I have a red bump and tender spot following varicose vein surgery, is this normal?

I just had varicose vein surgery on my right leg. This is the first of two procedures. It's been about five days and a red bump/extremely tender spot has formed a couple inches away from the treatment site. Is this normal?

Answers from doctors (8)


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jun 12, 2013

This red tender spot is an inflamed vein connected to the chain of varicosities. Advil will help it resolve.


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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

This red tender spot is an inflamed vein connected to the chain of varicosities. Advil will help it resolve.


Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Jun 11, 2013

What you describe sounds like a pretty common occurrence. My guess, which should not be considered a diagnosis or recommendation, is that the red and tender areas just below the skin are likely superficial phlebitis, This tends to resolve over a few months. You should call and be seen by your doctor.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

What you describe sounds like a pretty common occurrence. My guess, which should not be considered a diagnosis or recommendation, is that the red and tender areas just below the skin are likely superficial phlebitis, This tends to resolve over a few months. You should call and be seen by your doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Jun 11, 2013

Which treatment did you have? Without knowing the details, I would guess some superficial clot that has formed. The symptoms are very common of SVT. Superficial clots are not a health risk, but can be really irritating and painful. If it becomes more painful, you can follow up with your physician and they can possibly make a small incision to drain some of the trapped blood to help with the healing process. I would recommend a follow-up anyway to make sure the treatment was successful.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Which treatment did you have? Without knowing the details, I would guess some superficial clot that has formed. The symptoms are very common of SVT. Superficial clots are not a health risk, but can be really irritating and painful. If it becomes more painful, you can follow up with your physician and they can possibly make a small incision to drain some of the trapped blood to help with the healing process. I would recommend a follow-up anyway to make sure the treatment was successful.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Surgical Arts

Published on Jun 11, 2013

I presume that the treatment site refers to the site of entry for the catheter to treat your veins. If that is the case, it's not unusual to have some redness, swelling and mild tenderness at and along the course of the treated veins. Depending on what it is, this may last a few days or a week. The possibilities to consider are: (1) An area of induration or bruising near the site of catheter entry. This is self-limiting and will resolve in time. (2) A small hematoma at or near the catheter entry site is very unusual, but can occur. This can be quite painful and tender, depending on its size and nearness to the surface. (3) A thrombosed varicose vein can be quite painful and cause redness and swelling as well. When the main vein is closed, the tributaries from varicose veins close and the varicose vein can thrombose, sometimes resulting in redness and pain as you describe. (4) The most important possibility is an infection, such as an abscess or cellulitis. If the redness gets larger and more painful as days progress, this must be considered and excluded. All of these possibilities require an evaluation by your treating physician, to evaluate you physically and/or perform an ultrasound exam that will aid in differentiation.

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Answered by Advanced Surgical Arts

I presume that the treatment site refers to the site of entry for the catheter to treat your veins. If that is the case, it's not unusual to have some redness, swelling and mild tenderness at and along the course of the treated veins. Depending on what it is, this may last a few days or a week. The possibilities to consider are: (1) An area of induration or bruising near the site of catheter entry. This is self-limiting and will resolve in time. (2) A small hematoma at or near the catheter entry site is very unusual, but can occur. This can be quite painful and tender, depending on its size and nearness to the surface. (3) A thrombosed varicose vein can be quite painful and cause redness and swelling as well. When the main vein is closed, the tributaries from varicose veins close and the varicose vein can thrombose, sometimes resulting in redness and pain as you describe. (4) The most important possibility is an infection, such as an abscess or cellulitis. If the redness gets larger and more painful as days progress, this must be considered and excluded. All of these possibilities require an evaluation by your treating physician, to evaluate you physically and/or perform an ultrasound exam that will aid in differentiation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Jun 11, 2013

The symptoms you are experiencing can be normal post-vein surgery. Most likely what you are feeling is a branch of that vein or a branch feeding from that vein that was closed from the vein treatment. I would advise you to bring it to the attention of the physician that did your vein treatment. After a thorough evaluation and physical examination, he/she should be able to recommend a solution.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

The symptoms you are experiencing can be normal post-vein surgery. Most likely what you are feeling is a branch of that vein or a branch feeding from that vein that was closed from the vein treatment. I would advise you to bring it to the attention of the physician that did your vein treatment. After a thorough evaluation and physical examination, he/she should be able to recommend a solution.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Jun 10, 2013

It sounds like your doctor should have a look at your leg. It may range from inflammation to infection.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

It sounds like your doctor should have a look at your leg. It may range from inflammation to infection.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jun 10, 2013

It is difficult to answer your question without knowing more about the type of procedure you had. Still, it is not unusual to have tender spots after vein procedures. Since there will always be inflammation associated with healing after these procedures, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen are usually prescribed. However, there can also be real reasons for red, tender spots that might require further attention, including a form of superficial thrombophlebitis known as "trapped blood." Local infection or cellulitis might also be what's causing your symptoms. You should consult the medical professional who performed your procedure for further evaluation and recommendations.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

It is difficult to answer your question without knowing more about the type of procedure you had. Still, it is not unusual to have tender spots after vein procedures. Since there will always be inflammation associated with healing after these procedures, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen are usually prescribed. However, there can also be real reasons for red, tender spots that might require further attention, including a form of superficial thrombophlebitis known as "trapped blood." Local infection or cellulitis might also be what's causing your symptoms. You should consult the medical professional who performed your procedure for further evaluation and recommendations.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 10, 2013

This is normal. When the vein is removed (usually through microincisions), there is bleeding behind the vein and either a small hematoma develops or a residual portion of the vein is left behind. Either one of these can form a hard, tender lump which can get red. Usually, heat and ibuprofen will resolve this.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

This is normal. When the vein is removed (usually through microincisions), there is bleeding behind the vein and either a small hematoma develops or a residual portion of the vein is left behind. Either one of these can form a hard, tender lump which can get red. Usually, heat and ibuprofen will resolve this.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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