Microphlebectomy
Microphlebectomy in the Greater San Jose area
If you have varicose veins or spider veins, they may be a symptom of a more serious underlying problem with your circulatory system. At California Vein & Vascular Centers, we have a team of board-certified physicians specializing in the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of vein and vascular issues. We can evaluate your varicose veins and determine if they are an underlying symptom or if they are benign. We offer a variety of varicose vein removal procedures, including microphlebectomy in Los Gatos and Salinas, CA. Call us to schedule an initial consultation and learn more about our services.
What Is a Phlebectomy & What Is a Microphleblectomy?
A phlebectomy, also known as a microphlebectomy, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small needle to remove varicose veins. You will only require local anesthesia, and you can typically resume your regular daily activities after your treatment. This procedure can be used to remove medium-to-large-sized varicose veins for cosmetic reasons or to reduce your risk of complications from an underlying circulation problem or venous condition.
Who Needs a Microphlebectomy Procedure?
We might recommend a microphlebectomy prolcedure if you have large varicose veins that cannot be treated using another method, like sclerotherapy. Microphlebectomy procedures are minimally invasive and non-surgical, have a faster healing time, are less painful, and offer better cosmetic results than other methods of varicose vein removal. However, we will only be removing the large surface varicose veins, not the smaller spider veins.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are swollen blood vessels that you can see just underneath the surface of your skin. They occur when the walls of your veins are weak due to a medical condition or circulatory problem. The weakening of your vein walls will cause blood to back up into your veins, causing blue, green, or purple bulges on your legs, feet, and ankles. Spider veins are smaller, thinner veins that might surround varicose veins. Spider veins are usually red or purple. Varicose veins aren’t necessarily dangerous, but they can be unsightly, painful, or an indication of a more serious underlying medical condition. Severe varicose veins can increase your risk of blood clots or stroke.
What to Expect From a Microphlebectomy Procedure
During a microphlebectomy procedure, you will be under local anesthesia. The procedure is an outpatient procedure, but you may want to have someone drive you to and from your appointment. We will first map out the varicose veins that we plan to remove. We will make tiny incisions in targeted areas and use a specialized hook-like instrument to extract each section of damaged veins. You will not experience any pain or discomfort, but you may feel pressure or a tugging sensation. In most cases, the procedure will take an hour to an hour and a half. Afterwards, you will spend 30-45 minutes in our recovery suite so that we can make sure you don’t experience any complications.
The Microphlebectomy Recovery Process
Most people can immediately return to their regular daily activities after a microphlebectomy procedure. We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise and activities for at least two weeks after your procedure. We will also have you wear compression stockings or bandages for a few days or weeks after the procedure. The microphlebectomy recovery process is different for everyone, and we will give you information and resources on what to expect and what to look out for. Your incisions do not require stitches and will just heal on their own. Most people don’t experience any fear from the incisions. You may feel some tenderness and a slight skin discoloration at the site of the incisions, but this should go away after a few days.
Find Out if You’re a Good Candidate for a Microphlebectomy
If you’re interested in finding out if you’re a good candidate for a microphlebectomy, our team at California Vein & Vascular Centers can help. Our board-certified physicians have extensive experience evaluating varicose veins and spider veins and helping patients find relief. We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of vein and vascular conditions, including arterial and venous ulcers, diabetic wounds, and varicose veins. Call us today or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation. We serve patients throughout the greater San Jose area, including the cities of Campbell and Saratoga.