Is numbness after microphlebectomy normal?

Ten days after microphlebectomy I still have numbness and tingling on the top and medial aspect of my right foot and ankle. What is this from and will it resolve?

Answers from doctors (7)


The Vein & Aesthetic Center of Boston

Published on Jan 29, 2018

Some numbness can be part of the normal healing process. After the phlebectomy there is some edema in the soft tissue and that can put pressure of the skin nerves. This leads to numbness and sometime tingling. I usually do not treat the bulging veins below the ankle bones or on the top of the foot because if there is numbness it is more bothersome each time you put on a sock or a shoe. Your symptoms will most likely resolve with time - but I have my patients wear compression hose for 14 days after the procedure and take Motrin to decrease the inflammation. If these issues persist see your physician.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/511_1408044070.jpg
Answered by The Vein & Aesthetic Center of Boston

Some numbness can be part of the normal healing process. After the phlebectomy there is some edema in the soft tissue and that can put pressure of the skin nerves. This leads to numbness and sometime tingling. I usually do not treat the bulging veins below the ankle bones or on the top of the foot because if there is numbness it is more bothersome each time you put on a sock or a shoe. Your symptoms will most likely resolve with time - but I have my patients wear compression hose for 14 days after the procedure and take Motrin to decrease the inflammation. If these issues persist see your physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Aug 03, 2012

The feeling you are expriencing is called neuropathy or parasthesia. It is a condition wherein the nerves are irritated when the veins are surgically removed. This condition usually fully resolves itself. However, it can take several months for the nerves to "calm down" and for the area(s) in question to feel normal and not numb or hypersensitive.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/861_1409954875.jpg
Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

The feeling you are expriencing is called neuropathy or parasthesia. It is a condition wherein the nerves are irritated when the veins are surgically removed. This condition usually fully resolves itself. However, it can take several months for the nerves to "calm down" and for the area(s) in question to feel normal and not numb or hypersensitive.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jul 31, 2012

A small cutaneous nerve was probably traumatized during the phlebectomy. Sensation often returns after a month or two, but sometimes the numbness is permanent.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/464_1408044069.jpg
Answered by Advanced Vein Center

A small cutaneous nerve was probably traumatized during the phlebectomy. Sensation often returns after a month or two, but sometimes the numbness is permanent.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jul 30, 2012

Not usually, but it will probably improve over 6 months. A small sensory nerve was likely disturbed.

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

Not usually, but it will probably improve over 6 months. A small sensory nerve was likely disturbed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jul 30, 2012

There are many tiny nerves in the foot and ankle and occasionally they can also be attached to the varicose veins due to inflammation. This can cause transient numbness and tingling. I would recommend you massage over the areas several times per day with little light pressure. This may "desensitize" the nerve and reduce discomfort faster. You are still very early post treatment.

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

There are many tiny nerves in the foot and ankle and occasionally they can also be attached to the varicose veins due to inflammation. This can cause transient numbness and tingling. I would recommend you massage over the areas several times per day with little light pressure. This may "desensitize" the nerve and reduce discomfort faster. You are still very early post treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jul 30, 2012

This is most likely from irritation of the nerves in the area of the microphlebectomies. If the nerves have not been cut, then this should improve over several months. There is also a chance that this may not improve, if the microscopic nerves have been cut. The numbness can also be due to the local anesthesia used. Give it time and see if things improve. You should follow up with your physician.

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

This is most likely from irritation of the nerves in the area of the microphlebectomies. If the nerves have not been cut, then this should improve over several months. There is also a chance that this may not improve, if the microscopic nerves have been cut. The numbness can also be due to the local anesthesia used. Give it time and see if things improve. You should follow up with your physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Jul 30, 2012

There are nerves in those areas. It is normal to have some of the inflammatory process of the vein healing affecting those nerves. It should resolve within a week. If not, it might need some investigation by your treating physician.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/923_1408044082.jpg
Answered by Heart and Vein Center

There are nerves in those areas. It is normal to have some of the inflammatory process of the vein healing affecting those nerves. It should resolve within a week. If not, it might need some investigation by your treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Microphlebectomy

Microphlebectomy -8 answers
How long does it take one to recover after vein surgery?
See More
Microphlebectomy -5 answers
What is the length of recovery?
See More
Microphlebectomy -10 answers
I am 6 days post op from microphlebectomy. How long should I wear compression hose? Everyone seems to really vary with this answer...
See More
Microphlebectomy -5 answers
I had a laser ablation and microphlebectomy for a large varicosity from the inner thigh to the lower shin. When will I be able to shave my legs, go swimming and use lotion with a tanning agent?
See More
Microphlebectomy -5 answers
I had some phlebectomy's 5 weeks ago (2 at the ankle, 1 over the knee, 1 medial superior calf). I have burning pain & tenderness over some of the remaining posterior veins in the calf. DVT was ruled out. How long does phlebitis last? is this normal?
See More
Microphlebectomy -4 answers
Is there any danger to having veins under the eyes removed? Should this procedure be avoided if the patient has circulatory problems? How wide are the incisions for removing under eye veins? What is the cost of this procedure typically?
See More
Microphlebectomy -5 answers
How bruised will my legs be after the Microphlebectomy procedure?|
See More
Microphlebectomy -8 answers
I want to have my varicose veins on my legs addressed. Are there certain circumstances where microphlebectomy is better than endovenous ablation? Or vice versa?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Microphlebectomy -4 answers
I had a microphlebectomy a week ago. The doctor inserted a lot of fluid in the veins to deaden them. I am now having a lot of drainage from one of the cuts. It is yellow in color. Is this normal, or is it something I should be concerned about?
See More
Microphlebectomy -10 answers
I've heard microphlebectomy is a newer surgical treatment method for varicose veins. What exactly is it, and is it as effective as other surgical or minimally-invasive treatment options?
See More
Microphlebectomy -5 answers
I have small pieces of tissue coming from several incision sites. I can pull them and trim some, but then they bleed a little. Should I be trimming this tissue? Also, what about the incision site on top of my foot that hurts a lot and sends shooting pain down my foot?
See More
Microphlebectomy -9 answers
Will I be put under? What is typically used for pain?
See More
Microphlebectomy -5 answers
Do the incisions take longer to heal?
See More
Microphlebectomy -10 answers
It's been five weeks since my microphlebectomy on my leg and there are still many red bruise-type areas, that are very sensitive. Is this normal? And when will they disappear?
See More
Microphlebectomy -7 answers
I've heard microphlebectomy described as minimally invasive, but from what I understand it's still surgery. Wont there still be scars?
See More
Microphlebectomy -3 answers
I just had a microphlebectomy on my left leg yesterday and my leg is pretty sore, especially on my knee where he took out a vein. I still have gauze on them but was wondering if I should put bacterium or neosporin ointment on all the little cuts.
See More
Microphlebectomy -8 answers
I have large varicose veins on both legs and am trying to figure out what the best treatment is. Microphlebectomy and ambulatory phlebectomy both are surgical procedures, and they sound kind of the same. Which is better?
See More
Microphlebectomy -11 answers
My leg feels a lot better after 2 months (not perfect) but some bulging veins remain. Could I worsen my condition if I don't remove the bulging veins? How would blood flow out?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR