Can venous reflux go away on its own?

I went to doctor last year and Doppler showed reflux in my left AAGSV. I wore compression hose but opted to wait to have EVLT. I went back to the doctor recently (a year later) and he did Doppler again. This time, however, no reflux was found. The only change has been a 20-30 lb weight loss. Is it possible for venous reflux to go away?

Answers from doctors (3)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jun 22, 2016

Many things can affect mild reflux--losing substantial weight, time of day the ultrasound is performed, if you were wearing hose up to the time of the ultrasound, position during testing (should be standing), etc. If you notice any increase in symptoms (varicose veins, pain, aching, cramping etc), you should be reevaluated with a standing ultrasound.

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

Many things can affect mild reflux--losing substantial weight, time of day the ultrasound is performed, if you were wearing hose up to the time of the ultrasound, position during testing (should be standing), etc. If you notice any increase in symptoms (varicose veins, pain, aching, cramping etc), you should be reevaluated with a standing ultrasound.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 22, 2016

Venous reflux can improve after pregnancy because the reflux is due to the pressure of the fetus on the pelvic veins. Being overweight can function in a similar manner, so losing weight may reduce venous reflux. Also, reflux in the AASV as an isolated finding, is usually not treated unless it is the cause of symptoms and varicose veins. Additionally, degrees of reflux are important--for instance, 1 second reflux is not as signifiant as 4 second reflux.

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

Venous reflux can improve after pregnancy because the reflux is due to the pressure of the fetus on the pelvic veins. Being overweight can function in a similar manner, so losing weight may reduce venous reflux. Also, reflux in the AASV as an isolated finding, is usually not treated unless it is the cause of symptoms and varicose veins. Additionally, degrees of reflux are important--for instance, 1 second reflux is not as signifiant as 4 second reflux.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


It is unlikely for venous reflux to resolve on its own. However, it is possible that the reflux was a small amount and weight loss relieved the functional obctruction of venous flow that caused high pressure and reflux in the AAGSV.

Answered by Weill Cornell Vein Treatment Center (View Profile)

It is unlikely for venous reflux to resolve on its own. However, it is possible that the reflux was a small amount and weight loss relieved the functional obctruction of venous flow that caused high pressure and reflux in the AAGSV.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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