Phlebectomy is surgical removal of bulging varicose veins though tiny skin incisions. This minimally invasive procedure is performed in the office with local anesthesia. Phlebectomy is also known as micro phlebectomy (because the incisions are tiny) or ambulatory phlebectomy.
WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS FOR TREATING BULGING VARICOSE VEINS AT THE SKIN SURFACE?
There are two main techniques to treat varicose veins:
1.) Phlebectomy: surgical removal of the veins
2.) Foam sclerotherapy: injection of a medicated foam to close the veins
Sclerotherapy is the least invasive, but patients with large and/or numerous bulging veins may require several sclerotherapy appointments over two or more months. This is because we can only administer a small amount of foam medication per day and larger veins may require two or more injections to close. Larger veins can also become firm and tender after sclerotherapy and/or deposit brownish blood pigments in the skin as the veins are healing.
WHY WAS I OFFERED PHLEBECTOMY?
Patients with bulging varicose veins may prefer to start with micro-phlebectomy removal of the largest veins, then sclerotherapy treatment for the remaining veins. This reduces the number of appointments and accelerates recovery.
HOW DOES THE PROCEDURE WORK?
The skin is numbed with lidocaine, then a tiny puncture is made in the skin (about 1⁄2 the size of a grain of rice). We then infuse additional numbing medication around the veins. A small hook is used to bring the vein to the skin surface, then the vein is removed.
diagram of Phlebectomy procedure
Videos of the treatment, as well as after care instructions can be found on our website and our YouTube channel.
OUR PATIENTS SAY
Wonderful!! Dr. Bunke and staff are absolutely the best!!
The office is the perfect combination of professionalism, kindness, efficiency, empathy and expert medical treatment and care.
Dr. Bunke is kind, friendly and so knowledgeable that you feel very comfortable that you will receive excellent treatment.
Dr. Lucas and her staff are incredible. They were so kind and nurturing while I was having the vein procedures. Highly recommend.
Anna M. Is the most professional and caring manager I have encountered in the medical industry.
