Dermatologic surgeons developed ambulatory phlebectomy, which is an outpatient procedure to remove external veins through small incisions in your skin.
Doctors prefer ambulatory phlebectomy because it is an excellent choice for treating both asymptomatic and superficial veins from the surface of your skin. Dermatologic surgeons usually perform this surgery on larger veins that swell and appear above the surface of your skin and varicose veins. They rarely use this method on small veins.
Your doctor will usually combine Ambulatory phlebectomy with other therapies for the treatment of venous disease. They will not recommend this procedure to the patients who cannot walk on their own or put on compression stockings.
Ambulatory phlebectomy works greatly as a treatment for varicose veins. Surgeons often combine two procedures, such as microphlebectomy and stab avulsion, with ambulatory phlebectomy to treat your veins.
Varicose Veins Treatment Is Important for Your Health
Varicose veins indicate the presence of vein disease, the cause of varicose veins is often chronic venous insufficiency. In this condition, your veins will no longer return all of your blood to your heart. As the blood gathers in your veins, it will cause them to swell. As a result, they will appear tangled and stuffed under your skin.
Varicose veins are not just unattractive, but they can also make your legs swell and ache, and increase your risk of having an unhealthy blood clot. Your family and friends might recommend you several home remedies for varicose veins. Some of them advise you to apply ice packs on your legs. These home remedies can help reduce swelling and pain.
Moreover, if you are carrying extra weight, start losing some pounds by exercising more often and avoid standing or sitting in a stationary position for too long. Such simple steps can help you get rid of varicose veins. Please keep in mind that the therapies stated above are useful in severe cases of varicose veins. You must consult your current condition with your doctor and follow his/her advice.
The Procedure of Ambulatory Phlebectomy
The ambulatory phlebectomy procedure is famous for removing external varicose veins. Surgeons take small scalpel to make small 2-3mm (millimeter) incisions over these veins; they “tease out” the vein with fine forceps. The scars from these incisions are hardly noticeable because of their small size. Surgeons close the skin incisions with a steri stripe bandage. For the best cosmetic outcome, they limit the number of incisions to the larger veins. Sometimes, sclerotherapy will be compulsory as a follow up after the healing of wounds. They use a compressive bandage after completing the procedure to wrap the leg.
Dermatologic surgeons perform the ambulatory phlebectomy procedure by using local anesthesia and intravenous sedation in the operating room as an outpatient surgery. You are not allowed to travel by airplane for two weeks after the procedure.
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Potential Complications of Ambulatory Phlebectomy
After the ambulatory phlebectomy procedure, you might witness some complications. Hence, it is important to identify them and consult your doctor as soon as possible. The following are the complications you might face after the treatment;
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Small segments of the vein that stays in your skin can cause inflammation
- Allergic reaction to local anesthesia
What Can You Expect After the Ambulatory Phlebectomy Procedure?
You can walk immediately after the surgery and continue your life with your regular routine. Your dermatologist will advise you to wear modified compression stockings. It is normal to have temporary swelling and bruising in your treatment area.
For almost a week after your ambulatory phlebectomy procedure, you need to stay away from strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting to avoid putting too much pressure on the treatment area. Also, keep yourself away from hot tubs and hot baths during this time to allow the incision area to heal entirely and avoid infection.
What Should You Do Before Ambulatory Phlebectomy?
Before the treatment, an ASDS (American Society of Dermatologic Surgery) dermatologist will usually evaluate your medical history and conduct your physical examination. However, this is the time for you and your doctor to discuss all possible outcomes, potential risks, and expectations from the procedure. Moreover, your doctor will review factors, such as:
- Are varicose veins the problem? Is the condition connected with other veins that might require treatment first?
- Are there any blood clots on the surface or deep veins that you need to be treated first?
- Do you only need ambulatory phlebectomy, or you require other procedures in addition to ambulatory phlebectomy?
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