Phlebectomy Treatment

Phlebectomy (also known as microphlebectomy, ambulatory phlebectomy or stab phlebectomy) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure wherein bulging varicose veins are removed. In this procedure, several tiny punctures (incisions) are made in the skin through which the varicose vein is gently removed. Stitches usually are not required.

Phlebectomy may be done along with another treatment for varicose veins, including, Endovenous Laser Ablation, Radiofrequency Ablation, VenaSeal or Ultrasound-guided Sclerotherapy.

There are a number of reasons to consider a phlebectomy procedure to treat varicose veins, including:

• Quick, easy results. Phlebectomy results in the removal of the diseased vein using a simple, outpatient procedure.
• Great for bigger veins. Some vein treatments are best for small veins, but a phlebectomy procedure works for bigger veins that are near the surface of the skin.
• Uses tumescent anesthesia. As an outpatient procedure, a phlebectomy requires just local anesthesia.
• Little to no scarring. A Phlebectomy requires small punctures in the skin, resulting in little to no scarring.

This vein treatment option results in a reduction of symptoms by removing the diseased vein from the body. Explore vein treatment before and after photos >

The price of a phlebectomy treatment varies depending on your personalized treatment plan as well as your insurance coverage. Because treating vein disease is our specialty, VCA works with patients to discuss payment options that best fit your needs. Two popular options we have are CareCredit® and Flex Spend Accounts (FSA/HSA).

• CareCredit® is a credit card made for out-of-pocket healthcare costs when insurance doesn’t fully cover treatments.
• FSA and HSA are other options that may allow for reimbursement of health-related treatments and expenses, including those for vein disorders. However, always check with your plan’s administrator for options. For more information, visit our Financial Assistance page.

Phlebectomy procedures are safe treatment options, performed at Vein Clinics of America locations across the country. However, with minimally invasive procedures there is always a potential risk. Some possible risks of a phlebectomy include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Discoloration of skin surrounding treated area

Following your phlebectomy procedure consultation and ultrasound appointment, your specialist will meet with you to share your customized treatment plan. They will provide an overview of the procedure, what you can expect, how to prepare for it, and what to expect following the procedure. Here’s what to expect the night before and day of your phlebectomy procedure:

The night before treatment:

• Get plenty of sleep and stay hydrated.

The day of treatment:

• Take medications as directed, eat meals as you normally would and drink plenty of water. If you have been prescribed compression stockings, do not wear them on the day of procedure.
• Once you arrive at the office and check in, you will be escorted to a changing room where you will be asked to change into disposable shorts. If not already done, pre-procedure photos will be taken of your leg and you will then be escorted into the procedure room.
• Your leg will be cleaned and draped as this is a sterile procedure. Your physician and healthcare team will walk you through each step in the process with as much or little detail as you would like.
• The appointment time will be approximately one hour but the procedure itself will be 15-20 minutes.
• You will feel a light pinching as the anesthesia is injected just below the skin along the course of the varicose veins.
• Once the procedure is complete, they will clean and bandage your leg and walk you back to your changing room.
• Once you change and check out, you can return to most normal activities right away.

Immediately following a phlebectomy treatment, you may experience bruising and inflammation, but these should not last longer than a couple of weeks.

Phlebectomy procedures are performed in-office and patients return to nearly all normal physical activities immediately following their appointment. In order to ensure a smooth recovery, you will be given take home instructions which will outline what you can expect, what to do, as well as what not to do. Examples are below but these may differ based on your vein size, history, and provider preference: