Microphlebectomy

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.

What Is Microphlebectomy?

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.

Why Would I Need Microphlebectomy?

Microphlebectomy is often the recommended treatment for large surface varicose veins that cannot be effectively treated with other techniques.

Who’s a candidate for microphlebectomy?

If you have large or painful varicose veins, you may be a candidate for microphlebectomy.

What are the benefits of 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.

Alternatives to microphlebectomy

• Sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical solution into the vein to break the vein down.
• Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat or chemicals to damage the tissue and close the vein.
• Endovenous laser treatment uses a laser to heat and destroy varicose veins.
• Surgical ligation and stripping, a surgical procedure to remove large varicose veins.

Is microphlebectomy the same as stripping?

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.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Microphlebectomy?

Like all medical procedures, microphlebectomy comes with some risks, including:

• Infection.
• Permanent skin discoloration.
• Bleeding or bruising.
• Numbness and tingling where the veins are removed.

What Should I Expect From Microphlebectomy?

Before: How to prepare for microphlebectomy

Your doctor will explain the microphlebectomy procedure to you and give you a chance to ask questions. To prepare for the procedure, you should:

• Tell your doctor if you are sensitive or allergic to any medications, iodine, latex, tape, or anesthetic agents (local and general).
• Tell your doctor about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal or other supplements you are taking.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any blood-thinning medications, aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting. It may be necessary to stop some of the medications prior to the procedure.

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.

How long does microphlebectomy take?

Microphlebectomy takes less than a hour.

During your microphlebectomy

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.

Recovery after microphlebectomy

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.

Can you drive after microphlebectomy?

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.

How long does it take to recover from microphlebectomy?

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.

When to call your doctor about microphlebectomy complications

You should call your doctor if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, including:

• Pain, redness, bleeding, drainage, or increased swelling at the removal site.
• A fever of more than 100.0°F.
• Numbness or tingling that doesn’t go away.

What’s the prognosis after microphlebectomy?

Microphlebectomy is an effective procedure to remove varicose veins, providing outstanding cosmetic results and symptom relief.

What’s the success rate of microphlebectomy?

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.

Why Choose UPMC for Microphlebectomy?

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.

By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-10-01.