Varicose veins: had laser ablation but there is pain and some swelling after 5 weeks. ultrasound is negative. is it because i am a slow healer?

Not unusual.: Most people heal within 2 to 6 weeks following laser vein closure. The area of most discomfort tends to be in the upper medial thigh over the course of the greater saphenous vein. The reason for the continued discomfort is that the treated vein is in the process of dissolving. Before it dissolves, it first constricts and get hard then soft. Wet heat and ibuprofen would help.

Laser Vein Ablation: Since laser vein ablation actually closes a defective vein beneath the surface, it can lead to a fair amount of soreness, inflammation, & tenderness that can take several weeks to even a few months to completely resolve as teh body heals. It may be normal. The other possibility is superficial thrombophlebitis of some of the varicose branches that grew from the treated vein. Use stockings longer.