Is it normal to have a cross between a bruising feeling and a numb feeling in your inner thigh 3 months post VNUS closure?

I had VNUS closure on 09/07/12 for my right leg and I am still experiencing an (aching) bruising and numb feeling in my inner thigh. I noticed an actual bruise yesterday. Is this normal? My follow-up is not until April and wondering if I should be seen sooner?

Answers from doctors (7)


Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

Published on Sep 01, 2017

Fresh bruising 5 years after VNUS ablation is not related to the bruising. A numb feeling in the inner thigh immediately following endovenous ablation that persists may be related to saphenous nerve injury. This is a very rare issue after endovenous ablation of the great saphenous vein.

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Answered by Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

Fresh bruising 5 years after VNUS ablation is not related to the bruising. A numb feeling in the inner thigh immediately following endovenous ablation that persists may be related to saphenous nerve injury. This is a very rare issue after endovenous ablation of the great saphenous vein.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Smalling Vascular Institute

Published on Sep 01, 2017

It can be normal. It's very difficult to be positive without a physical exam. However, symptom relief often depends on how large the vein treated was and how close to the skin the treated vein lies. Rarely, but not that uncommon, it can sometimes take up to a year for some patients to fully heal from most forms of ablation most used currently. Think of it, as the "damaged" (meaning the thermal ablation technique used to collapse the diseased vein upon itself), the collapsed vein has to fully "scar down," if you will, and fully heal.

There are many factors which are attributed to the individual patient that determines the amount of time it takes to fully heal. Some patients heal quicker than others. But with so many variables I mentioned above, we human beings are all so different from one another. I would guess that as long as there are no other side effects, like a darkened stripe on the surface of the skin, or other indication besides the uncomfortable sensations you're experiencing, it sounds like your symptoms are most likely not tissue damage but rather more of a slower healing response in your specific healing process. Especially in the thigh, which as you know, is such a sensitive spot.

Hopefully this can relieve your worry. It's also not uncommon to feel a slight tugging, inflammation at the location of your pain and many other annoying side effects. Of course, you can always call your doctor and ask him/her to check on your progress, if that would relieve your mind. A three-month revisit is not uncommon, so consider returning to your doctor for an additional ultrasound scan. Best of luck in your outcome. Hopefully you're not too, too far away from being really satisfied and that you and your doctor eliminated your Chronic Venous Insufficiency!

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Answered by Smalling Vascular Institute

It can be normal. It's very difficult to be positive without a physical exam. However, symptom relief often depends on how large the vein treated was and how close to the skin the treated vein lies. Rarely, but not that uncommon, it can sometimes take up to a year for some patients to fully heal from most forms of ablation most used currently. Think of it, as the "damaged" (meaning the thermal ablation technique used to collapse the diseased vein upon itself), the collapsed vein has to fully "scar down," if you will, and fully heal.

There are many factors which are attributed to the individual patient that determines the amount of time it takes to fully heal. Some patients heal quicker than others. But with so many variables I mentioned above, we human beings are all so different from one another. I would guess that as long as there are no other side effects, like a darkened stripe on the surface of the skin, or other indication besides the uncomfortable sensations you're experiencing, it sounds like your symptoms are most likely not tissue damage but rather more of a slower healing response in your specific healing process. Especially in the thigh, which as you know, is such a sensitive spot.

Hopefully this can relieve your worry. It's also not uncommon to feel a slight tugging, inflammation at the location of your pain and many other annoying side effects. Of course, you can always call your doctor and ask him/her to check on your progress, if that would relieve your mind. A three-month revisit is not uncommon, so consider returning to your doctor for an additional ultrasound scan. Best of luck in your outcome. Hopefully you're not too, too far away from being really satisfied and that you and your doctor eliminated your Chronic Venous Insufficiency!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Nov 29, 2012

It is not "normal". It could occur for a variety of reasons. It would be best to be rechecked sooner.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

It is not "normal". It could occur for a variety of reasons. It would be best to be rechecked sooner.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Nov 28, 2012

It can be normal to have continued numbness, aching and some bruising even
up to a year and even longer. Pending the size and location of the vein
that was treated. Usually, all symptoms you have listed, goes away with
time.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

It can be normal to have continued numbness, aching and some bruising even
up to a year and even longer. Pending the size and location of the vein
that was treated. Usually, all symptoms you have listed, goes away with
time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Nov 28, 2012

Bruising following Vnus closure or laser closure is very common and usually can last up to 6 weeks. However, I have seen an occasional patient with your same symptoms. Depending on the patient, difficulty of the procedure and experience of the person performing the procedure, the post-op bruising and symptoms will vary. Most likely what you are experiencing is a normal variant, but it would be wise to follow up with your treating physician.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Bruising following Vnus closure or laser closure is very common and usually can last up to 6 weeks. However, I have seen an occasional patient with your same symptoms. Depending on the patient, difficulty of the procedure and experience of the person performing the procedure, the post-op bruising and symptoms will vary. Most likely what you are experiencing is a normal variant, but it would be wise to follow up with your treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Nov 28, 2012

The bruise may be the closed vein. See your MD. This can be the case if this is the vein that was treated.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

The bruise may be the closed vein. See your MD. This can be the case if this is the vein that was treated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Nov 28, 2012

Bruising and temporary numbness sometimes follow thermal ablation procedures, often due to the administration of local anesthesia. You can always call your doctor if you are worried, but it's safe to wait for your follow-up appointment.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Bruising and temporary numbness sometimes follow thermal ablation procedures, often due to the administration of local anesthesia. You can always call your doctor if you are worried, but it's safe to wait for your follow-up appointment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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