I now have 10 times the amount of blue veins down my outer legs after VNUS. Is this common and what is happening?

I had vnus closure on both legs in July/August 2011. I recently increased my exercise to get my legs in shape. I now have dark blue veins appearing, getting worse by the minute down my entire outer thighs, back of legs, and back of knees and calves. Why is this?

Answers from doctors (8)


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Occasionally, there can be a worsening of visible veins after an ablation. Exercise could also make them more visible. They can easily be treated with sclerotherapy. It is important to remember that venous disease is not "cured," it is managed.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/464_1408044069.jpg
Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Occasionally, there can be a worsening of visible veins after an ablation. Exercise could also make them more visible. They can easily be treated with sclerotherapy. It is important to remember that venous disease is not "cured," it is managed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Published on Jul 03, 2012

You need to be examined in order to answer your question. However, it is VERY unlikely that what you describe has anything to do with the VNUS Closure Fast Procedure. It is much more likely that you are seeing changes from the chronic, progressive condition called venous insufficiency with progressive failure of valve in veins and progressive development of varicose veins in other parts of your legs. A good clinical exam and venous color duplex ultrasound are important to sort out what is happening and what can be done about your problem. Often, foam sclerotherapy treatment of veins in the region you describe is the best approach.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/755_1499906765.jpg
Answered by VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

You need to be examined in order to answer your question. However, it is VERY unlikely that what you describe has anything to do with the VNUS Closure Fast Procedure. It is much more likely that you are seeing changes from the chronic, progressive condition called venous insufficiency with progressive failure of valve in veins and progressive development of varicose veins in other parts of your legs. A good clinical exam and venous color duplex ultrasound are important to sort out what is happening and what can be done about your problem. Often, foam sclerotherapy treatment of veins in the region you describe is the best approach.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

Published on Jul 03, 2012

It may be something called neovascularization - new veins growing. They can be treated if you want by injections/sclerotherapy.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1131_1499985707.jpg
Answered by South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

It may be something called neovascularization - new veins growing. They can be treated if you want by injections/sclerotherapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Nu Vela Vein Center

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Probably due to unrecognized lesser saphenous or perforator vein reflux.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/992_1499978603.jpg
Answered by Nu Vela Vein Center

Probably due to unrecognized lesser saphenous or perforator vein reflux.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Possibly a deeper branch has opened or reopened. This is not the usual course. See your doctor.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/922_1408044082.jpg
Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Possibly a deeper branch has opened or reopened. This is not the usual course. See your doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Without knowing what veins were treated in July/August 2011, it is hard to say what is going on. However, I can say that you can develop new veins that can become dilated if you have the tendency to have venous reflux. You need further evaluation.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1172_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Without knowing what veins were treated in July/August 2011, it is hard to say what is going on. However, I can say that you can develop new veins that can become dilated if you have the tendency to have venous reflux. You need further evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Austin Vein Specialists

Published on Jul 03, 2012

I do not have an anwer for you, as this is extremely unusual. You would need to get evaluated with an ultrasound and physical exam to see why this is occurring.

Answered by Austin Vein Specialists (View Profile)

I do not have an anwer for you, as this is extremely unusual. You would need to get evaluated with an ultrasound and physical exam to see why this is occurring.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 01, 2012

This should not be occurring. You should have a venous ultrasound to see if the treated veins are closed and to see if there are any other signs of reflux. There has to be a reason to explain new vein formation and I suspect a source of reflux somewhere.

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

This should not be occurring. You should have a venous ultrasound to see if the treated veins are closed and to see if there are any other signs of reflux. There has to be a reason to explain new vein formation and I suspect a source of reflux somewhere.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for VNUS

