I have severe itching and redness after EVLT, is this normal?

I had endovenous laser treatment on both legs in December. My leg is still discolored and numb at the injection sites, but my major problems are redness and extreme itching. The pattern travels up and then down my leg. I am scared to go back to the doctor who treated me. Is what I am experiencing normal? Should I seek the care of another doctor?

Answers from doctors (9)


I have a few questions to clarify- 1) Are you still wearing compression stockings? This may irritate the skin. 2) Have you had the irritation, redness and itching since the procedure and is it following the course of the vein that was treated? If it is since the procedure then it is most likely skin irritation.

It is possible to have skin irritation from the EVLT because it gets to hot, especially if the vein was relatively superficial (close to the skin surface). It is common to have some numbness, pulling, or feeling of bruising along the course of the vein treated which typically resolves in a few months. You can try NSAIDS (ibuprofen or Aleve) or can use a short course of steroids like prednisone to eliminate that inflammation. I would see your Doctor who did the procedure for evaluation.

Regarding returning to your Doctor, it doesn't sound like anything was done wrong. However, in my opinion if you are not comfortable talking to your provider or they are not welcoming to your questions regarding your care then you should find a provider with whom you feel comfortable to ask questions. There are no such thing as silly questions when it comes to your care and you should not have to worry about your symptoms for 2 months. Peace of mind is priceless.

Answered by HeartCare Associates Vein Center (View Profile)

I have a few questions to clarify- 1) Are you still wearing compression stockings? This may irritate the skin. 2) Have you had the irritation, redness and itching since the procedure and is it following the course of the vein that was treated? If it is since the procedure then it is most likely skin irritation.

It is possible to have skin irritation from the EVLT because it gets to hot, especially if the vein was relatively superficial (close to the skin surface). It is common to have some numbness, pulling, or feeling of bruising along the course of the vein treated which typically resolves in a few months. You can try NSAIDS (ibuprofen or Aleve) or can use a short course of steroids like prednisone to eliminate that inflammation. I would see your Doctor who did the procedure for evaluation.

Regarding returning to your Doctor, it doesn't sound like anything was done wrong. However, in my opinion if you are not comfortable talking to your provider or they are not welcoming to your questions regarding your care then you should find a provider with whom you feel comfortable to ask questions. There are no such thing as silly questions when it comes to your care and you should not have to worry about your symptoms for 2 months. Peace of mind is priceless.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Artery and Vein Specialists of Idaho

Published on Mar 03, 2014

It is not uncommon to have discoloration and numbness at the injection site, as the majority of patients will have this problem resolve within 9 months. I recommend that gently rubbing of the area can help stimulate those sensory nerves that may have been injured during the procedure. Redness and extreme itching could be a sign of infection, so it is important to see your doctor about this.

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Answered by Artery and Vein Specialists of Idaho

It is not uncommon to have discoloration and numbness at the injection site, as the majority of patients will have this problem resolve within 9 months. I recommend that gently rubbing of the area can help stimulate those sensory nerves that may have been injured during the procedure. Redness and extreme itching could be a sign of infection, so it is important to see your doctor about this.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Finesse Surgical Solutions

Published on Feb 27, 2014

These signs and symptoms usually resolve within several weeks after EVLT. I would recommend re-evaluation by a qualified and experienced vein treatment specialist.

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Answered by Finesse Surgical Solutions

These signs and symptoms usually resolve within several weeks after EVLT. I would recommend re-evaluation by a qualified and experienced vein treatment specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


It is not typical. I would seek out the opinion of a good, board certified vascular surgeon. Wish I could help more.

Answered by Advanced Vein & Vascular Center Inc. (View Profile)

It is not typical. I would seek out the opinion of a good, board certified vascular surgeon. Wish I could help more.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Feb 27, 2014

You need to follow up with the physician who treated you.



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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

You need to follow up with the physician who treated you.



Published on Jul 11, 2012


Ozark Regional Vein Center

Published on Feb 27, 2014

Yes, you need to be seen by a physician familiar with this procedure.

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Answered by Ozark Regional Vein Center

Yes, you need to be seen by a physician familiar with this procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Feb 26, 2014

I would recommend you see another doctor and follow up on the problems you described. The numbness and discoloration at injection are not that uncommon, but they could sign of a complication that may require additional treatment. Itching too should be checked on.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

I would recommend you see another doctor and follow up on the problems you described. The numbness and discoloration at injection are not that uncommon, but they could sign of a complication that may require additional treatment. Itching too should be checked on.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Feb 26, 2014

It doesn't hurt to get another opinion.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

It doesn't hurt to get another opinion.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Feb 26, 2014

Itching and redness might be normal after EVLT. You clearly are not confident in the doctor who is treating you, since you've expressed that you are scared to go back to him or her. So to answer your last question, yes you should seek a second opinion. Make sure that whoever you consult is accredited/certified.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Itching and redness might be normal after EVLT. You clearly are not confident in the doctor who is treating you, since you've expressed that you are scared to go back to him or her. So to answer your last question, yes you should seek a second opinion. Make sure that whoever you consult is accredited/certified.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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