My vein feels hard after being treated with EVLA, is this normal?

My vein feels hard 10 days after having the endovenous laser ablation to treat a varicose vein. Is hardening a normal complication? When will the area soften and return to normal? I had my 3 day post-op and no blood clots were found.

Answers from doctors (11)


Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI , RPhS

Published on May 18, 2018

If you have low BMI (i.e. skinny) or if the vein that was ablated was close to the skin, or if the branches of the ablated vein also closed (tributaries), you may feel them as hard cords under the skin. You need to apply some topical creams to prevent bronzing of the skin that can go along with that (Omega Vein Cream) and also take low dose ibuprofen (200 mg twice daily) as this could be causing a lot of pain and discomfort.

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Answered by Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI , RPhS

If you have low BMI (i.e. skinny) or if the vein that was ablated was close to the skin, or if the branches of the ablated vein also closed (tributaries), you may feel them as hard cords under the skin. You need to apply some topical creams to prevent bronzing of the skin that can go along with that (Omega Vein Cream) and also take low dose ibuprofen (200 mg twice daily) as this could be causing a lot of pain and discomfort.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Desert Vein Institute

Published on May 18, 2018

Yes this is normal after a vein procedure, especially if your vein was superficial. You will be able to feel a hard and sometimes pulling feeling. It should get better with time.

Answered by Desert Vein Institute (View Profile)

Yes this is normal after a vein procedure, especially if your vein was superficial. You will be able to feel a hard and sometimes pulling feeling. It should get better with time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Finesse Surgical Solutions

Published on Aug 07, 2014

The saphenous vein thromboses and begins to fibrose after EVLA. This is the expected response. It will feel hard for some weeks and then begin to soften.

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Answered by Finesse Surgical Solutions

The saphenous vein thromboses and begins to fibrose after EVLA. This is the expected response. It will feel hard for some weeks and then begin to soften.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Aug 04, 2014

Localized inflammation is a part of the healing process with EVLA. Laser is heat energy. The tumescent anesthetic which is injected acts as a "heat sink" but some localized inflammation is expected. I would recommend firm (not aggressive) deeper massage to move the deeper tissues several times per day.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Localized inflammation is a part of the healing process with EVLA. Laser is heat energy. The tumescent anesthetic which is injected acts as a "heat sink" but some localized inflammation is expected. I would recommend firm (not aggressive) deeper massage to move the deeper tissues several times per day.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jul 29, 2014

It's pretty common for the vein to feel hard after EVLA. The area(s) should soften in a few months.




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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

It's pretty common for the vein to feel hard after EVLA. The area(s) should soften in a few months.




Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Jul 28, 2014

Yes, it is completely normal for the treated vein to feel hard after the EVLA procedure. This is a sign that the vein is turning to scar tissue and will soon be absorbed by the body, which is the intention and goal of the procedure. Give it a few months before absorption occurs. It may also feel tight when you walk for a few weeks.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Yes, it is completely normal for the treated vein to feel hard after the EVLA procedure. This is a sign that the vein is turning to scar tissue and will soon be absorbed by the body, which is the intention and goal of the procedure. Give it a few months before absorption occurs. It may also feel tight when you walk for a few weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lone Star Vein Center

Published on Jul 28, 2014

This is a very normal finding and may take several weeks to resolve on its own.

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Answered by Lone Star Vein Center

This is a very normal finding and may take several weeks to resolve on its own.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Jul 28, 2014

Tender, firm surface veins are expected after successful EVLA. Most physicians evacuate trapped blood from these veins within one month to hasten healing and provide relief from tenderness. Most treated veins regress and are absorbed within a few months.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Tender, firm surface veins are expected after successful EVLA. Most physicians evacuate trapped blood from these veins within one month to hasten healing and provide relief from tenderness. Most treated veins regress and are absorbed within a few months.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Jul 27, 2014

Yes , it is expected for the treated vein and even connected veins to become hard and slightly tender after an EVLA.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Yes , it is expected for the treated vein and even connected veins to become hard and slightly tender after an EVLA.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jul 27, 2014

The hard vein is a good sign. The operation worked. He vein will shrink over three months.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

The hard vein is a good sign. The operation worked. He vein will shrink over three months.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jul 25, 2014

The normal process following EVLA is for the treated vein to become hard as it contracts from the laser treatment. Usually the first week post treatment there is little discomfort because of the tumescent. By the second week the discomfort increases as the vein hardens. This will improve over the next few weeks. Wet warm compresses to the area, ibuprofen and compression should help.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

The normal process following EVLA is for the treated vein to become hard as it contracts from the laser treatment. Usually the first week post treatment there is little discomfort because of the tumescent. By the second week the discomfort increases as the vein hardens. This will improve over the next few weeks. Wet warm compresses to the area, ibuprofen and compression should help.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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