Microphlebectomy

Microphlebectomy is a less invasive surgical treatment that’s used to remove larger varicose veins. It is an outpatient procedure, which means it can be performed in a doctor’s office using only local anesthesia and you can return home the same day of treatment.

With a microphlebectomy procedure, the affected veins are eliminated through very small incisions; this can be done at the same time as endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) for better results. No sutures are required and any scars fade away almost completely within a matter of months. The procedure takes about 45–60 minutes, and you can walk out of the clinic immediately after and resume your daily routine.

What Is Microphlebectomy?

Microphlebectomy is a minimally-invasive treatment for removing segments of large varicose veins near the skin surface. Before microphlebectomy became the norm, ambulatory phlebectomy was used to remove these bulging veins. A phlebectomy procedure is done by making incisions ½ inch or larger in the skin. The newer and more advanced microphlebectomy procedure only needs tiny incisions that are about 1/8th inch in size.

This is why microphlebectomy is considered one of the best treatment options and such a feat of modern medicine. It can remove bulging, unhealthy veins with little to no downtime and quicker recovery with minimal risk of complications like blood clots. While microphlebectomy can be used to treat small, isolated varicose veins, it’s more often prescribed for the treatment of large, ropy veins that are more than 1/4 inch in diameter.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Microphlebectomy?

When the varicose vein is relatively small in size, vein doctors usually suggest sclerotherapy to treat it. If the vein is too large for sclerotherapy treatment, then microphlebectomy is recommended. Highly qualified and experienced vascular surgeons at Mark Medical Care may suggest microphlebectomy if your surface veins are:

  • Swollen
  • Bulging
  • Enlarged
  • Twisted Itchy and/or painful
  • Appearing on the thighs, legs, or back of the calves
  • Blue, red, or flesh-t3oned in color

Foam sclerotherapy is one of the treatment options for large varicose veins, but sometimes it may cause dark pigmentation or a cord under the skin for several months following the treatment. If a stellar cosmetic outcome is one of your goals, sclerotherapy might not be the best option for certain bulgy varicose veins.

Microphlebectomy, on the other hand, is known to leave minimal scarring, meaning relatively superior aesthetic results. After undergoing this minimally invasive procedure, you’ll likely have barely noticeable small white scars at the impacted treatment area for up to 6 months.

What Does the Microphlebectomy Procedure Involve?

Microphlebectomy is a small surgical procedure – it’s actually not even considered surgery. The patient is put under a local anesthetic and their doctor goes on to perform the treatment right in the clinic. It is recommended for patients to wear compression stockings after the procedure to minimize any discomfort. You can go home immediately after and carry on with your normal activities, except for heavy lifting and strenuous exercise.

Depending on your case, you may also be prescribed pain medication about 40–60 minutes before the procedure begins. You’ll be asked to stand so the location of the painful varicose veins can be marked on the skin. Then the skin is cleaned with an antiseptic and local anesthesia is administered in the tissues around the veins.

The vein specialist surgeon makes 1/8 inch incisions in the skin adjacent to the varicose veins using a scalpel blade. A really small hook (made from stainless steel) is then inserted through the incision and the problematic vein is pulled through it. Even the larger veins – over 3/4 inch or more in diameter – can be easily pulled out this way. Patient loses no more than a tablespoonful of blood in the process.

Finally, a surgical dressing is applied over the cuts followed by a compression bandage. The patient can remove this dressing two days after the procedure. The whole process lasts no more than an hour, and the patient spends about 2 hours in total in the doctor’s office. If you have undergone this procedure, you are allowed to get back to normal activities right away and strenuous activities like running and heavy weight lifting after a week or two.

Why Choose Mark Medical Care Vein Specialists?

Mark Medical Care has four state-of-the-art clinics located across New York – in Deer Park, Freeport, Ridgewood, and Woodside. Our team of board-certified doctors and other skilled staff members ensures the best clinical experience and highest quality of care possible for our patients.

During your appointment, you will receive specific instructions regarding how to prepare for your microphlebectomy procedure, including any changes you may need to make to your existing medication regimen. You’ll be asked to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for the examination. Most patients are required to change into a gown for the procedure.

As We Explained Above, The Benefits Of Microphlebectomy Treatment For Varicose Veins Are:

  • It is one of the most advanced and effective minimally invasive procedures for venous disease.
  • It takes little to no downtime, so you can get back to work or school immediately after the procedure.
  • It is performed in a comfortable, outpatient setting.
  • It promises long-term results with barely any scarring.
  • It has a shorter recovery period.

See If You Are A Good Cadidate For This Procedure

To determine if you are a candidate for microphlebectomy, visit a Mark Medical Care center near you. Dr. Ron Mark is an expert vein specialist who exclusively focuses on diagnosing and treating varicose veins. With the help of advanced treatment solutions, Dr. Mark and his team offer results-driven care for a wide range of venous issues.

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