Ambulatory phlebectomy (microphlebectomy) for visible varicose veins:
What’s the best way to get rid of the bulging, unsightly, painful varicose veins? The answer is simple: surgically remove them in an outpatient procedure that takes about an hour. You’ll walk out of our doors minus your problem veins—it’s just that easy. You’ll be able to continue your normal day to day activities almost immediately. After an Ambulatory phlebectomy patients can typically resume strenuous exercise in about 2 weeks. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
- Your surgeon will mark the locations of the veins which will be treated with a surgical skin marker.
- You’ll be gowned and set up in a sterile operating field. While minimally invasive, a phlebectomy is still a surgery and must be performed in an antiseptic environment.
- Local anesthetic medication is applied to the region for total pain control. This is known as a “regional block.” In practical terms you won’t feel a thing.
- Small access incisions are made to access the veins in question. Due to their small size scarring is very minimal, and in many cases non-existent.
- Specialized, purpose-specific surgical tools are used to loosen, grasp, and remove each vein.
- A sterile dressing is then applied.
- You’ll be fitted for compression stockings. These are worn for the first two weeks after your procedure to ensure proper healing.
- You’ll leave our facility varicose vein free!
Why This Procedure Is Performed?
Ambulatory Phlebectomy has only one purpose and it’s treating varicose veins that appear on the surface of the skin.
It’s done by making some small incisions on that area and removing the veins one by one and this procedure won’t even need stiches, which makes it a non invasive procedure.
Why You Should Choose Ambulatory Phlebectomy
For the treatment of both asymptomatic and symptomatic superficial cutaneous veins, ambulatory phlebectomy is a promising option. Varicose veins and bigger veins that protrude above the skin’s surface are typically the targets of this procedure. On smaller veins, it’s also infrequently applied.
When treating venous disease, ambulatory phlebectomy can be used in conjunction with other treatments. Patients who cannot walk independently or who are wearing compression stockings are not advised to have the treatment.
How To Prepare For Ambulatory Phlebectomy?
Normally you don’t need to prepare for an Ambulatory Phlebectomy treatment, but your doctor may give you some instructions in few cases, they can include:
- You should take breakfast or lunch before the treatment, you don’t need to fast at all
- Take your daily medications if you have any
- Make sure varicose veins are the main problem since if it’s not then maybe you aren’t the right candidate for this kind of treatment.
- Wear clothes that fit loosely since it can be hard to remove them at the treatment time.
- Go to your doctor’s office with comfortable shoes, this will make it easier for you to walk after the treatment
- Purchase compression stockings before your treatment start as they will be used once all the troublesome veins are removed.
- Avoid applying lotions or oil on the area you want to treat
- Clean that area before treatment
- A tiny hook will be used during an ambulatory phlebectomy to remove weak, ropey veins on your legs. You shouldn’t have to make any significant lifestyle changes in order to prepare for this minimally invasive procedure to enhance your veins. However, you must adhere to all of our directions and make a few additional minor adjustments to your regular routine.
What To Avoid After The Treatment?
After the treatment there are some things that you need avoid as they can interfere with your recovery and ruin the results, here’s everything you must avoid.
- Heavy Lifting
Pressure on your legs is the reason why varicose veins form and after treatment if you lift up heavy things then you will develop even more venous problems.
- Smoking
It doesn’t matter what kind of treatment you had you must avoid smoking at all costs. Smoking can develop plaque in your veins and can even lower your body’s healing process.
Any pain you experience after your phlebectomy will be minor and short-lived. If needed over the counter Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to manage symptoms. In many cases the discomfort is so minor that this isn’t necessary. While some swelling and bruising will occur this is easily managed with compression stockings. As mentioned you’ll need to abstain from heavy manual labor or vigorous exercise for around 2 weeks. At this point you’re free to continue any and all activities without restrictions.
Results are permanent. While it’s always possible to develop new varicose veins the treated ones have been physically removed. This means that they’re gone for good.
What To Know About Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Bulging varicose veins respond best to Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Bulging varicose veins that are near to the skin’s surface are best treated by ambulatory phlebectomy. The surgery really removes the problematic vein from the leg, thus all associated symptoms go right away, and the cosmetic appearance improves within days. Although other vein therapies like endovenous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation are also successful at treating varicose veins, they take longer to see results because they close the problematic vein rather than removing it. Every operation has advantages and disadvantages, which you can go through in depth with your vein specialist.
Although uncommon, complications can occur
Ambulatory phlebectomy has a minor chance of short-term adverse effects, like all surgeries, but significant consequences are incredibly uncommon. An allergic reaction to the local anesthetic used, inflammation, bruising, or a tingling sensation are all potential risks and serious side effects of phlebectomy. If an ambulatory phlebectomy patient suffers difficulties, they should notify their doctor right once.
Minimally invasive procedure
A quick technique called an ambulatory phlebectomy necessitates just a few tiny incisions and local anesthesia. The operation can still be carried out in your doctor’s office and is just minimally invasive. No general anesthetic or overnight hospital stay is necessary because the phlebectomy is fully done through a minor skin-surface incision!
After the treatment, patients can leave with just a Band-Aid covering the little wound where the vein was ripped out.
Can patients resume normal activities immediately after Ambulatory Phlebectomy?
Patients can usually resume normal activities shortly after Ambulatory Phlebectomy, often on the same day of the procedure. However, it’s advisable to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a few days to a week after the procedure to allow the treated area to heal properly. Patients should follow the specific post-procedure instructions provided by their healthcare provider to ensure a smooth recovery process and optimal results.
How soon can patients expect to see improvements after Ambulatory Phlebectomy?
Patients often experience immediate relief from symptoms like pain, discomfort, or swelling after Ambulatory Phlebectomy. Visible improvements in the appearance of the treated veins, such as reduced bulging and prominence, are typically noticeable within a few weeks to a couple of months after the procedure. However, individual healing and recovery times can vary, and it’s essential to follow the post-procedure care instructions provided by the healthcare provider for the best results.
Does Ambulatory Phlebectomy leave scars?
Ambulatory Phlebectomy typically involves making tiny incisions, usually no more than a few millimeters in size, to remove varicose veins. Due to the small size of the incisions, the scars left after Ambulatory Phlebectomy are generally minimal and often fade over time. Healthcare providers are skilled at placing incisions in inconspicuous locations, minimizing the visibility of scars.
How long do the results of Ambulatory Phlebectomy last?
The results of Ambulatory Phlebectomy are typically long-lasting. Once the diseased veins are removed, they do not come back. However, it’s important to note that Ambulatory Phlebectomy treats existing varicose veins but does not prevent the development of new ones.
To maintain the results and prevent new varicose veins from forming, patients are often advised to follow a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, wearing compression stockings as recommended by their healthcare provider, and avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting.