Phlebectomy
We Offer Phlebectomy for Our Valued Patients
Arizona Vein & Laser Institute provides phlebectomy treatment to patients throughout Arizona. Patients in Phoenix, Glendale, Chandler, Surprise, Avondale, or Scottsdale can undergo fast and effective varicose vein phlebectomy at our state-of-the-art vein and laser center. We are proud to offer phlebectomy services to our valued patients. This procedure is offered in all six of our valley-wide locations.
What is Phlebectomy?
Phlebectomy, also known as vein stripping, is the manual removal of varicose veins that have not responded to sclerotherapy or laser treatments. These rope-like veins are no longer useful to your body’s circulatory system and must be pulled out by hand. A phlebectomy can have many benefits to both your appearance and circulatory function and can effectively eliminate veins that have remained unresponsive to other methods of treatment.
How Does Phlebectomy Work?
Depending on the size and location of the vein, as well as the type of phlebectomy procedure that is required, the procedure can be relatively simple. During this procedure, your vascular surgeon will perform your phlebectomy by applying local anesthesia, making a series of small cuts along the surface of your leg, and then carefully pulling the vein through these tiny incisions using a special tool. Most phlebectomy patients find the procedure minimally invasive, with only minor discomfort compared to the pain caused by their varicose veins.
What Are The Benefits of Phlebectomy?
When it comes to vein phlebectomy, there is a wide range of benefits that patients can reap. The benefits of phlebectomy of varicose veins include, but are not limited to, the following:
- No general anesthesia
- Long-term success rate
- Better for large veins
- Minimally invasive
- Quick recovery time
- Reduced risk of skin necrosis
Recovery Time After Phlebectomy Surgery
The amount of downtime a patient will need following phlebectomy depends largely on the type of vein removal required. Since there are several types of phlebectomy, recovery time can range from virtually nonexistent to a bit more extensive. Ambulatory phlebectomy is an outpatient procedure performed right in your vascular surgeon’s office that removes superficial veins from the surface of the skin on your leg. Ambulatory phlebectomy requires no stitches and minimal local anesthesia, and the patient can walk as soon as the procedure is completed. Micro-phlebectomy is a more extensive phlebectomy procedure involving veins that are too large to respond to sclerotherapy or laser treatments and may require several days of recovery, including wrapping the legs with elastic bandages.
Who Should Undergo Phlebectomy Treatment?
If previous varicose vein treatments have been ineffective, a phlebectomy procedure may be the best course of action for you. To be sure, your doctor will perform a vascular ultrasound to determine whether the vein in question is a good candidate for the vein-stripping procedure. If the vein is found to be unresponsive, your doctor will recommend phlebectomy surgery to manually remove the varicose vein from your leg. This vein removal surgery can be relatively simple.
Contact Us Today for Phlebectomy Treatment
If you’re a patient who needs vein phlebectomy surgery, you’ve come to the right place. Arizona Vein & Laser Institute offers varicose veins removal procedures performed by experienced vascular surgery specialists. Our board-certified team of vascular experts at the Arizona Vein & Laser Institute offers highly-effective phlebectomy procedures to get rid of varicose veins for good. Think phlebectomy may be right for you? Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our expert team.
Phlebectomy FAQs
Phlebectomies are mainly used for treating varicose veins. These are veins that bulge, twist, or become painful due to poor blood flow. If you have achy leg veins that swell, itch, or look blue and enlarged, we may recommend a phlebectomy for swift treatment. Removing these veins will relieve pain, reduce swelling, and improve the appearance of your legs.
Yes, these terms describe the same minimally invasive procedure to treat varicose veins. During a phlebectomy, your doctor will make small incisions, or “stabs,” to remove problematic veins near the skin’s surface. It’s a straightforward outpatient process that typically takes about an hour.
An ambulatory phlebectomy isn’t particularly painful. Your doctor will use a local anesthetic to numb the treated area, so you shouldn’t feel discomfort during the procedure. Some patients report mild tenderness or a pulling sensation as the veins are removed, but this is brief. Afterward, you should be able to manage soreness with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Your doctor will give you specific phlebectomy preparation instructions based on your health, so following our advice closely is important. We ask most patients to:
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Avoid lotions or creams on their legs on the day of the procedure
- Arrange a ride home
- Pause certain medications, particularly blood thinners
During the phlebectomy procedure, most patients feel minimal discomfort thanks to the numbing medication. You may feel gentle pressure or tugging, but the actual removal shouldn’t hurt. Once finished, your doctor will place special bandages or compression stockings on your legs to help with healing and reduce swelling.
After treatment, it’s normal to have some mild bruising, swelling, or soreness for a few days. However, most people can walk immediately and return to light activities the same day. A full recovery usually takes one to two weeks.
Phlebectomy is a simple and effective way to treat bothersome varicose veins. The Arizona Vein and Laser Institute’s experienced providers make the process safe and comfortable so that you can get back to enjoying life without pain or swelling in your legs. That includes tips for a smooth recovery, such as:
- Wear compression stockings as directed.
- Elevate your legs to help blood flow.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for a week.
- Follow up with your doctor to ensure proper healing.
Phlebectomy is generally safe. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks you should know. These include minor bruising, swelling, or discoloration around the incision sites. More serious complications, such as infection or deep vein damage, are very rare, especially when performed by skilled specialists like you’ll find at the Arizona Vein and Laser Institute.
While effective for removing damaged surface veins, phlebectomy doesn’t address deeper venous issues. If underlying vein problems exist, you may need additional treatments like ablation or compression therapy. We’ll guide you on the best course of care.