Patients in the New York, New York area who are experiencing varicose veins may find relief through microphlebectomy. This is a procedure, nicknamed the stab phlebectomy, that involves making tiny incisions along the problem veins and removing them with a vein hook. It is a minimally-invasive procedure that does not require a general anesthetic. Instead, only a local anesthetic is needed and patients may leave the doctor's office shortly after the procedure is completed. Patients are usually allowed to resume normal activities immediately, adding to the convenience of the treatment. Some combine microphlebectomy with sclerotherapy, another minimally-invasive procedure, to treat deeper veins.
The treatment area is first marked with a surgical marker to determine in which areas the tiny incisions will be made. A local anesthetic is then administered to numb the treatment area for patient comfort throughout the procedure. Once the area is numbed, tiny incisions are made along the length of the vein and a hook is inserted to grab the vein for removal. After the procedure has been completed and all veins have been removed, the area is wrapped and a dressing is placed on the treatment area.
The procedure typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes to perform, and patients are often allowed to resume normal activities upon leaving the doctor's office shortly after microphlebectomy. Patients may even be encouraged to walk following the treatment, although they should avoid any strenuous activities for about a week. Compression stockings are common for about a week after the procedure; these can aid in the healing process.
Patients are able to see results shortly after the procedure, and there is virtually no scarring left behind because of the tiny incisions used. Some patients might feel some temporary, mild discomfort and bruising in the initial days following treatment, and some might experience injury to the tiny nerves that are located under the skin in the treatment area. The nerves usually heal on their own with a little time, however.
Most men and women with spider veins or varicose veins near the surface of the skin are considered ideal candidates for microphlebectomy. However, it is important that interested individuals seek consultation with a New York vein specialist to determine their candidacy and whether another treatment may be right for them. Insurance typically does not cover cost of treatment unless it is part of a larger procedure that treats problematic varicose veins.
Learn more about microphlebectomy in New York, New York.
