I am not sure why your procedure was done on the great saphenous vein. I would be interested to find out the findings on your small saphenous vein.

I agree that very often it takes a while to see marked improvement because the vein has to be sealed and closed completely.

Keep following up with your doctor

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It all depends on your underlying condition, whether or not you had associated lymphatic swelling and whether or not you have additional sources of reflux (e.g. involving the small saphenous veins or segmental reflux or perforator reflux).

Published on Jul 11, 2012

This is a great question. How quickly you see results depends upon the pattern of veins in your legs. If the source (great saphenous vein) has been successfully treated, symptoms related to vein reflux or backwards flow should be improved. We find, however, that some patients get only 40-50% reduction in symptoms with a single treatment when additional veins are left behind and that burden is still causing a problem. It is unusual to get complete symptom relief within a few days, yet I expect patients to have symptoms related to treatment early on (e.g. bruising, etc.). I'd give it some time and discuss with your vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It can take a month. If there is no improvement by then, I would be concerned you have a knee problem and the veins were not the issue.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There is a healing process after venous ablation and it could take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. Initially your leg may look worse before it looks better, due to bruising and swelling.

Published on Jul 11, 2012