Is swelling, numbness and pain common after varicose vein surgery?

I had varicose vein surgery eight months ago on my left leg but it is still slightly swollen, numb, red and painful. Will the symptoms eventually go away? Will it be OK?

Answers from doctors (11)


Vein Treatment and Aesthetic Center

Published on Feb 12, 2013

Pain, swelling and numbness is very common after any surgery for varicose veins. Fortunately it is temporary and should completely resolve in 2-3 weeks.

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Answered by Vein Treatment and Aesthetic Center

Pain, swelling and numbness is very common after any surgery for varicose veins. Fortunately it is temporary and should completely resolve in 2-3 weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Feb 05, 2013

This is not common, but should resolve within a year.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

This is not common, but should resolve within a year.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

Published on Jan 29, 2013

Eight months is a long time for these symptoms to persist. You should see your surgeon and be reassessed.

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Answered by Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

Eight months is a long time for these symptoms to persist. You should see your surgeon and be reassessed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jan 27, 2013

Swelling, numbness and pain usually do not linger that far out after varicose vein surgery. See your MD.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Swelling, numbness and pain usually do not linger that far out after varicose vein surgery. See your MD.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Jan 25, 2013

You need to be evaluated by the treating physician.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

You need to be evaluated by the treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Jan 23, 2013

Numbness (or neuropathy) is not an unusual side effect of varicose vein surgery. In most cases, the neuropathy, be it parasthesia or dysaesthesia, will usually abate after nine to twelve months. As for the other symptoms you mention however, those could very well be cause for concern. Edema, or swelling, can be, in certain cases, an ongoing issue even after surgery. It would be best to address this issue most certainly the pain and inflammation by seeing your vascular surgeon.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

Numbness (or neuropathy) is not an unusual side effect of varicose vein surgery. In most cases, the neuropathy, be it parasthesia or dysaesthesia, will usually abate after nine to twelve months. As for the other symptoms you mention however, those could very well be cause for concern. Edema, or swelling, can be, in certain cases, an ongoing issue even after surgery. It would be best to address this issue most certainly the pain and inflammation by seeing your vascular surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Jan 23, 2013

I would recommend a follow-up asap. It is probably just some superficial clot, which is not a health hazard. However, the doctor should still check for a deep vein clot or potential infection. These can be harmful and if there is deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or infection, then the doctor or nurse practitioner will recommend treatment and/or antibiotics. Follow- up appointments like these are always recommended after vein treatments, especially if symptoms become worse.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

I would recommend a follow-up asap. It is probably just some superficial clot, which is not a health hazard. However, the doctor should still check for a deep vein clot or potential infection. These can be harmful and if there is deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or infection, then the doctor or nurse practitioner will recommend treatment and/or antibiotics. Follow- up appointments like these are always recommended after vein treatments, especially if symptoms become worse.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jan 23, 2013

All of those symptoms are common after varicose vein surgery, but not 8 months later. Also, did you have surgery or closure? You need to follow up with your treating physician.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

All of those symptoms are common after varicose vein surgery, but not 8 months later. Also, did you have surgery or closure? You need to follow up with your treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jan 23, 2013

You need a follow-up appointment with your doctor.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

You need a follow-up appointment with your doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Jan 23, 2013

I am not sure what type of vein surgery you had. That would help to answer your question more efficiently. However, most vein surgeries should not be causing you pain, swelling, numbness or redness after treatment, especially 8 months out from surgery. I would recommend a follow-up visit with the physician that performed your surgery.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

I am not sure what type of vein surgery you had. That would help to answer your question more efficiently. However, most vein surgeries should not be causing you pain, swelling, numbness or redness after treatment, especially 8 months out from surgery. I would recommend a follow-up visit with the physician that performed your surgery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Jan 22, 2013

The symptoms you described should have subsided significantly in 8 months. See your doctor for an exam and an ultrasound. Both will be able to determine why you are experiencing swelling, numbness, redness and pain.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

The symptoms you described should have subsided significantly in 8 months. See your doctor for an exam and an ultrasound. Both will be able to determine why you are experiencing swelling, numbness, redness and pain.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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