VNUS -7 answers
I am 34 years old and want to proceed with VNUS and phlebectomy as a treatment for saphenous vein reflux. I have unsightly red, blue, and brown spots and enlarged veins on my feet. Are there any long-term effects of saphenous vein removal to consider?
See More
VNUS -8 answers
I am 34 years old and have severe spider veins. My legs ache sometimes, but there is no sign of swelling. My left GS has .66 sec reflux. The right was WNL. I am a runner and of normal weight. A vascular surgeon has suggested the VNUS closure procedure. I am nervous. What are the risks vs benefits?
See More
VNUS -12 answers
I am a skinny 25 year old who has never been pregnant. I live an active lifestyle and maintain a healthy diet. I work out for an hour a day, plus I take my dog on 3-4 walks a day. I don't keep my legs crossed and I wear compression socks. Why do I have varicose veins?
See More
VNUS -10 answers
I had VNUS radio-frequency ablation (from knee to my groin) 2 weeks ago with a review scheduled in 4 weeks. The unsightly vein in my calf is now reduced, but is still about 30 percent the size it was previously. Will it reduce completely and finally disappear? How long would this take?
See More
VNUS -9 answers
I had the VNUS closure 9 days ago, and until now the part around and below the area where I had the incision is still numb. Every once in a while I experience some sharp, tolerable pain near my ankle. Are these side effects normal?
See More
VNUS -8 answers
Does the procedure have down time?
See More
VNUS -7 answers
I've heard that squatting puts added pressure on your leg veins, which is not good for people prone to varicose veins. I've also heard that squatting is a good exercise for people with vein issues. Which is true? Is it safe to squat 7 weeks after the VNUS closure procedure?
See More
VNUS -9 answers
I need to have the VNUS procedure done, and the doctor I was referred to said they have a nurse practitioner who does this VNUS procedure. Is that safe? Is that legal? I thought only physicians (MDs) were authorized to perform the VNUS procedure.
See More
VNUS -8 answers
I had the VNUS closure procedure done almost five weeks ago and still have swollen, tender and cord-like veins on the inside of my leg. When will they disappear? Also, can sleeping on my side with the veins pressing against the mattress delay the healing?
See More
VNUS -5 answers
How is it different from EVLT and ELVeS?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
VNUS -8 answers
It has been suggested by a vascular surgeon that I have CVI or venous reflux. She performed sclerotherapy yesterday on my ankle after a spider vein burst. She suggested that I may be a candidate for VNUS, but my weight is a concern (I am 375 at 5'8").
See More
VNUS -2 answers
Ijust had VNUS closure surgery 4 days ago and the pain is minimal. But, I did notice today it feels like there is a throbbing or heartbeat, almost like a twitching or pumping in my upper leg. It doesn't hurt. Is this normal? What's causing the pulsing/throbbing? Also, am I able to tan (tanning bed or stand up) if I wear my support hose so my leg is not directly exposed to the light, and if I don't use tanning lotion on the leg?? When will the fat, worm-like veins go down or look better?
See More
VNUS -5 answers
I just had the VNUS closure procedure this AM. Is it normal to feel nauseated and just a little light headed since the procedure?
See More
VNUS -4 answers
I had the procedure done a little over three weeks ago and am still having pain/heaviness. It was started at the ankle and up to my groin. Does that mean the vein has not fully closed?
See More
VNUS -5 answers
I had VNUS surgery 3 years ago on my left leg. I have a dull ache in my leg that I never had before surgery. I especially notice it at night in bed. It often bothers me enough to wake me up. I never had the ache before surgery. What causes this?
See More
VNUS -3 answers
I had VNUS done a year ago. It doesn't seem like there is any difference in the appearance of my veins. They still bulge when I stand. My doctor says this is caused by new veins which developed after the surgery. Do I need to have it done again?
See More
VNUS -4 answers
I had the closure procedure done October 2010. I am suffering with the left leg. I have tingling/numbness by the inner ankle, and sharp pains when I run. My Surgeon said this was normal. Can I expect this pain to go away? I am only 24.
See More
VNUS -4 answers
I have swam & used hot saunas almost every day for 30 years, so much so that my body has gotten used to it. I also exercise. How long before I can safely return to my routine? Also, how long after the procedure is it safe to travel by airplane? I am a 59 yo F who is 5'5.
See More
VNUS -5 answers
If I drink alcohol on a nightly basis post-procedure, will it affect the outcome and success of the VNUS closure procedure?
See More
VNUS -4 answers
I waited three weeks before exercising, although I did walk following the VNUS procedure. The day after I exercised, I started experiencing mild pain, numbness and tingling in my lower leg and foot. It is worse after sitting and feels better after walking. Is this normal? What should I do?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR