I am concerned that my procedure did not go as planned. The day after having an endovenous laser ablation my leg still looked the same. Is this normal? How long before I see cosmetic improvement?
Significant cosmetic improvements after laser ablation would not be expected after just one day. Large varicose veins can appear smaller right away but that would be the exception and not the rule. It takes time for varicose veins to decompress and for spider veins to fade after ablations. I would expect improvement more on the order of a few weeks or even months rather than a few days. Additional procedures in the form of injection sclerotherapy or varicose vein excision (microphlebectomy) are sometimes needed to address cosmetic concerns even after successful ablations. Please visit our website at Weknowveins.com for more information.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You need to be evaluated.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Cosmetic improvement most likely will not come from a single endovenous laser treatment. Instead, it may take several treatments before all of the veins fade, especially if there are bulging veins and spider veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Surface varicose veins usually become firm and more prominent for a few weeks after thermal ablation, often leaving a brown discoloration which fades over several months. To expect any improvement the day after
ablation is unrealistic, especially if the surface veins were not treated simultaneously.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It takes at least three months for varicose veins to shrink after EVLT. If you are concerned that the procedure has failed, contract your treating physician and ask for a follow-up appointment. An evaluation and ultrasound can determine whether the procedure was successful and if further treatment is necessary.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Any cosmetic improvement that you will see may take weeks; the rest can be treated with sclerotherapy.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Your complaint doesn't sound unusual, for veins may take time to resolve after the procedure. Still, you should discuss this with your treating physician. A thorough evaluation (including an ultrasound) can determine whether the procedure was in fact successful.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Actually, the leg usually looks worse before it looks better. It may take 4 to 6 weeks to look normal. If you had varicose veins and they were not removed through microphlebectomies, you may not see much change for a long time. If you had sclerotherapy of varicose veins, then it will also take a long time to see improvement.
Published on Jul 11, 2012