Phlebectomy Procedure for Varicose Veins
Large, protruding varicose veins can create significant embarrassment and uncomfortable symptoms. If you are tired of trying to cover up those bulging vessels or bowing out of activities due to painful legs, the board-certified vascular physicians at Empire Vein & Vascular Specialists can help.
Our expert team offers ambulatory phlebectomy for treating veins that are too large for sclerotherapy. This minimally invasive office procedure can significantly improve the appearance of varicose veins and the associated symptoms without an extended recovery period. In many cases, we will combine phlebectomy with other treatments like VenaSeal™ to enhance patient results.
What Is a Phlebectomy?
The phlebectomy procedure, also known as stab phlebectomy or microphlebectomy, is an outpatient procedure that requires almost no downtime afterward. Your physician will remove large veins from the legs in small sections, using tiny incisions too small to require suturing.
Phlebectomy can relieve symptoms that often accompany visible vessels:
- Aching or cramping
- Heaviness
- Swelling
- Fatigue
- Restless legs
- Skin changes
- Open wounds or sores
- Visible varicose or spider veins on the legs
Once the vein is gone, bandaids are placed over the slits, and the procedure is over. Patients typically return to most activities immediately following treatment. You can anticipate mild swelling and bruising for a few days afterward, but compression stockings minimize side effects and keep you more comfortable.
How Does Phlebectomy Work on Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins form when small valves inside the vessels weaken or become damaged. This commonly occurs in the lower legs, where veins have to work against gravity and the body’s weight to move blood back up to the heart. When the valves stop functioning properly, blood pools inside the vessel and creates varicosity.
The damaged valves cannot be repaired. Instead, the diseased vein must be removed so blood can reroute naturally to healthier veins nearby. Phlebectomy removes the affected vessels, improving blood flow in the area.
Benefits of Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy has replaced traditional vein stripping for many patients. Vein stripping was an invasive procedure that was performed in a hospital under general anesthesia. Recovery from vein stripping was an extended process that many patients found quite painful.
The benefits of the phlebectomy procedure over vein stripping include:
- Office procedure performed with a local anesthetic
- Tiny incisions don’t require sutures or leave noticeable scarring
- The vein is completely removed from the leg for quick results
- Reduction in both the appearance of veins and symptoms
- Ability to return to most activities immediately after the procedure
How Much Does a Phlebectomy Procedure Cost?
Phlebectomy cost is based on a variety of factors. Our providers will create a customized treatment plan for you. If your vein treatment is considered medically necessary, your insurance may cover a portion or all of the cost of your procedures.
Treat Varicose Veins Without Anesthesia or Downtime
Varicose veins don’t have to affect your self-confidence or ability to participate in activities you love. The experts at Empire Vein & Vascular Specialists offer free ultrasound screenings to diagnose the underlying cause of your visible veins. We also accept most insurance, including Medicare, IEHP, PPOs, and HMOs, if you qualify for coverage.
Don’t wait another day to say goodbye to your unsightly, uncomfortable varicose veins. Contact Empire Vein & Vascular Specialists today to learn about your treatment options or schedule your initial consultation online.