Treating Painful Varicose Veins: How Microphlebectomy May Help

Updated on: August 18, 2014

For patients in El Paso, Texas or other areas of the country, the combination of physical pain and cosmetic concern associated with varicose veins makes this a troubling and burdensome condition for many. Varicose veins appear as bulging and purplish in color, creating a generally unattractive and unsightly appearance. This often results in embarrassment for the individual and may lead to some degree of self-consciousness. Patients for whom this is a problem are encouraged to speak with a medical professional specializing in the treatment of varicose veins in the El Paso area.

There may be several options awaiting patients seeking relief at these clinics including microphlebectomy, a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure designed to treat varicose veins in a safe manner. This procedure may be perfect for patients with varicose veins that are too large to treat with sclerotherapy but too small for treatment with certain laser procedures. If you're suffering from varicose veins, speak with a specialist in your area to help determine whether you are suffering from spider veins, smaller varicose veins or larger varicose veins and which treatment is right for you.

Microphlebectomy is performed in a doctor's office or vein treatment facility. A series of tiny incisions are made through which the vein may be removed using a vein hook. The treatment area is first marked using a surgical marker to help determine where these incisions should be made. A local anesthetic is then used to numb the treatment area and a few tiny incisions are made along the length of the vein being removed. The vein hooks are used to grab the vein for removal. A dressing will be applied to the treatment area once the procedure is complete. About 30 to 45 minutes are typically required to perform microphlebectomy.

Following the procedure, compression stockings may be worn for about a week to help aid in the healing process. Patients are usually able to return to work or other normal daily routines following the procedure. They should avoid strenuous activities for about five to seven days, however. The simple recovery process and the fact that general anesthetic is not required makes microphlebectomy an attractive option for many patients suffering from varicose veins but who are wary of surgical procedures that require a general anesthetic.

Patients may experience mild and temporary bruising and discomfort for the days following the procedure. A few individuals may experience injury to the tiny nerves just below the surface of the skin in the treatment area. Patients who are interested in microphlebectomy are encouraged to discuss this risk and the procedure in general with a vein specialist in the El Paso area before receiving treatment to ensure they understand all that is involved.

Learn more about microphlebectomy in El Paso, Texas. .

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