous ablation closes the leaking valves that are the cause of the veins, but it does not eliminate the veins. Varicose veins will still need to be treated by microphlebectomies or foam sclerotherapy, and spider veins by sclerotherapy.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Endovenous ablation closes the leaking valves that are the cause of the veins, but it does not eliminate the veins. Varicose veins will still need to be treated by microphlebectomies or foam sclerotherapy, and spider veins by sclerotherapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Feb 06, 2013

Depends on many factors. You should discuss this with your MD on the next follow up.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Depends on many factors. You should discuss this with your MD on the next follow up.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lubbock Vein Specialists

Published on Feb 06, 2013

It generally takes three months for the veins to disappear and for your legs to heal.

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Answered by Lubbock Vein Specialists

It generally takes three months for the veins to disappear and for your legs to heal.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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