Phlebectomy

What is a phlebectomy and what to expect from the procedure:

Ambulatory phlebectomy is the removal of varicose veins through small incisions, resulting in impressive cosmetic and clinical results. Also known as microphlebectomy or phlebectomy, this minimally invasive procedure permanently removes the diseased vessels with minimal risk of complications. Microphlebectomy represents a significant improvement over traditional vein stripping procedures, as it only requires local anesthetic and it is done as an outpatient procedure.

This procedure is often performed to treat varicose veins that remain after treatment for saphenous vein reflux, or for varicose veins that are not caused by saphenous vein reflux. Unlike traditional vein stripping procedures, there is minimal to no scarring after an ambulatory phlebectomy, and patients are able to walk out of the ambulatory center very soon after the procedure. Compression stockings are encouraged afterward to improve clinical and cosmetic results.

With the wide range of treatment options available for patients with varicose veins, such as RF Ablation, Sclerotherapy, VenaSeal, among others, it can often be confusing to distinguish between the various methods and their risks and benefits. By talking with our team about your treatment options (646-402-5996), you will get the most complete information possible about your choices for minimally invasive and non-invasive varicose vein therapies.

Does insurance cover the phlebectomy treatment?
Yes, the good news is that all major medical insurances, including medicare, widely cover the procedure. Please call our office at 646-402-5996 so we can verify you have coverage.

What is a plebectomy and how safe is it?
Ambulatory Phlebectomy is a quick and safe procedure that requires the use of local anesthetic and requires no down time. It is the removal of superficial veins through a tiny incision, typically 1-2 millimeters long. It may be combined with other therapies to help treat venous disease.

Who are the best candidates for a phlebectomy in the leg?
The best candidates for this procedure are patients who have varicose veins that are presenting with Chronic Venous Insufficiency. CVI causes improper functioning of vein valves in the leg, further leading to the blood flow going in the wrong direction. This condition is what causes varicose veins, swelling, and sometimes discoloration of the affected leg. Upon your consultation along with your diagnostic ultrasound scan, the vein specialist will be able to diagnose if you are the correct candidate for this procedure.

Back on your feet quickly with ambulatory phlebectomy in Manhattan
“Ambulatory” means capable of walking. “Phlebectomy” refers to surgical removal of all or part of a vein. Together, they describe an effective method of resolving superficial varicose veins. The team at Vein Institute & Pain Centers of America offer ambulatory phlebectomy to patients in the Manhattan area.

Our experts will examine, evaluate your veins, and then discuss treatment options. If you are a good candidate for ambulatory phlebectomy – able to walk on your own and wear compression hosiery – the procedure is scheduled in New York’s best vein care center, in the heart of Manhattan.

Here’s a detailed list of what to expect the day of the procedure:

•Skin is cleansed
•Problematic veins are marked.
• Local anesthetic is injected to numb the treatment area.
• The doctor makes incisions about the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen.
• A special instrument is used to seize, extract, and close off diseased veins.
• No sutures are needed – incisions heal naturally and are virtually invisible.
• Depending on the individual patient and the number of veins treated, the procedure typically takes two hours or less.
• Common side effects include minor swelling and bruising, but they typically resolve quickly, with minimal discomfort.
• Walking immediately following the procedure speeds healing.
• There is no downtime– you may return to normal light activities right away. (Wait a few days before doing any heavy lifting.)
• You must wear a compression stocking for at least a week.

Does getting a phlebectomy hurt and is there any scarring?

Before the removal process starts, the skin over the incision site will be anesthetized with a local anesthetic injection. This injection will cause only a brief mild discomfort. This will further then make the procedure painless so the removal of the affected vein won’t cause any irritation.

During this procedure, the patient will be asked to stand so the doctor can mark out the diseased veins with a marker, due to the fact that the veins depress when lying down. Once the affected veins have been analyzed, the doctor will make a small 1-2 millimeter incision and with the proper tool they will go in and extract out the diseased vein. This procedure will leave you with minimal scarring.

What are the expected results for phlebectomy?
There are varying levels of improvement. This will depend on how severe your vein disease is. In general, the procedure is well tolerated and most patients need less than 2 – 4 session if both legs have vein disease.

What is the recovery period like after a phlebecomty?
After the procedure patients are encouraged to walk and carry about their daily activities. Patients must also wear their compression stockings as instructed by their vein doctor to help guide the recovery process while optimizing the results.

Are there any side effects to a phlebectomy?
With any procedure there are potential risk factors involved. These may include temporary bruising, swelling, and skin numbness due to neighboring sensory nerves. Also, skin pigmentation may occur at the entry site, but this usually will resolve over time.

Permanent resolution of problem veins
Vein Institute & Pain Centers of America offers a range of treatments for varicose veins. Ambulatory phlebectomy is a popular choice for two primary reasons: First, it is minimally invasive, compared to conventional vein stripping. Second, because veins are removed, there is no risk of reappearance. Treated veins are gone for good.