Do I need antibiotics for swelling and tenderness after a recent vein procedure?

I had varicose vein procedures in both legs recently. The left leg developed swelling and tenderness nine days after. I called my doctor's office on Saturday and they said to go to the ER. The ER doctor said it was a skin and underlying tissue infection and prescribed antibiotics. They said to see my regular vein physician as soon as possible. My vein physician said this was a normal reaction and told me to stop the antibiotics and that the swelling would go away in about three months.

Answers from doctors (2)


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jan 07, 2020

It is very common to have redness along the line of the treated saphenous vein as well as leg swelling following a closure procedure. This is the result of an inflammatory reaction to the closure procedure. Usually, ibuprofen and wet heat to the tender areas will improve them. In addition, this reaction tends to occur 5 to 10 days after the procedure. Follow up with your treating physician to see if antibiotics are indicated. Usually, they are not.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

It is very common to have redness along the line of the treated saphenous vein as well as leg swelling following a closure procedure. This is the result of an inflammatory reaction to the closure procedure. Usually, ibuprofen and wet heat to the tender areas will improve them. In addition, this reaction tends to occur 5 to 10 days after the procedure. Follow up with your treating physician to see if antibiotics are indicated. Usually, they are not.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VEININNOVATIONS

Published on Jun 30, 2017

It is not unusual to develop a superficial phlebitis a few weeks after vein treatment. This is an inflammatory reaction to closing the vein. To a physician not experienced in vein closure procedures, this is often misdiagnosed as an infection. Typically it is treated with warm compresses several times a day and anti-inflammatory medication. Wearing the compression stockings may help as well. I would stress that if your treating physician has not seen and examined your leg yet, then I would remain on the antibiotics until you can be evaluated. If it is indeed phlebitis, then your physician can safely stop the antibiotics.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8254_1483030451.jpg
Answered by VEININNOVATIONS

It is not unusual to develop a superficial phlebitis a few weeks after vein treatment. This is an inflammatory reaction to closing the vein. To a physician not experienced in vein closure procedures, this is often misdiagnosed as an infection. Typically it is treated with warm compresses several times a day and anti-inflammatory medication. Wearing the compression stockings may help as well. I would stress that if your treating physician has not seen and examined your leg yet, then I would remain on the antibiotics until you can be evaluated. If it is indeed phlebitis, then your physician can safely stop the antibiotics.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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