Ambulatory Phlebectomy
While some patients seek treatment of varicose veins for cosmetic purposes, others are more concerned about the risks of their damaged veins. Ambulatory phlebectomy is used to relieve both cosmetic and medical concerns during in one simple procedure. The ambulatory phlebectomy treatment is a safe outpatient procedure and usually takes under an hour to perform. Ambulatory Phlebectomy involves fewer risks than the traditional surgical procedures and much less pain.
Is This Procedure For Me?
Veins that have gone untreated can become painful, discolored, and swollen. When the vein weakens, it can affect the blood flow from the legs back to the heart to be recirculated. An ambulatory phlebectomy is best for swollen, varicose veins that are closer to the surface of the skin.
How is an Ambulatory Phlebectomy Done?
During this procedure your doctor will remove superficial veins through tiny, slit-like incisions through the skin of the affected area. Because the damaged vein is removed completely during this procedure, all of the symptoms you currently had from the vein are eliminated instantly.
To insure the health of the surrounding tissue and veins, your doctor will first identify the specific veins that need to be treated. Anesthetic will be injected into the skin to numb the area before the procedure. The numbing effect also reduces any discomfort that would be experienced during the procedure. A tiny incision is made in the area of the targeted vein and the vein is removed with a surgical instrument. Because our veins are very collapsible, even the larger veins can be effortlessly removed using this technique. The incision is so tiny that patients rarely have to have stitches to close the area. After the vein is removed and the incision most likely closed with a small piece of adhesive surgical tape, the doctor may want you to wear compression bandages for a little while after surgery to minimize discomfort or swelling from the surgery.
What Happens After the Vein is Removed?
After the damaged veins have been removed the blood is redirected to other healthy veins to restart a regular blood flow. Losing the damaged veins will not harm blood flow because the veins were blocked from healthy flow.
Some bruising and swelling is normal after an ambulatory phlebectomy. These temporary symptoms can be reduced with compression stockings and over-the-counter, non-aspirin, medications. Immediately after the procedure is completed, you will be able to proceed with normal activities. Patients usually return to work the following day.
The incisions point will heal on its own and be barely visible after 6 – 12 months. Ambulatory phlebectomy results are permanent for most patients, though it is always possible for new varicose veins to progress, especially if they are hereditary.
If you are interested in learning more about ambulatory phlebectomy or any of your other treatment options, contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Norman Chideckel for treatment of your varicose veins.