For some people, varicose veins are unsightly vessels that undermine their appearance and their self-confidence. For others, they’re the source of throbbing and pain that interrupts everyday activities.
Patients with varicose veins have a number of potential therapies to consider. According to MedlinePlus, the primary treatment options vascular surgeons offer include sclerotherapy, ablation, bypass, angioplasty with stenting, and microphlebectomy.
What Exactly is a Microphlebectomy?
It’s an in-office vein treatment that South Jersey vein doctors use to remove varicose vessels. Oregon Health & Science University notes that it’s particularly suited for removing varicose veins that are bulging and too large to treat with sclerotherapy, but not large enough to treat using laser ablation.
After administration of local anesthesia at a vein clinic, the surgeon makes small incisions through which varicose vessels are removed with a surgical instrument. Doctors consider this New Jersey vein treatment a minimally invasive therapy since the procedure requires no sutures.
Like any other surgical treatment, microphlebectomy comes with some risks. Some individuals report bruises and discomfort that last for several days. Others experience an injury to a skin nerve.
What to Expect with a Microphlebectomy
At the first appointment, the surgeon will take the patient’s medical history and advise him or her of any medication changes required as the date of surgery approaches. On the day of the procedure, it’s important to wear clothing that is loose fitting and comfortable and shoes that will be comfortable enough to wear during required walking afterward.
The procedure begins with the administration of local anesthesia. The surgeon makes nicks in the skin that are just 2 to 3 mm long, according to the Creighton University Vascular Clinic. The instrument used to extract the targeted vein resembles a crochet hook.
Most procedures last at least half an hour and as long as two hours. The time required to complete the procedure depends on the number of veins to be treated and whether the microphlebectomy is performed at the same time as another vascular surgery.
Once the targeted veins have been removed, the doctor will put sterile gauze pads held in place with an ace wrap over the nicks in the skin. Over these goes a compression stocking that the patient must continue to wear for a minimum of two weeks in order to promote healing. Doctors advise that individuals not fly on an airplane for a month after surgery. Patients usually have a follow-up appointment four to six weeks after the microphlebectomy.
One of the greatest advantages of a microphlebectomy is that patients can immediately return to almost all their regular daily activities. Exceptions include energetic workouts at that gym, baths that are long and hot, and lifting weights.