I have burning pain at my incision site, is this normal?

I have burning pain at my incision site 3 weeks after endovenous laser ablation. It isn't constant, just when it is touched or rubbed. Could this be nerve damage or a hair follicle that is irritated from the incision?

Answers from doctors (10)


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Sep 03, 2013

It is not really normal but will likely go away. I would follow up with your surgeon.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

It is not really normal but will likely go away. I would follow up with your surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Sep 01, 2013

You may still have some numbness in the area, which should completely go away if related to treatment.

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

You may still have some numbness in the area, which should completely go away if related to treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Aug 29, 2013

Healing involves inflammation. See your physician for evaluation.

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

Healing involves inflammation. See your physician for evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Aug 29, 2013

Based on what you are telling me, I suspect that you probably have some mild sensory nerve damage at the site of your incision. My only question is why you have an incision. In all of the years that I have been doing EVLT procedures, I have never made an incision on the leg to access the vein that I was treating. I generally just stick a needle into the vein and once the needle hole has closed up and healed, my patients never know that I was ever there. Based on how your doc accessed your vein, I suspect that your doc probably does not do a lot of EVLT procedures. This is why I would advise you to ask your doc what they were planning on doing to treat your other vein issues like any ropey veins, your reticular veins, spider veins or any other abnormal internal veins not directly visible at skin level. All of these veins are damaged and require treatment in order to successfully treat a person's vein issues. Treating all aspects of your vein structure will enable you to make your legs feel better, function better, look better and ultimately make the treatment more successful and permanent for you.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1116_1499984661.jpg
Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Based on what you are telling me, I suspect that you probably have some mild sensory nerve damage at the site of your incision. My only question is why you have an incision. In all of the years that I have been doing EVLT procedures, I have never made an incision on the leg to access the vein that I was treating. I generally just stick a needle into the vein and once the needle hole has closed up and healed, my patients never know that I was ever there. Based on how your doc accessed your vein, I suspect that your doc probably does not do a lot of EVLT procedures. This is why I would advise you to ask your doc what they were planning on doing to treat your other vein issues like any ropey veins, your reticular veins, spider veins or any other abnormal internal veins not directly visible at skin level. All of these veins are damaged and require treatment in order to successfully treat a person's vein issues. Treating all aspects of your vein structure will enable you to make your legs feel better, function better, look better and ultimately make the treatment more successful and permanent for you.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Aug 27, 2013

No, it is not normal to have burning pain at the incision site three weeks after an ablation. It sounds as if you may have nerve damage. You should be evaluated by a board-certified vascular surgeon.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

No, it is not normal to have burning pain at the incision site three weeks after an ablation. It sounds as if you may have nerve damage. You should be evaluated by a board-certified vascular surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Aug 27, 2013

As long as the incision doesn't appear to be infected, it is probably some minimal nerve irritation. This should resolve but it may take at least a few weeks. 80-90% of the time, things like this resolve.

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

As long as the incision doesn't appear to be infected, it is probably some minimal nerve irritation. This should resolve but it may take at least a few weeks. 80-90% of the time, things like this resolve.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Aug 27, 2013

It could be what some might call "healing pains." Following an ablation, the veins scar, which helps with the closure. During this time, it is not unusual to feel pain, slight burning, or stretching.

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

It could be what some might call "healing pains." Following an ablation, the veins scar, which helps with the closure. During this time, it is not unusual to feel pain, slight burning, or stretching.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Milford Vascular Institute

Published on Aug 27, 2013

You most likely have an irritated nerve. It should resolve but can take weeks to months.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1373_1445876067.jpg
Answered by Milford Vascular Institute

You most likely have an irritated nerve. It should resolve but can take weeks to months.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Aug 26, 2013

Have your treating MD take a look.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/772_1408044077.jpg
Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Have your treating MD take a look.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Aug 26, 2013

This is common after vein ablation. Apply warm compresses and take NSAIDS and this should resolve the problem. Nerve damage and hair follicle irritation, although possible, are unlikely. You should follow up with your treating physician.

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

This is common after vein ablation. Apply warm compresses and take NSAIDS and this should resolve the problem. Nerve damage and hair follicle irritation, although possible, are unlikely. You should follow up with your treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Endovenous Laser Ablation

Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
I had EVLT about 10 days ago , now I have a big knot on my inner thigh and when I touch it, it still hurts , I had a lot of pain the day after the surgery and I couldn't bend my leg. Is this normal?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -8 answers
If I have had large vessels such as the saphenous closed, is there chance of circulatory problems later on?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -9 answers
Can you please detail some of the restrictions after EVLT?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
I am just over 2 weeks post EVLT and still have pain. As long as I take an anti-inflammatory the pain subsides. Visually the inner thigh looks good. How much longer will the pain last?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -8 answers
It has been a week since my EVLT procedure, and I am wondering if I should continue wearing the compression stocking?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -11 answers
I had swelling in my left foot and my doctor confirmed that the valves in two of my veins were not working properly. I had these veins closed with endovenous laser ablation, but four weeks later I still have swelling in my foot that doesn't go away. Is this normal?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -6 answers
I had endovenous laser treatment and sclerotherapy performed on both the greater and lessor saphenous veins of my legs. It was done on the same day. After a couple of weeks I started feeling numbness and tingling in my legs, mostly below the knee and through my feet. Will the feelings ever go away?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -6 answers
Or does the treatment permanently remove them?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Endovenous Laser Ablation -5 answers
I had EVLT done about three months ago..right after the EVLT procedure i started feeling weird sensations in my ankle and now the pain seems to get worse every day? Could this pain be associated with the procedure?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -6 answers
I am about two months into treatment for chronic venous insufficiency? I have had laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy with very little results. Can anything be done to treat lipodermatosclerosis after the veins are treated. I wear compression hose.
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -13 answers
I had my GSV ablation done 13 days ago and still have intense pain in a segment on the inner thigh just above the knee. Is this level of pain normal and, if so, for how long? I have to take Advil for relief, but my stomach is sensitive to NSAIDS.
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -9 answers
I've heard that ELA can result in deep vein thrombosis. Is this true, and how common is this complication? Is there any way to prevent it?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -7 answers
EVLT 5 days ago GSV. No serious pain yet. Compression stocking to come off tomorrow, but bruising seems excessive with dark patches and tenderness to touch. I was told to use heating pad, and now I'm reading not to do that. What should I do?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -5 answers
What are the side effects of drinking alcohol after my evla?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -4 answers
I have sharp stabbing pains in my leg. It's very painful and the Motrin did not help. I was in tears! This went on for a couple of days. The pain is on my right leg and my left leg isn't painful at all. What could this be?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
It's been a year since my surgery and I still have bruising. Does that mean it's permanent?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -12 answers
Does this procedure hurt?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -6 answers
I've heard that endovenous laser treatments actually remove or destroy the saphenous vein in the leg. Is this true, and will I still get enough blood circulation to the legs if this large vessel is removed?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR