Post - EVLT 14 days

Hi. I had a EVLT done 14 days ago by a reputable doctor that has performed hundreds of EVLT's. When I'm standing, it hurts/itches/burns/pulls along the GSV worse than it did before I had the procedure done. Will this pain eventually go away?

Answers from doctors (6)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Dec 06, 2018

Often, around the 2-week mark, the deeper tissue inflammation and swelling are almost resolved and small nerve endings wake up. There can be discomfort for a couple of days. We recommend Tylenol and compression hose. You can apply low heat often also. The pulling sensation is the GSV, which will eventually resolve. Try firm massage over the area using a product such as Dermaka several times a day. Continue normal walking a low-grade exercise.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Often, around the 2-week mark, the deeper tissue inflammation and swelling are almost resolved and small nerve endings wake up. There can be discomfort for a couple of days. We recommend Tylenol and compression hose. You can apply low heat often also. The pulling sensation is the GSV, which will eventually resolve. Try firm massage over the area using a product such as Dermaka several times a day. Continue normal walking a low-grade exercise.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Dec 06, 2018

What you are describing are normal symptoms post-EVLT. The laser heats the vein, which then undergoes a process of contraction, scarring, and ultimately shrinkage or even dissolving. During the several weeks after the procedure, this occurs and you may feel hardness and all of the symptoms that you describe. Heat, time, and ibuprofen will all help.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

What you are describing are normal symptoms post-EVLT. The laser heats the vein, which then undergoes a process of contraction, scarring, and ultimately shrinkage or even dissolving. During the several weeks after the procedure, this occurs and you may feel hardness and all of the symptoms that you describe. Heat, time, and ibuprofen will all help.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lafayette Regional Vein & Laser Center

Published on May 18, 2016

Depending upon the wavelength used and your body habitus, this is common and will soon fade. The great saphenous vein sits above the muscle and when actively inflamed as it should be post-EVLA, it sits on muscle and causes the pulling sensation upon raising from seated position, etc. We see this far less commonly when patients take Alleve (2 pills every 12 hours) and wear compression regularly. We also see this far more commonly in normal weight persons as there is less soft tissue to separate the vein from the superficial layers of thigh musculature. When you see your doctor for your follow-up exam, they should be able to advise you according to what your ultrasound demonstrates, and what to expect over the coming months.

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Answered by Lafayette Regional Vein & Laser Center

Depending upon the wavelength used and your body habitus, this is common and will soon fade. The great saphenous vein sits above the muscle and when actively inflamed as it should be post-EVLA, it sits on muscle and causes the pulling sensation upon raising from seated position, etc. We see this far less commonly when patients take Alleve (2 pills every 12 hours) and wear compression regularly. We also see this far more commonly in normal weight persons as there is less soft tissue to separate the vein from the superficial layers of thigh musculature. When you see your doctor for your follow-up exam, they should be able to advise you according to what your ultrasound demonstrates, and what to expect over the coming months.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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

Published on May 18, 2016

Yes, it should. The pulling sensation is the ablated vein, which shrinks circumferentially and also longitudinally. Discuss with your ABVLM-certified vein doctor.

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

Yes, it should. The pulling sensation is the ablated vein, which shrinks circumferentially and also longitudinally. Discuss with your ABVLM-certified vein doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on May 18, 2016

Yes, the pain and discomfort will eventually go away.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Yes, the pain and discomfort will eventually go away.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Moises Roizental, MD, FSIR

Published on May 18, 2016

The pain/pulling is very common during the first 2 weeks. It will go away soon. Ice, ibuprofen or acetaminophen should help. If it continues, call your doctor.

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Answered by Moises Roizental, MD, FSIR

The pain/pulling is very common during the first 2 weeks. It will go away soon. Ice, ibuprofen or acetaminophen should help. If it continues, call your doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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