Is bruising typical after the varicose vein surgery called vein stripping?

Is bruising normal after vein stripping? The bruise is nowhere near the incision sites, so i was wondering if that is normal or not? The bruise is on my inner thigh, and the incisions are below the knee and one in my groin.

Answers from doctors (7)


More About Doctor Vein Specialists

Published on May 17, 2018

Vein stripping is strictly defined as the surgical removal of the great saphenous vein from the groin to the knee or proximal calf. In the USA it is no longer the standard of care in saphenous vein insufficiency, the underlying cause of most varicose veins and other related signs of vein disease such as swollen achy legs, skin discoloration known as stasis dermatitis and venous ulcers. Bruising after modern vein procedures called endovenous ablation is usually minimal but may be worse in patients on aspirin, Plavix or other blood thinners. Microphlebectomy, also known as varicose vein excision, is the formal description of the procedure where varicose veins are removed through small incisions. This procedure may result in bruising at the site of incisions and sometimes the bruising may settle with gravity distal to where the incisions are located. Bruising will go through stages of resolution and change colors, but will eventually resolve over the course of several weeks.

Answered by Vein Specialists (View Profile)

Vein stripping is strictly defined as the surgical removal of the great saphenous vein from the groin to the knee or proximal calf. In the USA it is no longer the standard of care in saphenous vein insufficiency, the underlying cause of most varicose veins and other related signs of vein disease such as swollen achy legs, skin discoloration known as stasis dermatitis and venous ulcers. Bruising after modern vein procedures called endovenous ablation is usually minimal but may be worse in patients on aspirin, Plavix or other blood thinners. Microphlebectomy, also known as varicose vein excision, is the formal description of the procedure where varicose veins are removed through small incisions. This procedure may result in bruising at the site of incisions and sometimes the bruising may settle with gravity distal to where the incisions are located. Bruising will go through stages of resolution and change colors, but will eventually resolve over the course of several weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

Published on May 16, 2018

To be clear, vein stripping is surgery. Anytime you enter the body with a surgical technique, bruising is common.

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Answered by Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

To be clear, vein stripping is surgery. Anytime you enter the body with a surgical technique, bruising is common.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 04, 2012

Bruising is very common after varicose vein stripping. The reason the thigh bruises is that the vein is pulled from the groin to the knee and branches are torn in the process resulting in subsequent bleeding and bruising of the thigh area.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Bruising is very common after varicose vein stripping. The reason the thigh bruises is that the vein is pulled from the groin to the knee and branches are torn in the process resulting in subsequent bleeding and bruising of the thigh area.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Nov 18, 2009

Bruising is not unusual after any surgery, but stripping is not commonly performed these days

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Answered by Miller Vein

Bruising is not unusual after any surgery, but stripping is not commonly performed these days

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Nov 16, 2009

Some bruising is expected after a vein stripping procedure.

Additionally, bruising is gravitational, and can spread to areas outside of the surgery to a different part of the body, e.g. lower down a led or even to a flank secondary to sleeping on one's side. Unless there is an underlying condition, post operative bruising is self limited and usually resolves with a couple of weeks.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Some bruising is expected after a vein stripping procedure.

Additionally, bruising is gravitational, and can spread to areas outside of the surgery to a different part of the body, e.g. lower down a led or even to a flank secondary to sleeping on one's side. Unless there is an underlying condition, post operative bruising is self limited and usually resolves with a couple of weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Nov 16, 2009

Very typical. Consider discussing this with your surgeon.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Very typical. Consider discussing this with your surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Nov 16, 2009

That is not unusual if you had an ablation as well, but you should contact your physician if at all concerned.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

That is not unusual if you had an ablation as well, but you should contact your physician if at all concerned.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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