Microphlebectomy Uses Tiny Incisions to Treat Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are very troubling for patients in Warwick, Rhode Island and around the country. Patients suffering from this venous condition may experience pain and heaviness in the legs, and may feel embarrassed or self-conscious due to the unsightly appearance of the condition. Individuals interested in relieving the symptoms of varicose veins should speak with a vein specialist in their community to discuss their condition and explore possible solutions.

One treatment that has helped patients overcome varicose veins is microphlebectomy. This is a procedure used to treat varicose veins too large to be treated with sclerotherapy, but too small to treat with certain laser procedures. Before receiving treatment, patients are encouraged to discuss their candidacy for this treatment with a vein specialist in their area. Most men and women with varicose veins are considered candidates for this treatment, although certain conditions or medical problems may exclude certain patients.

In performing this procedure, the veins to be treated will first be marked with a surgical marker to determine where the incisions should be made. A local anesthetic will then be used to numb the treatment area. With the area numb, tiny incisions will be made along the length of the vein and a tiny hook will be used to grab the vein. A dressing will be placed over the treatment area once the procedure has been performed. In most cases, microphlebectomy takes between 30 and 45 minutes to perform.

Most patients are able to return to work immediately after microphlebectomy. Strenuous activities should be avoided for about five to seven days, however. Compression stockings may be recommended for about a week after treatment to aid in healing and to promote healthy blood flow. This is considered a safe procedure, although some individuals may experience injury to the tiny nerves below the surface of the skin in the treatment area. The nerves should heal over time, however. Mild discomfort and bruising for a couple of days after treatment is common.

Microphlebectomy offers numerous advantages over certain medical procedures also used to treat varicose veins. There is no general anesthetic required with this treatment and patients are able to resume their normal activities immediately following the procedure in most cases. Compare this to other procedures that require a general anesthetic and a couple of days of recovery and downtime. Additionally, this procedure may be used in conjunction with sclerotherapy to treat deeper veins. There is virtually no scarring with microphlebectomy, as the incisions made are very small. Results appear shortly after treatment, but should improve once the initial bruising subsides.

When used as a cosmetic procedure, microphlebectomy may not be covered by insurance. However, if used to treat symptomatic varicose veins, it may be covered once more conservative approaches to treatment have been tried first. Those who would like to learn more about microphlebectomy and other venous treatments are encouraged to seek consultation with a trained professional in the Warwick community.

Learn more about microphlebectomy in Warwick, Rhode Island.