What is a phlebectomy?
Ambulatory phlebectomy is an outpatient procedure that removes large varicose veins through a series of tiny incisions. “Ambulatory” just means you walk in and walk out. You may also hear it called microphlebectomy or stab phlebectomy.
Varicose veins form when the small valves inside a vein weaken, so blood pools instead of flowing back to the heart. Those damaged valves can't be repaired, so the diseased vein is removed and blood reroutes to healthier veins nearby.
Removes the bulge for good
Improves circulation
Replaced old vein stripping
What makes phlebectomy different
Why our doctors reach for it over old-fashioned vein stripping.
In-office, local anesthetic
Tiny openings, no sutures
Removes the vein completely
Back to life quickly
How phlebectomy works, step by step
Four quick steps, from numbing the vein to walking out.
Numb and mark the vein
Tiny micro-incisions
Remove the vein in sections
Bandage and you're done
Relief you can feel, not just see
Large varicose veins do more than look uncomfortable. They often ache, throb, and weigh your legs down by the end of the day. Removing the diseased vein commonly eases the symptoms that come with it:
See real results
With 5,000+ vein cases treated at Empire Vein & Vascular, here are real outcomes from patients we’ve treated.
Photos of actual Empire Vein & Vascular patients. Individual results vary.
Phlebectomy questions, answered
The things patients ask us most before getting started.
Sclerotherapy fades smaller spider and surface veins with an injection. Phlebectomy physically removes larger, bulging varicose veins that are too big for injection, through tiny micro-incisions. Many patients have a combination of treatments for the best result.
It's done with local anesthetic, so you stay comfortable. The incisions are so small they don't need stitches and typically leave little to no visible scarring. Expect mild bruising and swelling for a few days.
No. Ambulatory phlebectomy has largely replaced vein stripping. Stripping was an invasive hospital procedure under general anesthesia with a long, often painful recovery. Phlebectomy is an in-office procedure with local anesthetic and a quick return to activity.
You can usually return to most of your everyday activities immediately after treatment. Mild swelling and bruising can linger for a few days, and compression stockings help keep you comfortable and minimize side effects.
Yes. We frequently pair phlebectomy with a vein-closure procedure such as VenaSeal or ClosureFast, which treats the underlying faulty vein. Together they give you the most complete, lasting result.
When varicose veins are causing symptoms and treatment is medically necessary, insurance may cover part or all of the cost. That includes Medicare, IEHP, PPOs, and HMOs. After your free vein screening we verify your benefits and explain any costs up front.
Say goodbye to bulging veins.
Start with a free vein screening: a quick visit, clear answers, and a plan at any of our 6 Southern California offices.