More varicose veins appeared after having endovenous laser ablation, is this normal? Can the surfacing varicose veins be related to the procedure?

I am 28 years old and had endovenous laser ablation 4 months ago on both my long saphenous veins. For the past 2 months I have seen more veins appearing on the back of my thigh and feet. Is this normal? Can they be related to the procedure?

Answers from doctors (10)


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Oct 25, 2013

The ablation will change the flow of blood, and sometimes veins that were already damaged just become more superficial. The veins were already bad, but they just become more prominent. You probably needed more treatment than just an ablation, most likely another ablation or sclerotherapy. Bulging veins are the visual sign that there are underlying problems still.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

The ablation will change the flow of blood, and sometimes veins that were already damaged just become more superficial. The veins were already bad, but they just become more prominent. You probably needed more treatment than just an ablation, most likely another ablation or sclerotherapy. Bulging veins are the visual sign that there are underlying problems still.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Oct 24, 2013

Yes, they can be due to the ELA procedure. By performing a laser procedure on an abnormal vessel, you are essentially closing that segment of vein. In so doing, you are forcing a redirection of the blood that is normally in the vein into secondary branches. These branches, if faulty, can in turn go bad. The result is a varicose vein or even a potentially visible surface vein. This is precisely why it is so important to treat all aspects of the leg. Not just the great saphenous vein. If the doc who performed your laser procedure has not performed any other injection treatments on your legs, then you only had a small portion of your vein issues treated. To get a more effective treatment, you really need to treat all parts of your leg. If your treating physician is not competent when it comes to performing injection treatments like sclerotherapy, you should consult with one who is. Make sure that whomever you see is board-certified/accredited.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Yes, they can be due to the ELA procedure. By performing a laser procedure on an abnormal vessel, you are essentially closing that segment of vein. In so doing, you are forcing a redirection of the blood that is normally in the vein into secondary branches. These branches, if faulty, can in turn go bad. The result is a varicose vein or even a potentially visible surface vein. This is precisely why it is so important to treat all aspects of the leg. Not just the great saphenous vein. If the doc who performed your laser procedure has not performed any other injection treatments on your legs, then you only had a small portion of your vein issues treated. To get a more effective treatment, you really need to treat all parts of your leg. If your treating physician is not competent when it comes to performing injection treatments like sclerotherapy, you should consult with one who is. Make sure that whomever you see is board-certified/accredited.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Oct 23, 2013

EVLT closes a major drainage route for the medial leg. It takes a while for new pathways to mature. Residual veins require independent treatment with sclerotherapy.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

EVLT closes a major drainage route for the medial leg. It takes a while for new pathways to mature. Residual veins require independent treatment with sclerotherapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Oct 23, 2013

A failed procedure where the treated vein does not close successfully may account for the appearance of new veins, as would treatment of the wrong vein. A repeat duplex ultrasound examination will give you a quick and
accurate answer.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

A failed procedure where the treated vein does not close successfully may account for the appearance of new veins, as would treatment of the wrong vein. A repeat duplex ultrasound examination will give you a quick and
accurate answer.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Oct 23, 2013

Yes, you can get new surface veins as result of the endovenous laser procedure.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Yes, you can get new surface veins as result of the endovenous laser procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Oct 23, 2013

You would be wise to seek an opinion from a surgeon experienced in these procedures. You may have had an inadequate sealing of the veins. There may also be problematic perforator (communicator) veins and accessory saphenous veins present. That said, this can be a chronic issue for some people, with new veins appearing but not usually so soon after a procedure.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

You would be wise to seek an opinion from a surgeon experienced in these procedures. You may have had an inadequate sealing of the veins. There may also be problematic perforator (communicator) veins and accessory saphenous veins present. That said, this can be a chronic issue for some people, with new veins appearing but not usually so soon after a procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Oct 22, 2013

Following endovenous ablation, new veins can form. This is called neovascularization. The condition is not common and probably occurs in less than 5% of people. Overall, it is not normal for new veins to form. I would recommend repeating the venous ultrasound to look for a source of the new vein formation. Since the veins are on the back of the thigh, I would look for reflux in the small saphenous vein or vein of giacomini as well as any other source. If all of this is negative, then the new vein formation can be treated by sclerotherapy. Follow up with your treating physician.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Following endovenous ablation, new veins can form. This is called neovascularization. The condition is not common and probably occurs in less than 5% of people. Overall, it is not normal for new veins to form. I would recommend repeating the venous ultrasound to look for a source of the new vein formation. Since the veins are on the back of the thigh, I would look for reflux in the small saphenous vein or vein of giacomini as well as any other source. If all of this is negative, then the new vein formation can be treated by sclerotherapy. Follow up with your treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Oct 22, 2013

Yes, more varicose veins can appear after ELA.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Yes, more varicose veins can appear after ELA.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Oct 22, 2013

Probably not related to the procedure. Rather, I suspect progression of vein disease.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Probably not related to the procedure. Rather, I suspect progression of vein disease.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bellagio Vein Clinic

Published on Oct 22, 2013

Sometimes it may just appear that more veins are appearing. However, I have seen that re-channeling of the blood flow, where extra pressure is placed on certain areas and more veins develop as a result. A follow-up ultrasound is recommended to rule out recanalization of the previously treated veins. If negative, then additional sclerotherapy of the problem areas will definitely treat and prevent more veins from appearing.

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Answered by Bellagio Vein Clinic

Sometimes it may just appear that more veins are appearing. However, I have seen that re-channeling of the blood flow, where extra pressure is placed on certain areas and more veins develop as a result. A follow-up ultrasound is recommended to rule out recanalization of the previously treated veins. If negative, then additional sclerotherapy of the problem areas will definitely treat and prevent more veins from appearing.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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