I have immediate swelling behind my knee when I stand, is this normal after EVLT?

I had EVLT (including perferator veins) 1week ago. When I stand, there is an immediate swelling behind the knee. It also happens when I raise my leg. Is all of this normal after the procedure?

Answers from doctors (13)


Finesse Surgical Solutions

Published on Apr 29, 2014

Some swelling in the treated leg is typical for 1 to 2 weeks after EVLT. I recommend continued stocking wear until swelling resolves. It it worsens or fails to resolve, you should have your doctor look at it.

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Answered by Finesse Surgical Solutions

Some swelling in the treated leg is typical for 1 to 2 weeks after EVLT. I recommend continued stocking wear until swelling resolves. It it worsens or fails to resolve, you should have your doctor look at it.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Ozark Regional Vein Center

Published on Apr 22, 2014

This is rather unusual,. and I would recommend returning to the treating physician for an evaluation and an ultrasound.

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Answered by Ozark Regional Vein Center

This is rather unusual,. and I would recommend returning to the treating physician for an evaluation and an ultrasound.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Apr 17, 2014

See your treating physician. Sounds unusual.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

See your treating physician. Sounds unusual.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Apr 17, 2014

Immediate swelling behind the knee on standing 1 week after an EVLT sounds unusual. I would suggest you set up an appointment with your treating physician to have this evaluated.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Immediate swelling behind the knee on standing 1 week after an EVLT sounds unusual. I would suggest you set up an appointment with your treating physician to have this evaluated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Artery and Vein Specialists of Idaho

Published on Apr 17, 2014

This can be seen, but after every EVLT, an ultrasound to exclude a DVT needs to be performed. Make sure this is done

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Answered by Artery and Vein Specialists of Idaho

This can be seen, but after every EVLT, an ultrasound to exclude a DVT needs to be performed. Make sure this is done

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Apr 17, 2014

Can't answer your question without knowing which veins were treated.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Can't answer your question without knowing which veins were treated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Apr 17, 2014

Typically, swelling is normal a few weeks post-procedure. With the laser ablations, it is important to have a follow-up appointment within 2 wks to make sure there are no blood clots. There is always a small risk.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Typically, swelling is normal a few weeks post-procedure. With the laser ablations, it is important to have a follow-up appointment within 2 wks to make sure there are no blood clots. There is always a small risk.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Apr 17, 2014

The simple answer to your question is no. Most patients, depending on what vessel(s) was/were treated, can experience some mild puffiness in their legs. They typically do not report that the swelling comes and goes and is dependent on whether they are standing or sitting. It sounds like some normal vein structure was treated and now your leg is trying to find a new venous circulatory pattern. This is precisely why only those segments of veins that are found to be refluxing should be treated, especially in the case of the great and/or small saphenous veins, which are normally the vessels that get lasered. If your doc ultimately lasered a large enough normal section in one of these veins, they may very well have cut off normal drainage points in those areas that you are reporting swelling. In time, this should resolve, but in some cases it can take a while. Although it would be an unusual presentation, I would also just make sure that you do not have a DVT, especially since you are still in the window of time when patients can develop a significant one post laser treatment.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

The simple answer to your question is no. Most patients, depending on what vessel(s) was/were treated, can experience some mild puffiness in their legs. They typically do not report that the swelling comes and goes and is dependent on whether they are standing or sitting. It sounds like some normal vein structure was treated and now your leg is trying to find a new venous circulatory pattern. This is precisely why only those segments of veins that are found to be refluxing should be treated, especially in the case of the great and/or small saphenous veins, which are normally the vessels that get lasered. If your doc ultimately lasered a large enough normal section in one of these veins, they may very well have cut off normal drainage points in those areas that you are reporting swelling. In time, this should resolve, but in some cases it can take a while. Although it would be an unusual presentation, I would also just make sure that you do not have a DVT, especially since you are still in the window of time when patients can develop a significant one post laser treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 17, 2014

Swelling post-EVLT can occur, especially in the first 2 weeks after treatment. However, the swelling should go down when you elevate your leg. You should follow up with your treating physician. Your problem may be unrelated to the procedure, such as a Baker's Cyst. A follow-up ultrasound of this area will help to figure out the problem.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Swelling post-EVLT can occur, especially in the first 2 weeks after treatment. However, the swelling should go down when you elevate your leg. You should follow up with your treating physician. Your problem may be unrelated to the procedure, such as a Baker's Cyst. A follow-up ultrasound of this area will help to figure out the problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Surgical Arts

Published on Apr 17, 2014

It depends on the type of swelling and any other symptoms or signs. Do you have pain, redness, fever or chills with this? Any pain or swelling in the calf area? Does the swelling change when standing? The easiest way to initially evaluate this would be to get an ultrasound of the area. This will tell you if you have a problem in your veins, artery or possible the knee joint (such as Baker cyst). I would recommend you to call the surgeon who performed the EVLT and discuss this, and get it evaluated.

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Answered by Advanced Surgical Arts

It depends on the type of swelling and any other symptoms or signs. Do you have pain, redness, fever or chills with this? Any pain or swelling in the calf area? Does the swelling change when standing? The easiest way to initially evaluate this would be to get an ultrasound of the area. This will tell you if you have a problem in your veins, artery or possible the knee joint (such as Baker cyst). I would recommend you to call the surgeon who performed the EVLT and discuss this, and get it evaluated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bellagio Vein Clinic

Published on Apr 16, 2014

No, it's not normal. And from your description, it's not clear what is happening. You are saying that it swells both when you are standing and raising your legs. Refer back to your treating physician and get evaluated with an ultrasound. If he doesn't have an answer for you after the examination, or if he is unable to help you reduce or rid the symptom, seek another physician.

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Answered by Bellagio Vein Clinic

No, it's not normal. And from your description, it's not clear what is happening. You are saying that it swells both when you are standing and raising your legs. Refer back to your treating physician and get evaluated with an ultrasound. If he doesn't have an answer for you after the examination, or if he is unable to help you reduce or rid the symptom, seek another physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Apr 16, 2014

None of what you describe is "normal". Your treating surgeon should evaluate you, including ultrasound to ascertain the cause.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

None of what you describe is "normal". Your treating surgeon should evaluate you, including ultrasound to ascertain the cause.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Apr 16, 2014

It is not normal in my opinion. Need to check with the doc.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

It is not normal in my opinion. Need to check with the doc.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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