Mini-Phlebectomy
Some people get treatment for varicose veins for cosmetic reasons. However, having varicose veins can cause concern or severe discomfort for many people. Minimally invasive treatments, such as a mini-phlebectomy, may help prevent complications and eliminate or reduce the appearance of leg veins.
What Is a Mini-Phlebectomy?
Varicose veins, also known as varicosities, are swollen and twisted veins lying just beneath the skin. Typically, they occur in the legs. In healthy veins, tiny one-way valves inside the veins direct blood flow toward the heart. Varicose veins develop when these valves weaken, causing some blood to flow backward and accumulate within the vein. The accumulation of extra blood puts pressure on the vein walls, leading to their weakening and bulging over time. These veins become more common with age and during pregnancy. Standing for extended periods most days of the week increases a person's risk for varicose veins.
Varicose veins do not always need treatment, but if they cause pain, discomfort and disability, treatment may be necessary to ease symptoms and treat complications, such as open sores, swelling or skin discoloration. A vascular provider, a doctor specializing in veins, can help you find the form of treatment suitable for your condition.
Treatment options vary depending on how serious the symptoms are. Your doctor may initially recommend compression therapy, pain medicine and healthy lifestyle changes to relieve symptoms and prevent varicose veins from worsening. If symptoms persist or complications develop, further treatment will depend on a person's overall health and the damaged veins' size, position and severity. Most procedures for varicose veins are minimally invasive and do not require a long recovery.
A mini-phlebectomy, also called micro, stab avulsion or ambulatory phlebectomy, is a procedure that can remove varicose veins and ease any symptoms they cause. Phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making tiny needle punctures (also called "stab incisions") in the skin near the varicose vein. A small hook, which looks like a tiny crochet hook with a blunt tip and a straight shaft, is inserted into the puncture, which allows doctors to remove the damaged vein piece by piece. The length of a mini-phlebectomy procedure depends on the number of veins that need to be removed and the additional procedures done simultaneously.
Veins are very collapsible. Doctors can remove even large veins through tiny punctures. This ambulatory procedure is usually performed within the doctor's office using a local anesthetic. It requires little to no special preparation. To enhance treatment effects, ambulatory phlebectomy may be combined with other therapies in treating venous diseases, such as endovenous ablation, sclerotherapy or ligation.
What To Expect After Phlebectomy?
Mini-phlebectomy, a generally safe and low-risk procedure, involves minimal downtime during recovery. As with any surgical procedure, there are potential complications, often related to the following factors:
- Inflammation from vein remnants
- Skin numbness in the area
- Bruising and swelling
- Mild skin infection (cellulitis)
Patients with diabetes or a high body mass index are at an increased risk of developing these complications after surgery. Additionally, there is a slight possibility that new varicose veins may appear in the same or other locations.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From a Phlebectomy?
Pain following a mini-phlebectomy is typically minimal. Temporary bruising and swelling are normal. After the procedure, most patients may be able to return to work within a day or two. Wearing compression stockings for at least 10 days following surgery is recommended to encourage and improve blood flow.
Schedule a Consultation
Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic issue; they can cause uncomfortable symptoms that impact your daily life. If you're considering mini-phlebectomy or other treatment options, schedule a consultation with one of our experienced vascular surgeons. They will assess your condition, discuss your options, and help you make an informed decision about your care.
Find a Vascular Surgeon in San Antonio, TX
The Vascular Institute of San Antonio, available through the Baptist Medical Network, offers comprehensive services for various cardiovascular and vascular conditions, including varicose veins. Our team of vascular surgeons provides personalized care and treatment options, such as mini-phlebectomy, to help alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life.