Skin ExpertsSkin TreatmentsAmbulatory Phlebectomy for Varicose Veins

 

Ambulatory Phlebectomy for Varicose Veins

Ambulatory phlebectomy is an outpatient procedure developed by dermatologic surgeons that removes superficial veins through small, slit-like incisions in the skin.

What you Should Know

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and patients should not feel any pain during treatment. The procedure involves four steps:

  1. The veins to be treated are outlined or marked.
  2. Local anesthesia is injected into the skin.
  3. Bulging veins are surgically removed, segment by segment, through small incisions.
  4. Graduated compression stockings are worn for a week or more after surgery.

Why Choose Ambulatory Phlebectomy?

Ambulatory phlebectomy is a good choice for treating both asymptomatic and symptomatic superficial veins from the skin. It is usually performed on larger veins that bulge above the surface of the skin and varicose veins. It also rarely is used on smaller veins.

Ambulatory phlebectomy may be combined with other therapies in the treatment of venous disease. The procedure is not recommended for patients unable to walk on their own or wear compression stockings.

How to prepare for the procedure

Before the procedure, an ASDS dermatologist will usually review the patient’s medical history and conduct a physical exam. This is the time for the doctor and patient to discuss expectations, potential risks and outcomes of the procedure. Your doctor will evaluate such factors as:

  • Are the varicose veins the main problem, or are they connected to other veins that may need to be treated first?
  • Are there clots in the superficial or deep veins that may need to be addressed?
  • Are other procedures needed in addition to ambulatory phlebectomy?