Vein surgery is typically surgery that is performed on varicose veins, which are enlarged veins appearing crooked, knotted or bulging. These veins can be the color of flesh, or they can appear blue or purple. Because varicose veins are enlarged, they can rise above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins can occur anywhere in the body, but they typically occur in the legs and feet because of the increased pressure due to standing upright. The side effects of vein surgery depend on the type of surgery.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
In an ambulatory phlebectomy, small cuts are made at the location of the vein, and the vein is pulled out. Large varicose veins can be removed with this procedure. The possible side effects of this procedure are a slight numbness at the location of the surgery and slight bruising.
Surgical Ligation and Stripping
Problem veins are completely removed with surgical ligation and stripping, which includes tying off the veins before removal. This procedure can be performed with either a local anesthesia or a general anesthesia. If a general anesthesia is used, there is the risk of breathing and heart problems. Bleeding and blood congestion are potential side effects of this procedure. At the site of the vein removal, there could be inflammation, swelling, redness and infection. Another possible side effect is a deep vein blood clot. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health, there could be permanent scarring and nerve tissue damage around the vein that was treated.
Laser Surgery
Laser surgery uses bursts of laser light onto the vein, which makes it fade and disappear. With this type of surgery, there can be redness on the treated area as well as swelling of the skin. This usually disappears within a few days of treatment. Another side effect is discoloration of the skin. This discoloration typically disappears in one to two months. If the laser surgery is poorly performed, there can be scarring and burns as side effects.
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