Microphlebectomy: A Minimally-Invasive Option for Treating Varicose Veins

Patients in the Sonora, California community have several options when seeking relief from varicose veins. There are several laser treatments, injectable treatments and minimally-invasive incision procedures available such as microphlebectomy. This is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require a general anesthetic, but is instead performed under local anesthetic. It is intended to treat varicose veins that are too large to treat with sclerotherapy and too small to treat with other treatments. Before choosing microphlebectomy as treatment, patients are encouraged to discuss their candidacy for the treatment with a medical professional.

Most men and women with superficial varicose veins are candidates for microphlebectomy. Patients should disclose any medical conditions and medications they are currently taking, or have taken recently with the vein specialist.

The vein specialist performing the procedure will first mark the veins to be removed using a surgical marker. They will mark where the incisions will be made and will then numb the area using a local anesthetic. When the area is numb, the incisions will be made along the vein. A vein hook is then used to grab the vein for removal. Most procedures take between 30 and 45 minutes to perform and a dressing will be placed over the treatment area following the procedure.

Recovery from microphlebectomy is simple in most cases. Patients are often able to resume normal activities immediately following treatment and daily walking is usually recommended. Strenuous activities such as heavy lifting should be avoided in the 5 to 7 days following treatment. Compression stockings should be worn for about a week following the treatment as well. All patients are strongly encouraged to follow their doctor's recovery instructions to avoid complications and ensure safe recovery.

The results are usually visible shortly after the procedure, although optimal results may not appear until bruising subsides. As with most medical procedures, there are certain risks associated with microphlebectomy. Patients should discuss these possible risks and complications with a vein specialist before treatment. Mild discomfort and bruising are common for a couple of days following treatment, although these side effects should resolve on their own. Very few individuals may experience damage to the tiny nerves beneath the skin. The injured nerves should heal in time, however.

Interested patients should discuss whether microphlebectomy will be covered by insurance, as certain circumstances allow for the procedure to be covered, while others do not. If it is used as part of a larger medical program to relieve varicose veins that cause medical problems, then it may be covered by insurance. If microphlebectomy is used as a cosmetic procedure, then it may not be covered by insurance. More information may be obtained by consulting a vein specialist in the Sonora area.

This is a procedure designed to provide relief from varicose veins in a safe manner. Those who would like to learn more about microphlebectomy or other venous treatments are encouraged to discuss their treatment options with a vein specialist in the community.

Learn more about microphlebectomy in Sonora, California.