Varicose veins are swollen veins that are often found in the legs. Microphlebectomy is an outpatient procedure to remove varicose veins through small, slit-like incisions in your skin.
UPMC vein specialists provide expert, minimally invasive surgical treatment to eliminate unsightly or painful varicose veins.
Microphlebectomy is an outpatient procedure performed to remove varicose veins through small, slit-like incisions in your skin. This minimally invasive treatment does not require sutures or general anesthesia and can be easily performed in your doctor’s office with minimal downtime.
Microphlebectomy is often the recommended treatment for large surface varicose veins that cannot be effectively treated with other techniques.
If you have large or painful varicose veins, you may be a candidate for microphlebectomy.
Because only the large surface varicose veins are removed, microphlebectomy is less invasive than surgical stripping and results in quicker healing, less pain, and a better cosmetic result. Recovery is more rapid, and a majority of patients do not need to interrupt regular activity after microphlebectomy. Microphlebectomy may be done at the same time as ablation.
Microphlebectomy and stripping are two different procedures. Microphlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia to remove sections of varicose veins through small incisions.
Stripping is usually performed while you are asleep through larger incisions and requires a longer recovery time.
Like all medical procedures, microphlebectomy comes with some risks, including:
Your doctor will explain the microphlebectomy procedure to you and give you a chance to ask questions. To prepare for the procedure, you should:
On the day of your procedure, be sure to bring your photo ID and health insurance card(s). Leave valuables such as cash and jewelry at home.
Microphlebectomy is an outpatient procedure, so you will go home the same day. However, because the procedure is performed using local anesthesia, you may experience some numbness and tingling where the veins are removed. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure.
Microphlebectomy takes less than a hour.
Microphlebectomy is performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis and can be completed in less than an hour.
Your doctor will first identify the veins to be treated to ensure precise removal and to help preserve the health of your surrounding veins and tissue. Tiny incisions will be made in the targeted areas, and a surgical hook will be inserted to extract the damaged veins section by section. You shouldn't experience any discomfort during the procedure.
You will be able to walk and return to normal activities immediately after microphlebectomy. However, you should avoid strenuous activities for 1-2 weeks after your procedure. To prevent blood clots, you will wear compression socks or bandages for several days or weeks following the procedure.
Microphlebectomy is performed using local anesthesia. However, you may have some numbness and tingling after the procedure. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure. You may resume driving the day after your procedure.
You will be able to return to normal activities immediately after microphlebectomy, but you should avoid strenuous activities for 1-2 weeks after your procedure. You should follow your doctor's instructions on how to care for your incisions and wear compression socks or bandages as directed.
Your incisions will not require stitches and will heal on their own. In most people, the incisions are barely visible after 6-12 months. You may experience mild skin discoloration at the site of the varicose vein, but this usually goes away on its own after a few days.
You should call your doctor if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, including:
Microphlebectomy is an effective procedure to remove varicose veins, providing outstanding cosmetic results and symptom relief.
The success rate of microphlebectomy is more than 90 percent. More than 98 percent of people have long-lasting results, with no varicose vein recurrence one year after treatment.
Our vein specialists are among the most experienced in the region and provide comprehensive varicose vein treatment. They use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to treat varicose veins and deliver outstanding cosmetic results with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Last reviewed by a UPMC medical professional on 2024-10-01.
