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Complications of Laser Surgery of Leg Veins

Unsightly blue or dark purple leg veins are called varicose veins. These veins may have a raised and lumpy appearance and can be painful for some people, causing a throbbing sensation in the affected area or leg aches and pains. Serious complications resulting from laser surgery are rare and often caused by poorly performed surgery.

  1. Function

    • Doctors use laser surgery or laser ablation to eliminate the appearance of varicose veins by damaging the unsightly vein, causing the vein walls to collapse and seal shut. This is done by inserting a laser fiber directly into the vein through a small incision and transmitting energy through the fiber while it is slowly removed from the vein. The treatment usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes, although additional treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

    Side Effects

    • During laser surgery, patients may experience pain similar to the sensation of having rubber bands snapped repeatedly against their skin. Normal side effects of laser surgery include redness, swelling and discolored skin. The redness and swelling associated with laser surgery should subside within the first few days, while skin discoloration can last up to two months according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

    Complications

    • Complications of laser surgery include issues present with most surgeries, such as allergic reactions or breathing problems caused by anesthetic and the risk of infection or bleeding at the site of the incision. Laser surgery also includes the risk of blood clots, inflammation of the vein and nerve damage, although these complications are rare according to the Radiological Society of North America.

    Considerations

    • A compression stocking is usually recommended after laser surgery to remove leg veins in order to reduce the risk of bruising and blood clots. Skin is more sensitive to the sun after laser surgery, and sun exposure should be avoided for two weeks after the surgery in order to prevent dark spots, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

    Warning

    • In rare cases, laser surgery can cause burns and permanent scarring. Lasers can damage the surrounding tissue rather than the varicose vein when used improperly, which is why laser surgery should only be performed by a skilled doctor.

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