Is it normal to develop a superficial blood clot after endovenous laser ablation?

My saphenous vein was treated with endovenous laser ablation at the knee, is it normal to get a superficial clot? How long do they take to reabsorb? Can anything besides blood thinners speed the healing process? Are compression stockings useful?

Answers from doctors (10)


Orange County Vein Care

Published on Mar 13, 2019

A superficial clot, as you put it, can present following an ablation procedure. Depending on the size of the vein, it may take up to 2-4 months to get absorbed. Blood thinners are not indicated for the treatment of superficial blood clots (thrombophlebitis) unless it involves the great saphenous vein at the junction without any procedures. I recommend an evaluation and ultrasound, followed by compression stockings and conservative measures. If the clotted off vein segment is causing pain and is relatively new, then a clot extraction may be warranted.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8787_1552000751.jpg
Answered by Orange County Vein Care

A superficial clot, as you put it, can present following an ablation procedure. Depending on the size of the vein, it may take up to 2-4 months to get absorbed. Blood thinners are not indicated for the treatment of superficial blood clots (thrombophlebitis) unless it involves the great saphenous vein at the junction without any procedures. I recommend an evaluation and ultrasound, followed by compression stockings and conservative measures. If the clotted off vein segment is causing pain and is relatively new, then a clot extraction may be warranted.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Jan 20, 2014

It can be common to develop superficial venous thrombosis after an ablation. You can keep wearing 20-30 mmHg compression stockings, but give it about 6 months to resolve completely.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1153_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

It can be common to develop superficial venous thrombosis after an ablation. You can keep wearing 20-30 mmHg compression stockings, but give it about 6 months to resolve completely.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Jan 13, 2014

Most veins treated by endovenous laser contain unclotted trapped blood, often mistaken for "blood clots." This is normal and will dissipate over time. Stockings can diminish the volume of blood, but blood thinners are not needed.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1015_1408044084.jpg
Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Most veins treated by endovenous laser contain unclotted trapped blood, often mistaken for "blood clots." This is normal and will dissipate over time. Stockings can diminish the volume of blood, but blood thinners are not needed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Jan 12, 2014

It is not uncommon at all to develop a superficial blood clot/superficial
phlebitis after endovenous laser ablation. It happens in a healthy minority of treatments. It usually takes 4- 6 weeks for that to reabsorb, but it can take up to 12 weeks for others. Compression stockings aid a bit, as do anti-inflammatory medications. You should not, however, take blood thinners.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

It is not uncommon at all to develop a superficial blood clot/superficial
phlebitis after endovenous laser ablation. It happens in a healthy minority of treatments. It usually takes 4- 6 weeks for that to reabsorb, but it can take up to 12 weeks for others. Compression stockings aid a bit, as do anti-inflammatory medications. You should not, however, take blood thinners.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jan 10, 2014

It is not normal to have blood clots. You did not say if the clot is in a varicose vein or in the saphenous vein below the ablation, or at the saphenofemoral junction. If the clot is close to a junction with the deep vein, anticoagulation may be indicated. If in a varicose vein, local low heat, anti-inflammatory drugs and compression will help. You should be evaluated by a vascular surgeon, including ultrasound studies.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

It is not normal to have blood clots. You did not say if the clot is in a varicose vein or in the saphenous vein below the ablation, or at the saphenofemoral junction. If the clot is close to a junction with the deep vein, anticoagulation may be indicated. If in a varicose vein, local low heat, anti-inflammatory drugs and compression will help. You should be evaluated by a vascular surgeon, including ultrasound studies.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Aluna Vein Centers

Published on Jan 09, 2014

Sometimes the varicosities that are connected to the GSV or SSV get
occluded and cause superficial blood clots. Anti-inflammatory medications, compression stockings, warm compresses and sometimes aspiration of trapped blood might help. Follow up with your doctor.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1162_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Aluna Vein Centers

Sometimes the varicosities that are connected to the GSV or SSV get
occluded and cause superficial blood clots. Anti-inflammatory medications, compression stockings, warm compresses and sometimes aspiration of trapped blood might help. Follow up with your doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Milford Vascular Institute

Published on Jan 09, 2014

Yes, it is very common to develop blood clots after laser ablation. They can take up to several months to fully resolve. Compression stockings, warm compresses and NSAIDs will all help speed the process of healing.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1373_1445876067.jpg
Answered by Milford Vascular Institute

Yes, it is very common to develop blood clots after laser ablation. They can take up to several months to fully resolve. Compression stockings, warm compresses and NSAIDs will all help speed the process of healing.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jan 09, 2014

Superficial blood clots can occur after EVLT. Advil is all you need, and most small clots disappear within 6 weeks.



//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/554_1447800116.jpg
Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Superficial blood clots can occur after EVLT. Advil is all you need, and most small clots disappear within 6 weeks.



Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Jan 08, 2014

Yes, superficial blood clots can form after endovenous laser ablation.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1187_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Yes, superficial blood clots can form after endovenous laser ablation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jan 08, 2014

Endovenous ablation itself causes the saphenous vein to clot. This is an induced clot caused by the procedure itself. If microphlebectomies are also done, then bleeding below the areas treated by the micro incisions will form hematomas (hard areas). These are not clots but trapped blood under the skin. Neither of these so called "clots" require blood thinners. Warm compresses, heat and compression hose will help, and they will resolve your symptoms over a period of 2 to 6 weeks.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Endovenous ablation itself causes the saphenous vein to clot. This is an induced clot caused by the procedure itself. If microphlebectomies are also done, then bleeding below the areas treated by the micro incisions will form hematomas (hard areas). These are not clots but trapped blood under the skin. Neither of these so called "clots" require blood thinners. Warm compresses, heat and compression hose will help, and they will resolve your symptoms over a period of 2 to 6 weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Endovenous Laser Ablation

Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
I had EVLT about 10 days ago , now I have a big knot on my inner thigh and when I touch it, it still hurts , I had a lot of pain the day after the surgery and I couldn't bend my leg. Is this normal?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -8 answers
If I have had large vessels such as the saphenous closed, is there chance of circulatory problems later on?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -9 answers
Can you please detail some of the restrictions after EVLT?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
I am just over 2 weeks post EVLT and still have pain. As long as I take an anti-inflammatory the pain subsides. Visually the inner thigh looks good. How much longer will the pain last?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -8 answers
It has been a week since my EVLT procedure, and I am wondering if I should continue wearing the compression stocking?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -11 answers
I had swelling in my left foot and my doctor confirmed that the valves in two of my veins were not working properly. I had these veins closed with endovenous laser ablation, but four weeks later I still have swelling in my foot that doesn't go away. Is this normal?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
I have burning pain at my incision site 3 weeks after endovenous laser ablation. It isn't constant, just when it is touched or rubbed. Could this be nerve damage or a hair follicle that is irritated from the incision?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -6 answers
I had endovenous laser treatment and sclerotherapy performed on both the greater and lessor saphenous veins of my legs. It was done on the same day. After a couple of weeks I started feeling numbness and tingling in my legs, mostly below the knee and through my feet. Will the feelings ever go away?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Endovenous Laser Ablation -6 answers
Or does the treatment permanently remove them?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -5 answers
I had EVLT done about three months ago..right after the EVLT procedure i started feeling weird sensations in my ankle and now the pain seems to get worse every day? Could this pain be associated with the procedure?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -6 answers
I am about two months into treatment for chronic venous insufficiency? I have had laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy with very little results. Can anything be done to treat lipodermatosclerosis after the veins are treated. I wear compression hose.
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -13 answers
I had my GSV ablation done 13 days ago and still have intense pain in a segment on the inner thigh just above the knee. Is this level of pain normal and, if so, for how long? I have to take Advil for relief, but my stomach is sensitive to NSAIDS.
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -9 answers
I've heard that ELA can result in deep vein thrombosis. Is this true, and how common is this complication? Is there any way to prevent it?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -7 answers
EVLT 5 days ago GSV. No serious pain yet. Compression stocking to come off tomorrow, but bruising seems excessive with dark patches and tenderness to touch. I was told to use heating pad, and now I'm reading not to do that. What should I do?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -5 answers
What are the side effects of drinking alcohol after my evla?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -4 answers
I have sharp stabbing pains in my leg. It's very painful and the Motrin did not help. I was in tears! This went on for a couple of days. The pain is on my right leg and my left leg isn't painful at all. What could this be?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
It's been a year since my surgery and I still have bruising. Does that mean it's permanent?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -12 answers
Does this procedure hurt?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR