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?
It is not really normal but will likely go away. I would follow up with your surgeon.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You may still have some numbness in the area, which should completely go away if related to treatment.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Healing involves inflammation. See your physician for evaluation.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
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
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
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
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
You most likely have an irritated nerve. It should resolve but can take weeks to months.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Have your treating MD take a look.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
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