Will Microphlebectomy Help You Get Rid of Varicose Veins?

Updated on: August 18, 2014

In Springfield, Massachusetts and in other parts of the country, individuals with varicose veins frequently seek methods for relieving the condition. These are often very troubling conditions that may lead to embarrassment and self-consciousness in many cases. The unsightly appearance of the condition?often appearing bulging and purplish in color?is aesthetically unappealing and can be a burden for many patients. What's more, varicose veins may cause pain and discomfort. Fortunately, there are several treatments dedicated to helping patients find relief from this venous condition.

Microphlebectomy is a procedure that involves making tiny incisions so that portions of the varicose veins may be removed. Thus, the portions of the vein that have not been removed will clot off so that blood can no longer flow through and the unsightly appearance of the condition eventually goes away. Microphlebectomy is an ideal treatment for many patients with varicose veins that are too large to be treated with sclerotherapy, but too small to safely be treated with certain laser procedures. Before undergoing treatment, though, patients are encouraged to discuss their candidacy for this treatment with a professional in the area.

Most patients with varicose veins who would like to relieve the symptoms of the condition and get rid of its unsightly appearance are considered candidates for microphlebectomy. The procedure is minimally invasive, does not require a general anesthetic, as it uses a local anesthetic instead, may be used along with sclerotherapy when treating deeper veins and does not require downtime in most cases. Patients to whom these advantages seem appealing are encouraged to consult a vein specialist in the Springfield area to discuss the procedure in greater detail.

However, as with any medical procedure, there are certain risks of which patients should be made aware. For instance, there may be some mild discomfort or bruising that may last for a couple of days. A small number of patients may experience minor injury to tiny nerves beneath the surface of the skin around the treatment area. The nerves generally heal over time, however. Patients are usually able to resume their normal activities immediately following treatment. Patients are usually encouraged to walk regularly following treatment, but to avoid strenuous activities for about a week. Compression stockings or dressings may be worn for about a week after treatment.

The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient facility such as a vein clinic or doctor's office. The patient's varicose veins will be marked using a surgical marker to indicate the location of the incisions. The treatment area is then numbed using a local anesthetic and the incisions are then made along the vein. A hook is used to remove the veins. A dressing is placed over the treatment area once the procedure is complete. In most cases, microphlebectomy takes between 30 and 45 minutes to perform. There is virtually no scarring left behind, as the incisions are so small. Results are visible shortly after the procedure and begin to become more noticeable as the initial bruising subsides.

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