I had microphlebectomy performed on both of my legs and new varicose veins are popping up. Is that normal?

My doctor told me that having varicose veins is a progressive vein disease so it is normal to see new ones popping up. A new vein has popped out right where there was an incision.

Answers from doctors (10)


More About Doctor David Green, MD

Published on Jun 20, 2022

You should consider Sclerotherapy as an alternative to (Micro)Phebectomy. When veins are treated by Sclerotherapy, the entire length of the vein is targeted along with tributaries - they should all respond and disappear. (Micro)Phlebectomy involves surgically removing only segments of the varicose veins - those segments of veins are left behind may appear on the skin, and progress.

Answered by David Green, MD (View Profile)

You should consider Sclerotherapy as an alternative to (Micro)Phebectomy. When veins are treated by Sclerotherapy, the entire length of the vein is targeted along with tributaries - they should all respond and disappear. (Micro)Phlebectomy involves surgically removing only segments of the varicose veins - those segments of veins are left behind may appear on the skin, and progress.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Dec 03, 2015

There is no timeline to your question. Yes, it's progressive, but this is generally over years.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

There is no timeline to your question. Yes, it's progressive, but this is generally over years.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Published on Dec 03, 2015

Varicose veins may present in clusters. Varicosities may recur or persist over time.

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Answered by Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Varicose veins may present in clusters. Varicosities may recur or persist over time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Boris Bergus, M.D.

Published on Dec 03, 2015

This can be progression, recurrence or incomplete treatment. A detailed Duplex ultrasound) of your leg veins should be performed by a certified vascular testing center.

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Answered by Boris Bergus, M.D.

This can be progression, recurrence or incomplete treatment. A detailed Duplex ultrasound) of your leg veins should be performed by a certified vascular testing center.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Dec 03, 2015

May have been missed at the original operation.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

May have been missed at the original operation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


West Coast Medicine and Cardiology

Published on Dec 03, 2015

May be a local tributary or a perforator vein with high pressures

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Answered by West Coast Medicine and Cardiology

May be a local tributary or a perforator vein with high pressures

Published on Jul 11, 2012


It is possible to have new veins to show up on skin after phlebectomy. However, typically, it does not happen immediately after the procedure. If new varicose veins start showing after phlebectomy, it is best to do another ultrasound to see if a source of these new varicosities can be identified before doing another procedure. After carefully mapping the venous system and treating the right veins, chances of recurrence can be reduced substantially.

Answered by Premier Vein and Vascular Center (View Profile)

It is possible to have new veins to show up on skin after phlebectomy. However, typically, it does not happen immediately after the procedure. If new varicose veins start showing after phlebectomy, it is best to do another ultrasound to see if a source of these new varicosities can be identified before doing another procedure. After carefully mapping the venous system and treating the right veins, chances of recurrence can be reduced substantially.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Dec 03, 2015

If microphlebectomy is the only procedure that was performed, then your treatment was incomplete. Vein disease is an inherited disorder of your vein structure. Therefore, the likelihood that the removal of a couple of feet of vein structure addresses your vein issues is very low. The reason you see new veins popping up so quickly is because they never addressed the bulk of you vein issues. It is true that vein disease is progressive. This means that the more you have the faster you develop it. So taking out a couple of feet of vein structure our of yards of abnormal vein structure, really did nothing. You really need to have your entire leg addressed from inside out. This will make your legs feel better and look better, while at the same time slowing down the progression of your vein issues. One treatment does not cut it. Find a vein doc who treats the entire leg and not just a couple of visible ropey veins.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

If microphlebectomy is the only procedure that was performed, then your treatment was incomplete. Vein disease is an inherited disorder of your vein structure. Therefore, the likelihood that the removal of a couple of feet of vein structure addresses your vein issues is very low. The reason you see new veins popping up so quickly is because they never addressed the bulk of you vein issues. It is true that vein disease is progressive. This means that the more you have the faster you develop it. So taking out a couple of feet of vein structure our of yards of abnormal vein structure, really did nothing. You really need to have your entire leg addressed from inside out. This will make your legs feel better and look better, while at the same time slowing down the progression of your vein issues. One treatment does not cut it. Find a vein doc who treats the entire leg and not just a couple of visible ropey veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists of Arizona

Published on Dec 03, 2015

You need a complete ultrasound of both legs laying down and standing by a qualified ultrasonographer looking to see where does your problem start and how severe is it. That will dictate how to treat it.

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Answered by Vein Specialists of Arizona

You need a complete ultrasound of both legs laying down and standing by a qualified ultrasonographer looking to see where does your problem start and how severe is it. That will dictate how to treat it.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Dec 03, 2015

If you have varicose veins, then you should have had a venous ultrasound with reflux evaluation before the microphlebectomies since varicose veins are usually do to malfunctioning valves of the saphenous system of veins. If the valves were abnormal then they should have been treated before the microphlebectomies. If you had a normal ultrasound then I find it hard to believe that new varicose veins have formed in the same location. See a vein specialist.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

If you have varicose veins, then you should have had a venous ultrasound with reflux evaluation before the microphlebectomies since varicose veins are usually do to malfunctioning valves of the saphenous system of veins. If the valves were abnormal then they should have been treated before the microphlebectomies. If you had a normal ultrasound then I find it hard to believe that new varicose veins have formed in the same location. See a vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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