What happens when varicose veins are not treated with surgery?

If surgery for varicose veins is not done, what will be the result? What problems will occur?

Answers from doctors (8)


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Feb 06, 2013

If left untreated, varicose veins can slowly get worse. Complications would include spontaneous hemorrhage, thrombosis (blood clot in the veins), ulceration, worsening pain and leg swelling.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/464_1408044069.jpg
Answered by Advanced Vein Center

If left untreated, varicose veins can slowly get worse. Complications would include spontaneous hemorrhage, thrombosis (blood clot in the veins), ulceration, worsening pain and leg swelling.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Jan 29, 2013

You have a great question, however, I need a little more information. If you've had an ultrasound, what were the results? Do you have underlying vein problems? Based on those answers, varicose vein treatment can vary. But, I can answer the general question. If it is just varicose without underlying vein problems, they do not have to be treatment if they do not hurt you. However, over time, without treatment you could develop more varicose veins, pain, swelling, skin changes and possibly ulcers.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1172_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

You have a great question, however, I need a little more information. If you've had an ultrasound, what were the results? Do you have underlying vein problems? Based on those answers, varicose vein treatment can vary. But, I can answer the general question. If it is just varicose without underlying vein problems, they do not have to be treatment if they do not hurt you. However, over time, without treatment you could develop more varicose veins, pain, swelling, skin changes and possibly ulcers.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Jan 28, 2013

Sometimes if the reflux is bad enough, skin discoloration can occur. This would mean that the tissue is not receiving enough oxygen. If the tissue dies, it will lead to ulceration of the skin. That is usually the worst case but with venous disease, it is always better to get the veins treated.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1153_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Sometimes if the reflux is bad enough, skin discoloration can occur. This would mean that the tissue is not receiving enough oxygen. If the tissue dies, it will lead to ulceration of the skin. That is usually the worst case but with venous disease, it is always better to get the veins treated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jan 25, 2013

Usually, when varicose veins are not treated they progress and enlarge. Pain may also occur.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/922_1408044082.jpg
Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Usually, when varicose veins are not treated they progress and enlarge. Pain may also occur.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Jan 25, 2013

They can become progressively worse.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/713_1408044075.jpg
Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

They can become progressively worse.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jan 24, 2013

The complications include blood clots, leg swelling, discolored ankles and finally, venous ulcers.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/554_1447800116.jpg
Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

The complications include blood clots, leg swelling, discolored ankles and finally, venous ulcers.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jan 24, 2013

Varicose veins do not need to be treated with surgery. They can be treated with support stockings. This, however, doesn't improve the varicose veins. If veins are not treated then, over time, they will worsen by enlarging and forming more varicose veins. There is also the risk of developing clots in the veins, bleeding and even ulcer formation, especially around the ankle. Surgery is not the usual treatment for varicose veins at this time. Usually a laser is used.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Varicose veins do not need to be treated with surgery. They can be treated with support stockings. This, however, doesn't improve the varicose veins. If veins are not treated then, over time, they will worsen by enlarging and forming more varicose veins. There is also the risk of developing clots in the veins, bleeding and even ulcer formation, especially around the ankle. Surgery is not the usual treatment for varicose veins at this time. Usually a laser is used.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Jan 23, 2013

Your question is rather vague; however, vein problems worsen over time.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1365_1408044094.jpg
Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Your question is rather vague; however, vein problems worsen over time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Varicose Vein Surgery

Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I am 21 years old and recently I have developed a varicose vein on my penis. The vein gives me slight discomfort. I am not sexually active. How can I fix this vein? Is there any medication or procedure which can fix it? I don't like the look of the vein.
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
And, are there any options in terms of colors or styles?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -10 answers
I am 21 years old and within the past four years I have developed spider veins and large veins that are visible in my legs. They are also elevated over my shins. Varicose veins run in my family, but is this really all genetic or do I have a health problem?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -4 answers
Had a phlebectomy and VNUS done 4 weeks ago. I have lumps all along where the vein used to be (ranging from pea size to walnut size). They were painful & had them drained twice now. I still have lumps. What can be done? Will these resolve?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -7 answers
How long should I wait after varicose vein surgery to take an airplane trip, or does it matter?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -5 answers
My wife had superficial blood clots in leg. They took ultrasound and she just collapsed 13 days ago in my arms and died in the hospital of a blood clot in the lung. She was healthy and young. No history, sickness, fever. How can this happen?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -5 answers
I had a phlebectomy that was not successful, then laser ablation and sclerotherapy within 2 months of each other. I now have shooting pains in my leg... is this something that is normal?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -9 answers
I am getting ready to have a varicose vein treatment but am afraid that I may develop blood clots and die. What should I do? Thanks.
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
This pain occurs after I have been active on my legs. My varicose vein surgery was about five months ago.
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -9 answers
I had a main vein stripped and incisions by knee done 4 days ago. It looks like its healing well, but I am getting a burning sensation. What does this mean?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Varicose Vein Surgery -6 answers
What is the recovery procedure after the vein is removed? For example, do I have to sit and rest it and how long will i need off work?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -5 answers
I'm scheduled for weight-loss surgery, and I have large varicose veins on both legs. Will losing the weight change the pressure in my legs enough to make the varicose veins go away, or will I need surgery or other treatments?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I am 24 yrs old, and after i had my daughter i noticed my legs are veiny. The veins don't bulge out nor are spidery. i was wondering what are they? How should I get rid of them?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -9 answers
I had varicose vein surgery 14 years ago to strip veins from my right leg. I have had severe pain in my groin and lower abdomen for years. Just found out the surgeon left three surgical clips in my groin. They are to be removed. Why would he do this?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -10 answers
Is this a side effect of having varicose veins and can varicose vein surgery effectively treat this condition?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I have a large number of varicose veins covering both legs. I want to get them treated but I'm afraid I won't have many veins left! Is there a point where you shouldn't have them all removed/injected because there won't be enough circulation?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -12 answers
One week after varicose vein surgery I developed a golf ball size swelling on the inside of my ankle that is very sensitive to touch. Is this normal?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
Can you fly safely with a superficial vein? I had some bleeding under the skin and I'm taking antibiotics. I fly on Friday and have a surgical stocking to wear. Is this OK?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -4 answers
If someone has had varicose vein surgery, can they come back? At any time? What are the odds of this?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I have spider veins and varicose veins. Will my insurance ppo bluecross pay for it? I was told by my insurance co they would pay if it is medically necessary, they hurt and are getting worse, I am a nurse.
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR