The "track" in my leg still feels bruised and stingy 4 months after EVLT, will this go away?

I had laser ablation of the great saphenous vein to help with varicose veins in my shin area. That was on 11/29/12. Nearly four months later, the "track" still feels bruised and stingy at times. Will this ever go away?

Answers from doctors (11)


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Apr 15, 2013

The "track" in your leg is probably your treated great saphenous vein filled with trapped blood. The blood stuck in your saphenous vein can cause localized irritation along the vein, giving rise to your bruised sensation and preventing the vein from healing properly. The stinging sensation is probably due to the occasional inflammation that arises in and around the treated vein. My suggestion to you is to have your leg re-evaluated and have the trapped blood removed. This will help eliminate the bruised look and minimize the discomfort you are experiencing.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

The "track" in your leg is probably your treated great saphenous vein filled with trapped blood. The blood stuck in your saphenous vein can cause localized irritation along the vein, giving rise to your bruised sensation and preventing the vein from healing properly. The stinging sensation is probably due to the occasional inflammation that arises in and around the treated vein. My suggestion to you is to have your leg re-evaluated and have the trapped blood removed. This will help eliminate the bruised look and minimize the discomfort you are experiencing.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Mar 18, 2013

It should go away within the next few months. Sometimes the ablation causes nerve irritation. There are nerves that run along that great saphenous vein (GSV), and sometimes they become irritated and take a few months before all the symptoms post-procedure will go away. Generally speaking, it is possible that the entire healing process could take up to a year.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

It should go away within the next few months. Sometimes the ablation causes nerve irritation. There are nerves that run along that great saphenous vein (GSV), and sometimes they become irritated and take a few months before all the symptoms post-procedure will go away. Generally speaking, it is possible that the entire healing process could take up to a year.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein 911

Published on Mar 16, 2013

Stinging and bruising along the length of the treated vein is not typical after 4 months. There are many possible explanations and possible treatments for your symptoms. If your vein care physician cannot offer help or at least an explanation, I would suggest a second opinion. There are large variations in the skill and experience of vein care practitioners.

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Answered by Vein 911

Stinging and bruising along the length of the treated vein is not typical after 4 months. There are many possible explanations and possible treatments for your symptoms. If your vein care physician cannot offer help or at least an explanation, I would suggest a second opinion. There are large variations in the skill and experience of vein care practitioners.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Mar 15, 2013

The feelings you are experiencing post-EVLA will probably go away. You should talk with your surgeon and discuss having another ultrasound to determine if there are any underlying causes.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

The feelings you are experiencing post-EVLA will probably go away. You should talk with your surgeon and discuss having another ultrasound to determine if there are any underlying causes.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Mar 14, 2013

This is residual inflammation and will fade with time.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

This is residual inflammation and will fade with time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 14, 2013

It is unusual that your are still experiencing such symptoms at 4 months. Typically, it resolves around 2-3 months. However, if you had a very large and superficial vein, then your healing process is a bit longer. I would recommend you massage (slight pressure) along the length of the vein several times per day. This will help "desensitize" the area and soften the vein remnant. Our patients use Arnica cream to assist with this. Sometimes applying low heat over the area for 10 minutes throughout the day can help. This sensation will eventually subside. If not, see your surgeon.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

It is unusual that your are still experiencing such symptoms at 4 months. Typically, it resolves around 2-3 months. However, if you had a very large and superficial vein, then your healing process is a bit longer. I would recommend you massage (slight pressure) along the length of the vein several times per day. This will help "desensitize" the area and soften the vein remnant. Our patients use Arnica cream to assist with this. Sometimes applying low heat over the area for 10 minutes throughout the day can help. This sensation will eventually subside. If not, see your surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Mar 14, 2013

This is a common complaint following closure procedures and usually resolves over several months. Unfortunately, in some patients it may take longer. I have seen this occur more often in thin females. This may be due to the saphenous vein being close to the skin and causing more irritation to the skin as a result of the closure procedure.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

This is a common complaint following closure procedures and usually resolves over several months. Unfortunately, in some patients it may take longer. I have seen this occur more often in thin females. This may be due to the saphenous vein being close to the skin and causing more irritation to the skin as a result of the closure procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Milford Vascular Institute

Published on Mar 14, 2013

Yes, the symptoms you are experiencing will eventually go away. You have to remember that everyone heals at different rates. In your case, the pain will likely resolve between six months to one year.

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Answered by Milford Vascular Institute

Yes, the symptoms you are experiencing will eventually go away. You have to remember that everyone heals at different rates. In your case, the pain will likely resolve between six months to one year.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Mar 14, 2013

Your symptoms will likely improve, but gradually.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Your symptoms will likely improve, but gradually.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Mar 14, 2013

Yes, your "track" will go away. You must have a very superficial vein. It typically takes up to 8-12 months for that treated vein to resolve.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Yes, your "track" will go away. You must have a very superficial vein. It typically takes up to 8-12 months for that treated vein to resolve.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Mar 14, 2013

In some patients, it can take up to a year for all complaints to resolve. The best thing to do is have the doctor check your veins again.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

In some patients, it can take up to a year for all complaints to resolve. The best thing to do is have the doctor check your veins again.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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