Ambulatory phlebectomy is a highly effective, pain-relieving treatment choice among people suffering from bulging varicose veins. Done right at one of our Metro Vein Centers vein treatment locations, it’s a minimally invasive procedure with incredible, immediate results.
Five Things You Should Know about Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure to remove varicose veins. It involves making tiny incisions to extract problematic veins using specialized tools. This treatment is effective for visible, bulging varicose veins, offering quick recovery and good cosmetic results with minimal scarring.
Also referred to as “phlebectomy,” “stab phlebectomy,” and a number of other similar names, ambulatory phlebectomy procedures provide immediate relief by actually removing the problem vein. Phlebectomy treatment is done right in our Metro Vein Centers clinics. A few tiny incisions are made near the bulging vein using a small tool, your vein doctor will actually remove the painful, swollen vein. No stitches are needed, and you’ll be able to return to daily life right away.
Interested in understanding more about how a phlebectomy works? Here are five important facts about ambulatory phlebectomy to help you understand the procedure.
1. Ambulatory phlebectomy is ideal for bulging varicose veins
Ambulatory phlebectomy is best for bulging varicose veins that are close to the surface of the skin. Because the problem vein is actually removed from the leg during the procedure, all of the associated symptoms are eliminated immediately, and the cosmetic appearance improves within days. While other vein treatments such as endovenous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation are also effective at treating varicose veins, they work by closing the diseased vein instead of removing it, and thus they take longer to achieve results. There are pros and cons of every procedure, and you can discuss these in detail with your vein specialist.
2. Our procedure is minimally invasive
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a short procedure that requires small incisions and local anesthetic. However, the procedure is still minimally invasive and can be performed in your doctor’s office. The phlebectomy is performed entirely through a tiny incision on the surface of the skin, and no general anesthesia or overnight hospital admission is required! For patients here at Metro Vein Centers in any of our New York, New Jersey, Texas, Connecticut, or Michigan vein clinic locations, the entire procedure takes less than one hour to perform. At the end of the procedure, patients can walk out with a simple Band-Aid over the small cut where the vein was removed.
3. Ambulatory phlebectomy side effects & quick recovery
Following your ambulatory phlebectomy, you will be able to go home on the same day. Phlebectomy side effects are generally quite mild. You may experience some mild postoperative pain, and you may also notice some swelling and/or bruising around the incision site. This is normal. Wearing compression stockings as directed by your doctor will help speed up recovery and promote healthy circulation. In fact, most patients can return to their normal activities within 24 hours of the surgery, with results improving over time with continued post-care.
4. Complications are rare, but possible
Like all procedures, ambulatory phlebectomy carries a small risk of temporary side effects; however, serious complications are extremely rare. Possible complications and serious side effects of phlebectomy include an allergic reaction to the local anesthetic used, inflammation, bruising, or a tingling sensation. An ambulatory phlebectomy patient who experiences complications should report the symptoms to his or her doctor immediately.
5. Ambulatory phlebectomy is not your only treatment option
Although ambulatory phlebectomy is a popular treatment choice, it is not the only option for people suffering from damaged, painful varicose veins or spider veins. Other treatment options at Metro Vein Centers include sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and endovenous laser treatment. You can view all of our treatments in detail right here.
Are natural remedies for varicose veins out there? Unfortunately, while there is some misinformation out there on the internet, the reality is that the only long-term solution is treatment by a vein specialist. This is necessary to actually treat the underlying issues–and not just what can be seen on the surface. Of course, there are helpful lifestyle changes that can provide pain relief and alleviate other vein symptoms. Temporary relief can come from weight loss, increased exercise, elevation of the legs, and compression stockings; however, vein disease—the underlying condition that causes varicose veins—is progressive and a result of poor circulation, so it is best to speak with a vein specialist to discuss your options before symptoms worsen.
A Customized Treatment Plan for Every Patient
Patient-centered care is at the core of everything we do, so at your first appointment, we’ll determine the best next steps for your specific needs. All our vein doctors are board certified, and with 17 accredited vein clinics in three states, Metro Vein Centers has provided lasting results to over 100,000 patients. Read some of our reviews here!
Interested in learning more about ambulatory phlebectomy or any of our other treatment options? Contact Metro Vein Centers to schedule an appointment with one of our vein doctors in New York, New Jersey, or Michigan.
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