Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory phlebectomy is a procedure during which small cuts are made in the skin and unsightly and painful veins, such as varicose veins, are removed. Ambulatory phlebectomy is usually considered when a vein is too large to be treated with other more conservative options such as sclerotherapy. An ambulatory phlebectomy offers excellent cosmetic results when compared to varicose vein surgery, which is now rarely needed.

The procedure begins with the identification and marking of the veins to be removed while the patient is standing. Patients must be standing to improve the visibility of the vein through the skin. The patient then lies down, and local anesthesia is administered to the treatment areas. Tiny incisions are made over the varicose vein to be treated and a specially made medical device is used to extract the vein.

The procedure is typically performed in the office and requires between 15 minutes and one hour depending on how many veins are being treated and how large the veins are.

Post- procedure recovery

Patients can return to normal activity immediately after the surgical procedure and typically require compression stockings for a couple weeks after.

Ambulatory phlebectomy is very effective while also producing excellent cosmetic results due to only requiring tiny incisions.

Results of an ambulatory phlebotomy

Ambulatory phlebectomy is ideal for larger varicose veins and patients will see immediate cosmetic improvement. Some bruising and swelling around the incision site is normal and subsides within a week or two after the procedure.

Ambulatory phlebotomy may be used in conjunction with endovenous laser ablation for certain veins.

Considerations of the ambulatory phlebotomy

This procedure has been employed widely and effectively since the 1950s and has an excellent safety and effectiveness record. Some patients may experience temporary numbness, bruising and bleeding in the treatment area, but these complications are rarely serious and are easily treated.

Very rarely, patients may have an allergic reaction to the local anesthetic. Rarely, infection can occur, especially if proper wound care is not followed after the procedure.

To learn more about ambulatory phlebectomy and if it is right for you, please schedule a consultation with one of our vein specialists.