Is it normal to have small, painful, vein like lumps in my calf 1 month after the VNUS procedure?
The small painful lump is located where my old visible varicose veins were from before the procedure. The lump is painful to touch but mildly sore when up on my feet when I walk toward the end of the day.
Answers from doctors (8)
Bulging veins become tender, discolored, and lumpy after thermal ablation which includes sclerotherapy. The larger and more tender these lumps are, the more benefit you will receive from evacuation of the "trapped blood" inside these successfully closed, hardened veins. We always tell our patients to expect this temporary healing phase which slowly resolves over several months' time.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Larger varicose veins over 5 mm usually require surgical stab phlebectomy.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is probably a varicose branch off the vein that was treated and had now spontaneously thrombosed or closed off. This is fine and will disappear over many months.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
This could be "trapped blood" that you are detecting. A common side effect of vein treatment, especially sclerotherapy. The problem is quickly and easily corrected by removing the trapped blood through a small perforation in the skin. Most patients say that it is painless.
There is no charge for this procedure in our office. A patient can call and usually have this done within a couple of hours of calling.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes the lump is probably a closed varicose vein. As a result of the VNUS procedure or any saphenous ablation many of the varicose veins that drain into the saphenous vein close. When they close they harden and become tender for a few months. Over the following months the closed veins are absorbed into your body.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Sounds like you have a thrombosed varicosity where you feel the lump in your calf. In simple words you have a piece of varicose vein which has trapped blood inside. If it is painful, you can go back to your vein specialist, who may do a phlebectomy which is removal of the varicose vein through a small incision or do an ultrasound guided aspiration if the vein is not suitable for removal.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is probably the result of thrombophlebitis in a tributary following the ablation
Published on Jul 11, 2012
What you describe is very common and is due to blood trapped in the treated veins either from the laser, sclerotherapy or microphlebecomies. These may take months to resolve. Ibuprofen, wet heat and time will improve them. If they hurt you then follow up with your physician so that he can evacuate them with a small needle under local anesthesia.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
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