Is swelling in the ankle after varicose vein surgery normal?

One week after varicose vein surgery I developed a golf ball size swelling on the inside of my ankle that is very sensitive to touch. Is this normal?

Answers from doctors (12)


Orange County Vein Care

Published on Mar 12, 2019

Vein stripping is usually followed by placing a compression wrap immediately over the area. This is done in the operating room prior to transfer to recovery. Patients typically wear compression stockings for two weeks following surgery. A localized lump as you described needs to be evaluated by your surgeon to rule out a hematoma (collection of blood), slipped ligature (suture cane undone) resulting in local bleeding, seroma (collection of fluid), or other.

A good evaluation is key. Vein stripping typically is done with a growing incision and counter incision at the ankle or below knee level. It is hard to tell which you had done but would advise you to return to your surgeon for an exam and best care.

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

Vein stripping is usually followed by placing a compression wrap immediately over the area. This is done in the operating room prior to transfer to recovery. Patients typically wear compression stockings for two weeks following surgery. A localized lump as you described needs to be evaluated by your surgeon to rule out a hematoma (collection of blood), slipped ligature (suture cane undone) resulting in local bleeding, seroma (collection of fluid), or other.

A good evaluation is key. Vein stripping typically is done with a growing incision and counter incision at the ankle or below knee level. It is hard to tell which you had done but would advise you to return to your surgeon for an exam and best care.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Vascular Institute at Teton Radiology

Published on Oct 18, 2012

This may be an area of trapped clot. It can be poked and the blood expressed which would help decrease the pain. It is not harmful and will eventually be reabsorbed by your body. If you are concerned about this area, contact the physician who did your procedure and have it checked.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1123_1499985123.jpg
Answered by The Vascular Institute at Teton Radiology

This may be an area of trapped clot. It can be poked and the blood expressed which would help decrease the pain. It is not harmful and will eventually be reabsorbed by your body. If you are concerned about this area, contact the physician who did your procedure and have it checked.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jul 03, 2012

No, it is not normal. It could be a hematoma or a thrombosed varicose vein. Your doctor should check it with ultrasound.

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

No, it is not normal. It could be a hematoma or a thrombosed varicose vein. Your doctor should check it with ultrasound.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lubbock Vein Specialists

Published on Jul 03, 2012

That type of swelling does not sound "normal" to me. I would suggest that you contact the physician who did your operation and have your leg checked.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/617_1408044072.jpg
Answered by Lubbock Vein Specialists

That type of swelling does not sound "normal" to me. I would suggest that you contact the physician who did your operation and have your leg checked.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


NYU Vein Center - Morristown

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Normal? Probably not. Did you see your MD? I recommend you see your doctor.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/883_1408044080.jpg
Answered by NYU Vein Center - Morristown

Normal? Probably not. Did you see your MD? I recommend you see your doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Jul 03, 2012

That is not normal. Modest swelling and pain are not uncommon. You need to repeat vein ultrasound.

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

That is not normal. Modest swelling and pain are not uncommon. You need to repeat vein ultrasound.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Usually not. It may be a clotted varicose vein.

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

Usually not. It may be a clotted varicose vein.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 01, 2012

This can occur following vein surgery. It could be due to many factors including hematoma, lymphatic fluid or trauma secondary to surgery above the ankle. Elevate the leg, wear support hose and follow up with your doctor.

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

This can occur following vein surgery. It could be due to many factors including hematoma, lymphatic fluid or trauma secondary to surgery above the ankle. Elevate the leg, wear support hose and follow up with your doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Vein Treatment Center

Published on May 30, 2012

You need to follow up with your surgeon and discuss this. If there already was a varicose vein in the area, it could be related to scar tissue from a miniphlebectomy.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/562_1499901513.jpg
Answered by The Vein Treatment Center

You need to follow up with your surgeon and discuss this. If there already was a varicose vein in the area, it could be related to scar tissue from a miniphlebectomy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Austin Vein Specialists

Published on May 16, 2012

This is not typical. You likely have a hematoma as the result of some old blood accumulating after the surgery. This will likely resolve, but I suggest you follow up with the doctor that did your surgery to make sure there is not another problem, such as infection.

Answered by Austin Vein Specialists (View Profile)

This is not typical. You likely have a hematoma as the result of some old blood accumulating after the surgery. This will likely resolve, but I suggest you follow up with the doctor that did your surgery to make sure there is not another problem, such as infection.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on May 15, 2012

It could a superficial blood clot. Those are not anything to worry about for your health; they can just be painful. Usually there is redness as well in the swollen area. It is recommended to follow up with your doctor to find out what it is exactly.

