Phlebectomy
What is Phlebectomy?
Microphlebectomy (MP) helps to improve your legs’ aesthetics by removing bulging varicose veins. Our Houston varicose vein providers often use this procedure in conjunction with radiofrequency ablation treatment, allowing patients to enjoy better health and cosmetic outcomes. During a microphlebectomy treatment, our providers create several very small punctures along the length of a problematic vein, then uses a specialized tool to remove the vessel. MP is a safe and effective choice for patients interested in improving their aesthetics without invasive surgery.
Ideal Candidates for Ambulatory Phlebectomy
The best candidates for this procedure have large varicose veins in their legs. In order to be treated, these veins must be both large and visible to the eye. Patients for this procedure will ideally be in good health, be of a healthy weight, and are non-smokers. You might not be a good candidate for ambulatory phlebectomy if you have a blood clotting disorder.
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What to Expect and How to Prepare
This procedure is minimally invasive, which means it does not require large surgical incisions or general anesthesia. Instead, you will be awake and seated comfortably for the entirety of the treatment. MP’s minimally invasive nature also allows it to be carried out entirely in our Houston varicose vein removal expert’s offices. A local anesthetic will be applied along the vein’s length in order to ensure your comfort. Tiny incisions (less than ¼ inch in length) are then created through which the problematic vein is removed. The procedure takes anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes.
During your pre-op consultations, your provider will provide you with instructions on how to prepare for this procedure. You may be asked to make changes to your regular medication schedule or rituals. On the day of your treatment, you will be asked to wear loose-fitting clothing.
After the Procedure
The incisions used for this procedure are so small, there is usually no need for stitches. Instead, a small piece of adhesive bandage is used to close the incision, and a compression wrap is applied to aid healing. Most of our patients are encouraged to wear prescription-strength compression stockings for two weeks after their treatment. Most patients are able to return to their daily activities immediately after their procedure. The incisions used in microphlebectomy are so small that they do not create any perceptible scarring. It is recommended that patients continue moving and walking as much as possible to allow for proper blood flow. There should be no scarring after the procedure, but it is not unusual to feel hard tender knots on the skin surface (with some redness) since it is a sign of the vein closing.
Are There Any Risks To Ambulatory Phlebectomy?
Ambulatory phlebectomy with our providers is a safe, effective procedure. There are some potential risks, but they are rare:
- A nerve injury to the skin, though these usually resolve with time
- Severe bleeding or swelling
- Numbness or pain in the feet
- Infection
- Thrombophlebitis (inflammation causing a blood clot)
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