Microphlebectomy / Phlebectomy
Varicose veins are micro-surgically removed through tiny punctures about the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen. The word “phlebectomy” literally means removing the vein. The day of the procedure, the doctor or nurse will mark your leg where the veins bulge out. Then, a special local anesthetic (numbing medication) called “tumescent” is injected into the area surrounding your vein. The doctor will make tiny incisions or “stabs” of about 2-3mm – the size of a ball-point pen tip – and use a crochet-type hook to “grab” the vein and remove it. This interrupts the vein, causes any remaining portions of the vein to “clot off”, and gets rid of those unsightly bulgy areas!
Is the Procedure Painful?
Most patients say that the procedure does not hurt at all. You will feel the pin prick of the needle as we inject the anesthetic, but then the area is instantly numb. You will not feel any of the “stabs”. You will not feel pain from the veins being removed. We will write a prescription for some prescription-strength ibuprofen to help you for the first day or two, but the vast majority of patients require only extra-strength Tylenol or Motrin to keep them comfortable. Rarely will patients require a stronger pain-killer post-operatively.
Recovery Time
The “down” time for this procedure is negligible. You will need to take it easy for the first 48 hours, but walking is encouraged to promote healing – you will walk out of the office! After the first two days, normal activities are resumed. Only strenuous exercise is discouraged for the first week to ten days, as are swimming and hot tubs. After that, it is business as usual!
If you are seeking Tampa Microphlebectomy Treatment, give us a call today to learn more about how our Vein Specialists can help you.