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

It could a superficial blood clot. Those are not anything to worry about for your health; they can just be painful. Usually there is redness as well in the swollen area. It is recommended to follow up with your doctor to find out what it is exactly.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on May 14, 2012

A golf ball size swelling in your ankle 1 wk after vein surgery is not really normal. Some people will get a minimal amount of puffiness around the treatment region but rarely do they get a golf ball size swelling unless they got a hematoma from the treatment. Also depending on the type of treatment that you underwent, you could also have something called trapped blood. This is a situation where you get blood pocketing in a treated vein resulting in slight swelling and irritation in the involved area.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1116_1499984661.jpg
Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

A golf ball size swelling in your ankle 1 wk after vein surgery is not really normal. Some people will get a minimal amount of puffiness around the treatment region but rarely do they get a golf ball size swelling unless they got a hematoma from the treatment. Also depending on the type of treatment that you underwent, you could also have something called trapped blood. This is a situation where you get blood pocketing in a treated vein resulting in slight swelling and irritation in the involved area.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Varicose Vein Surgery

Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I am 21 years old and recently I have developed a varicose vein on my penis. The vein gives me slight discomfort. I am not sexually active. How can I fix this vein? Is there any medication or procedure which can fix it? I don't like the look of the vein.
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
And, are there any options in terms of colors or styles?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -10 answers
I am 21 years old and within the past four years I have developed spider veins and large veins that are visible in my legs. They are also elevated over my shins. Varicose veins run in my family, but is this really all genetic or do I have a health problem?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -4 answers
Had a phlebectomy and VNUS done 4 weeks ago. I have lumps all along where the vein used to be (ranging from pea size to walnut size). They were painful & had them drained twice now. I still have lumps. What can be done? Will these resolve?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -7 answers
How long should I wait after varicose vein surgery to take an airplane trip, or does it matter?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -5 answers
My wife had superficial blood clots in leg. They took ultrasound and she just collapsed 13 days ago in my arms and died in the hospital of a blood clot in the lung. She was healthy and young. No history, sickness, fever. How can this happen?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -5 answers
I had a phlebectomy that was not successful, then laser ablation and sclerotherapy within 2 months of each other. I now have shooting pains in my leg... is this something that is normal?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -9 answers
I am getting ready to have a varicose vein treatment but am afraid that I may develop blood clots and die. What should I do? Thanks.
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
This pain occurs after I have been active on my legs. My varicose vein surgery was about five months ago.
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -9 answers
I had a main vein stripped and incisions by knee done 4 days ago. It looks like its healing well, but I am getting a burning sensation. What does this mean?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Varicose Vein Surgery -6 answers
What is the recovery procedure after the vein is removed? For example, do I have to sit and rest it and how long will i need off work?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -5 answers
I'm scheduled for weight-loss surgery, and I have large varicose veins on both legs. Will losing the weight change the pressure in my legs enough to make the varicose veins go away, or will I need surgery or other treatments?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I am 24 yrs old, and after i had my daughter i noticed my legs are veiny. The veins don't bulge out nor are spidery. i was wondering what are they? How should I get rid of them?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -9 answers
I had varicose vein surgery 14 years ago to strip veins from my right leg. I have had severe pain in my groin and lower abdomen for years. Just found out the surgeon left three surgical clips in my groin. They are to be removed. Why would he do this?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -10 answers
Is this a side effect of having varicose veins and can varicose vein surgery effectively treat this condition?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I have a large number of varicose veins covering both legs. I want to get them treated but I'm afraid I won't have many veins left! Is there a point where you shouldn't have them all removed/injected because there won't be enough circulation?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
Can you fly safely with a superficial vein? I had some bleeding under the skin and I'm taking antibiotics. I fly on Friday and have a surgical stocking to wear. Is this OK?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -4 answers
If someone has had varicose vein surgery, can they come back? At any time? What are the odds of this?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I have spider veins and varicose veins. Will my insurance ppo bluecross pay for it? I was told by my insurance co they would pay if it is medically necessary, they hurt and are getting worse, I am a nurse.
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -2 answers
I have stiffness in my knees, as well as swelling and pain on the outside of my knees. It is really hindering my activities. I cannot bend my knees without screaming pain. I had surgery 2 yrs ago to collapse the worst veins, but not all of my veins were treated. Could my knee pain be related to my varicose vein issues?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR