Vein Removal Surgery

A type of vein removal surgery called ambulatory phlebectomy removes unwanted varicose veins from the legs. Done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, your plastic surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist will make tiny incisions in the skin and remove the veins in small segments. No stitches are required and, with the exception of wearing a compression bandage for seven days, patients can return to their normal activities within 24 hours of treatment.

Vein Removal Surgery Candidates

Individuals who are in good health and who have reasonable expectations are candidates for vein removal surgery. Ambulatory phlebectomy should not be performed on patients who are allergic to local anesthesia, who are not able to walk on their own, or who cannot wear the compression bandages. If you want to remove your varicose veins in a quick and minimally invasive outpatient procedure, talk to your plastic surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist about ambulatory phlebectomy vein removal surgery.

The Vein Removal Surgery Procedure

Vein removal surgery (ambulatory phlebectomy) begins by numbing the area with a local anesthetic, thus the procedure is virtually pain free. Small incisions (as small as 1mm) are made on the outside of the vein. A tiny hook is then inserted into the incision, and a small portion of the varicose vein is removed. This is repeated until the entire vein is removed. Ambulatory phlebectomy is a quick procedure, and because the incisions are so tiny, no stitches are required.

Vein Removal Surgery Recovery

Following vein removal surgery, patients will be required to wear a compression bandage for about a week. The compression bandage will ensure proper healing, as well as alleviate discomfort and swelling in the area. Mild swelling and discomfort should subside within the first few days following ambulatory phlebectomy. Additional side effects include swelling, bruising, and bleeding at the site of the procedure but these should subside within 24 hours of vein removal surgery. Patients can resume their normal activities the day after the procedure, though strenuous physical exercise is prohibited for two weeks following the surgery.

Vein Removal Surgery Results

Vein removal surgery yields excellent results, both short and long-term. Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that doesn’t require stitches, and scarring is minimal to nonexistent. Since the varicose veins are manually removed, they should not come back, although patients with a family history of varicose veins may see them return in time. When the compression bandage is worn for the first week, as directed, healing from vein removal surgery is quick and involves very little, if any, pain.

Learn More about Vein Removal Surgery

An outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia, vein removal surgery can permanently remove unsightly varicose veins quickly and painlessly. If you would like more information about ambulatory phlebectomy, DocShop can help you find a trusted plastic surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist in your area.