Is it normal for new veins to appear in my leg after endovenous laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy?

I had endovenous laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy but I keep spotting new veins appearing in my leg. Is this normal?

I should mention that I suffered from phlebitis in this leg following surgery and it has never felt the same since as it aches and feels heavy. I have new veins in my upper thigh and calf. What should I do?

Answers from doctors (7)


More About Doctor Desert Vein Institute

Published on Apr 24, 2018

Yes sometimes new veins can appear. You would need another duplex ultrasound to make sure that the veins that were treated haven't reopened.

Answered by Desert Vein Institute (View Profile)

Yes sometimes new veins can appear. You would need another duplex ultrasound to make sure that the veins that were treated haven't reopened.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Apr 17, 2011

Some people will develop small spider type veins in response to the ablation called matting. If there are scattered isolated veins appearing, they may have appeared anyway. You may be more focuses on your legs since the procedure.
If you have the symptoms you mentioned, you should be checked with an ultrasound examination to see if the treated veins are actually sealed. In experienced hands, this shouldn't occur. Again, it depends on how long ago you had the procedure and how many treatments of foam you were given. The phlebitits you experienced would have been a result of the foam sclerotherapy.
In our practice, we tend to hold off on foam sclerotherapy until about 6 - 8 weeks or longer after the ablation.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Some people will develop small spider type veins in response to the ablation called matting. If there are scattered isolated veins appearing, they may have appeared anyway. You may be more focuses on your legs since the procedure.
If you have the symptoms you mentioned, you should be checked with an ultrasound examination to see if the treated veins are actually sealed. In experienced hands, this shouldn't occur. Again, it depends on how long ago you had the procedure and how many treatments of foam you were given. The phlebitits you experienced would have been a result of the foam sclerotherapy.
In our practice, we tend to hold off on foam sclerotherapy until about 6 - 8 weeks or longer after the ablation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Apr 14, 2011

It is difficult to answer these questions. I would recommend another ultrasound to look for other veins which could be contributing to this such as an accessory vein, perforator or reticular veins. Some people are "vein formers" but with your symtpoms there may be other veins involved. If your doctor isn't responding, try a second opinion with a board certified vascular trained surgeon who specializes in these procedures.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

It is difficult to answer these questions. I would recommend another ultrasound to look for other veins which could be contributing to this such as an accessory vein, perforator or reticular veins. Some people are "vein formers" but with your symtpoms there may be other veins involved. If your doctor isn't responding, try a second opinion with a board certified vascular trained surgeon who specializes in these procedures.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Apr 13, 2011

Not normal but can happen.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Not normal but can happen.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Apr 13, 2011

Veins can recur especially if you have deep vein valve problems, which may have been caused by the post op clot.
Michael D. Ingegno, MD

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Veins can recur especially if you have deep vein valve problems, which may have been caused by the post op clot.
Michael D. Ingegno, MD

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 13, 2011

Veins are a forever problem and new veins can reform. If you have had a closure procedure and sclerotherapy and now have a new vein formation then you should have a venous ultrasound to see if there is valvular reflux as the cause of the new veins. See a vein specialist.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Veins are a forever problem and new veins can reform. If you have had a closure procedure and sclerotherapy and now have a new vein formation then you should have a venous ultrasound to see if there is valvular reflux as the cause of the new veins. See a vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Apr 13, 2011

Your predisposed to form "bad" veins. These new veins would have likely appeared whether or not you had treatment.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

Your predisposed to form "bad" veins. These new veins would have likely appeared whether or not you had treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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