Shouldn't I be able to see varicose veins on the surface of my leg?

If I have varicose veins that can be treated, shouldn't I be able to see them on the surface of my leg? Or, can you have refluxing veins that aren't obvious to the eye?

Answers from doctors (9)


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Feb 06, 2013

Yes and no. People with venous reflux if it is significant should also have some visible veins, except in rare cases where the reflux is only causing leg swelling.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Yes and no. People with venous reflux if it is significant should also have some visible veins, except in rare cases where the reflux is only causing leg swelling.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

Published on Feb 05, 2013

Yes, it is incredibly possible to have venous reflux without visible veins on the surface. It is actually very common.



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Answered by South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

Yes, it is incredibly possible to have venous reflux without visible veins on the surface. It is actually very common.



Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Feb 05, 2013

Yes, you can have refluxing veins that aren't visible to the eye. They are injected under ultrasound guidance.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Yes, you can have refluxing veins that aren't visible to the eye. They are injected under ultrasound guidance.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Feb 05, 2013

Yes, not all varicose veins are visible on the skin surface. Your saphenous veins could have reflux in them, and ultrasound is the only way to see those veins.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Yes, not all varicose veins are visible on the skin surface. Your saphenous veins could have reflux in them, and ultrasound is the only way to see those veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Feb 05, 2013

Most varicose veins can be seen protruding through the skin. However, with ultrasound, other varicose veins are often seen under the skin. Reflux cannot be seen with the native eye. Reflux is seen only on ultrasound, and it usually is in the saphenous system of veins and not the varicose veins.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Most varicose veins can be seen protruding through the skin. However, with ultrasound, other varicose veins are often seen under the skin. Reflux cannot be seen with the native eye. Reflux is seen only on ultrasound, and it usually is in the saphenous system of veins and not the varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Published on Feb 05, 2013

Intuitively you would think so. However, in many people, the varicosity is not visible without Duplex ultrasound assistance.

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Answered by Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Intuitively you would think so. However, in many people, the varicosity is not visible without Duplex ultrasound assistance.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on Feb 05, 2013

You can definitely have significant superficial venous reflux without having visible, bulging veins. You should have your physician (vein specialist) explain the results of your Doppler ultrasound exam and discuss treatment options.

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Answered by Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

You can definitely have significant superficial venous reflux without having visible, bulging veins. You should have your physician (vein specialist) explain the results of your Doppler ultrasound exam and discuss treatment options.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Feb 05, 2013

It is possible for a person to have venous reflux without seeing varicose veins at the surface. Duplex ultrasound will provide you with an answer, but just make sure the sonographer requires that you stand for the examination.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

It is possible for a person to have venous reflux without seeing varicose veins at the surface. Duplex ultrasound will provide you with an answer, but just make sure the sonographer requires that you stand for the examination.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Feb 05, 2013

You can definitively have venous reflux and not see any varicose vein or spider vein on the legs. It is actually more common than we think.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

You can definitively have venous reflux and not see any varicose vein or spider vein on the legs. It is actually more common than we think.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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