I had ambulatory phlebectomy 9 days ago. The wraps came off two days ago. I know it is common to have lumps under the incisions.

The lumps are very painful. I can't wear my comp socks because its painful to touch the area and I can barely bend my knee. It is very similar to the "charlie horse" pains I had prior to the surgery. When I first stand from sitting, I have horrible shooting pains and can't bear to put weight on my leg. I elevate it every night and still take pain meds and Nabumetone. I have Fibromyalgia, maybe that contributes. Can I use heating pad? Or light messager, and/or with heat option? Cold feels worse.

Answers from doctors (3)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jan 04, 2017

This is not typical of the healing process if the phlebectomies are done through micropunctures. My patients have dressings on for 2 days and then just hose, no stitches. Tylenol is usually all they need for discomfort. If your procedures is done through larger incisions it will take longer to heal and there can be some nerve involvement. I have my patients actually massage the areas with light pressure and the about 2 weeks later, using pinpoint massage with the finger tips. This helps break up any developing scar tissue and desensitize any little nerves in the area. I strongly recommend you see your surgeon and consider low heat often to the affected areas. Compression hose may be beneficial once you get them on.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

This is not typical of the healing process if the phlebectomies are done through micropunctures. My patients have dressings on for 2 days and then just hose, no stitches. Tylenol is usually all they need for discomfort. If your procedures is done through larger incisions it will take longer to heal and there can be some nerve involvement. I have my patients actually massage the areas with light pressure and the about 2 weeks later, using pinpoint massage with the finger tips. This helps break up any developing scar tissue and desensitize any little nerves in the area. I strongly recommend you see your surgeon and consider low heat often to the affected areas. Compression hose may be beneficial once you get them on.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Ross T. Lyon, MD, FACS

Published on Jan 04, 2017

It is possible you have some trapped blood in the area that can be aspirated, releasing the blood and relieving the pain immediately. You should have a follow-up ultrasound exam in the week following your procedure. If this hasn't been performed, you should contact your MD and make an appointment. Lastly, it is important to wear the compression hose to maintain consistent pressure in the leg that was treated.

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Answered by Ross T. Lyon, MD, FACS

It is possible you have some trapped blood in the area that can be aspirated, releasing the blood and relieving the pain immediately. You should have a follow-up ultrasound exam in the week following your procedure. If this hasn't been performed, you should contact your MD and make an appointment. Lastly, it is important to wear the compression hose to maintain consistent pressure in the leg that was treated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jan 04, 2017

What you are experiencing is normal following microphebectomies. The hardness is due to trapped blood under the skin, and this will improve with time. Wet heat to the areas and ibuprofen will help. Fibromyalgia makes you more sensitive to pain.

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

What you are experiencing is normal following microphebectomies. The hardness is due to trapped blood under the skin, and this will improve with time. Wet heat to the areas and ibuprofen will help. Fibromyalgia makes you more sensitive to pain.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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