Eliminate Problem Varicose Veins: Transilluminated Powered Phlebectomy

Varicose veins may affect individuals in the San Marcos, Texas community or in other areas of the country. These are dilated blood vessels in the legs that result from inefficient valves in the veins. Varicose veins may be associated with swelling of the feet or legs, cramps in the legs and possible breakdown of the skin. What's more, the appearance of varicose veins—purplish or bluish in color in many cases and bulging from the skin—can be very embarrassing and may lead to self-consciousness or embarrassment for many individuals. Fortunately, there are minimally-invasive treatment options to help patients overcome this venous condition in a safe and effective manner.

Transilluminated powered phlebectomy, or TIPP for short, is a procedure developed to replace hook phlebectomy. There are fewer incisions required with TIPP and less time and less anesthesia is necessary to complete the procedure. In addition to these benefits, transilluminated powered phlebectomy may also give patients more desirable cosmetic results. A local or combination of local and light general anesthesia may be used to ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure and to allow the patient to walk soon after the procedure.

On the day of the procedure, the patient may be encouraged to walk for roughly twenty minutes before marking the veins that are to be removed. The patient then assumes the supine position and an antiseptic solution is used to clean the legs. Local anesthetic is then injected along the veins to be removed as well. Sedation or light general anesthesia may be administered as well for patient comfort, although many patients choose only the local anesthetic. Consult a medical professional in the San Marcos area to discuss this option in further detail and to help determine which option is best for you.

Two small incisions are then made for each group of veins that are being removed. Through one of the incisions, a light source is inserted under the veins for better visualization during the procedure. Through the second incision, the physician will insert a powered phlebectomy device to remove the vein and suction it away from surrounding tissue. Local anesthetic ensures the area stays numb and helps compress surrounding small blood vessels to help prevent bleeding during treatment. After the treatment, the leg is wrapped using a compression bandage which is worn for two days.

The patient may be able to walk within a couple of hours of the procedure, and postoperative complications may include bleeding, infection, discoloration of the skin, numbness and tingling. Complications may be less common with transilluminated powered phlebectomy than with traditional phlebectomy procedures. The recovery process may last up to six weeks. Compression stockings may be worn following the removal of the compression bandage and should be worn for at least three weeks. Patients may be instructed not to engage in heavy lifting during the recovery period as well.

Post-procedure, patients may be happier with the appearance of their legs than with other procedures because of the fewer and small incisions used to perform this procedure. It is important that interested patients seek consultation with a medical professional in the San Marcos area to help determine if they are a candidate for treatment with transilluminated powered phlebectomy. Through this procedure, many individuals have found success and have overcome varicose veins.

Learn more about transilluminated powered phlebectomy in San Marcos, Texas.