Is it normal for endovenous laser treatment to cause extreme pain?

I had endovenous laser treatment yesterday. Prior to the procedure, I was given half of a small anti-anxiety pill. I was in so much pain and could feel the needles going deep into my veins. I wish they would have put me under because it hurt unbelievably. Is this normal? Should I have been sedated?

Answers from doctors (6)


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Apr 13, 2017

I have done thousands of these procedures and less than 1% of my patients require sedation. I think it has a lot to do with the technique of the doctor.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

I have done thousands of these procedures and less than 1% of my patients require sedation. I think it has a lot to do with the technique of the doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Laser Vein Institute

Published on Apr 07, 2017

We do not use sedation of any kind during our endovenous laser ablation procedures. Most of our patients experience little to no pain during the procedure. We numb the area thoroughly with lidocaine solution beginning with very small needles as we work up to tumescent anesthesia (injecting lidocaine all around the treated vein).

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Answered by Laser Vein Institute

We do not use sedation of any kind during our endovenous laser ablation procedures. Most of our patients experience little to no pain during the procedure. We numb the area thoroughly with lidocaine solution beginning with very small needles as we work up to tumescent anesthesia (injecting lidocaine all around the treated vein).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Apr 07, 2017

This is not normal and perhaps an inexperienced doctor. Our patients are chatting, eating chocolate and comfortable.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

This is not normal and perhaps an inexperienced doctor. Our patients are chatting, eating chocolate and comfortable.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Dec 10, 2014

Endovenous ablation is done under local anesthesia, tumescent anesthesia and frequently oral sedation. You seem to have had all the right things done. General anesthesia is not used for this procedure and it is considered an office procedure. Some patients are more sensitive than others to pain and may require more tumescent anesthesia or more oral sedation.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Endovenous ablation is done under local anesthesia, tumescent anesthesia and frequently oral sedation. You seem to have had all the right things done. General anesthesia is not used for this procedure and it is considered an office procedure. Some patients are more sensitive than others to pain and may require more tumescent anesthesia or more oral sedation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jun 12, 2013

When endovenous laser ablation is performed correctly with tumescent local anesthesia, there should be little to no pain. Valium is only needed for nervous patients.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

When endovenous laser ablation is performed correctly with tumescent local anesthesia, there should be little to no pain. Valium is only needed for nervous patients.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jun 10, 2013

It is not normal for endovenous laser treatments to cause extreme pain. Some patients can have very spastic veins due to cold temperatures, anxiety or other factors. These factors can make the procedure extremely uncomfortable. Other potential reasons for pain include heat injury to nearby cutaneous nerves that supply sensation from the skin. Sometimes the veins are very sensitive to manipulation because they are inflamed (superficial thrombophlebitis) as a result of long-standing effects of reflux. In any case, discuss your experience with your vein doctor before having additional procedures.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

It is not normal for endovenous laser treatments to cause extreme pain. Some patients can have very spastic veins due to cold temperatures, anxiety or other factors. These factors can make the procedure extremely uncomfortable. Other potential reasons for pain include heat injury to nearby cutaneous nerves that supply sensation from the skin. Sometimes the veins are very sensitive to manipulation because they are inflamed (superficial thrombophlebitis) as a result of long-standing effects of reflux. In any case, discuss your experience with your vein doctor before having additional procedures.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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