This can vary depending on the extent of your venous disease.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If the only treatment you will need are the ablations, then it may take a few weeks for swelling to resolve. However, if swelling continues, this may be a sign that other veins have reflux. If this is so, they too will require treatment.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Swelling caused by vein disease indicates more serious 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 technology allows 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
Is the swelling pre-existing or due to compression? In general, swelling reduces in weeks not days. It could be due to a lymphatic cause and not always remedial with vein procedures. Not enough is known from your description. Wearing gradient compression hose covering the foot will help.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Your feet and ankles shouldn't be swollen after endovenous laser ablation. Check with your doctor.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You didn't mention if you had swelling issues before the procedure(s). If it was present, not all swelling is associated with the venous insufficiency but we cannot know beforehand. If the swelling occurred after the procedure(s) this is very unusual and you should be examined by ultrasound to ensure the deep veins are open and no clots present. I would continue to wear your hose daily also.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Typically, when post-ablation swelling occurs, it usually lasts 4 to 6 weeks. However, this is just an average. In some cases, inflammation can last even longer. Usually, the swelling will subside over time. The swelling is a reaction of the surrounding tissue to the laser, as well as the tumescent anesthesia used during the endovenous laser ablation procedure.
Published on Jul 11, 2012