If large, bulging veins are causing problems in your legs, our vein doctors may recommend microphlebectomy as a great treatment option for safe pain relief. This procedure gets rid of severe varicose veins in a single visit.
What is a microphlebectomy?
A microphlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure done under local anesthetic (numbing) that uses small, 2–3mm incisions on problem areas of the leg to permanently remove larger, twisted veins. Instead of just treating veins inside your leg, a microphlebectomy actually removes the specific veins entirely, allowing for immediate disappearance of bulging veins, increased blood flow to healthy veins, and overall leg pain relief.
Microphlebectomy is covered by insurance because this vein treatment is done to address medical symptoms related to the underlying cause of vein disease, known as chronic venous insufficiency. Varicose vein treatments, such as microphlebectomy, address symptoms like cramping legs, aching or heavy legs, and restless legs. At Metro Vein Centers, we accept over 200+ insurance plans and work directly with your insurance provider to maximize your coverage, without any paperwork or hassle for you.
A microphlebectomy (also known as an ambulatory phlebectomy) is a procedure that targets medium-to-large problem veins and removes them, completely, from your legs. This procedure is for highly damaged, larger-than-normal varicose veins that are causing severe symptoms such as intense pain and chronic aching.
During this treatment, your vein doctor will first apply a local anesthetic so you only feel minimal discomfort. Then, the doctor will make a small number of very tiny (2–3mm or 1/8”) incisions in order to actually remove the entire malfunctioning vein using a small hook. While other procedures treat the veins on the inside, a microphlebectomy removes the problem completely, thus resulting in more immediate relief and cosmetic improvement.
Microphlebectomy incisions are so small, stitches are not needed. A simple Band-Aid is enough to facilitate healing. Patients feel immediate relief with the removed damaged veins, and the treatment sites will heal over a matter of weeks.
There are a number of treatment options for varicose veins that are more minimally invasive than a microphlebectomy. Most of them treat the veins inside via ultrasound-guided injections or other methods, thereby closing the abnormal veins internally. With a microphlebectomy, however, the problem veins are actually removed, a little at a time. Local anesthetic (numbing) means you won’t feel the procedure, but what you will feel is extremely fast relief.
For many varicose vein issues, radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy, or several other vein solutions can be the answer—and are quite painless. Microphlebectomies are best suited for large, bulging or twisted varicose veins near the surface of the skin. As such, your doctor may recommend a microphlebectomy in combination with other treatment options, such as endovenous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation, in order to receive the best possible results.
Side effects from a microphlebectomy aren’t common, but it’s always smart to be prepared. Some temporary side effects may include swelling, bruising around the treated area, and pain at the treatment sites during recovery. On very rare occasions, some patients experience temporary numbness or discoloration around the treatment areas. Your doctor will recommend you wear compression stockings (which we’ll give you following your procedure) and take a recommended over-the-counter pain medication if needed. Before your microphlebectomy, our board-certified vein doctors will go over your health history, allergies, side effects, and recovery, ensuring your procedure yields maximal results.
