Phlebectomy Overview
Phlebectomy (also known as an ambulatory phlebectomy, stab phlebectomy, vascular surgery or micro-incision phlebectomy) is a minimally-invasive treatment for the removal of varicose veins. Generally, individuals who are great candidates to undergo a phlebectomy include those who are experiencing large leg veins greater than the width of a finger.
Because unwanted varicose veins can often cause a variety of circulation problems, patients often seek the help of an expert dermatologist who can remove the veins altogether. Our doctors perform phlebectomy under tumescent anesthesia, a technique which delivers local anesthesia directly to the veins being removed.
Types of Phlebectomy
Stab Phlebectomy
During a stab phlebectomy in San Diego, your doctor will remove unwanted varicose veins through incisions placed directly above the veins. These special incisions, which are usually smaller than a half centimeter, allow the surgeons to easily find and remove the large veins. In many cases, a minimally invasive stab phlebectomy may be combined with less invasive measures including sclerotherapy or CoolTouch CTEV laser treatments to bring the patients the best possible outcomes.
Micro Phlebectomy
A micro phlebectomy is performed for individuals who wish to remove large and unsightly varicose veins. During this procedure, our vein specialists remove the veins through an extremely small opening, making healing and recovery very easy for the patient. After undergoing a micro phlebectomy at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, a patient can notice an immediate improvement with little downtime. As with other types of phlebectomies, it is still necessary to follow the postoperative guidelines provided by your surgeon and to wear compression stockings as instructed.
At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego, Dr. Mitchel P. Goldman and Dr. Sabrina G. Fabi are experts in the performance of leg vein treatments and are considered vein specialists, also known as phlebologists. Both are highly esteemed board-certified dermatologists and diplomats of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, meaning they have the highest level of insight possible to perform the procedure in a safe and effective way.
What to Expect
After your phlebectomy procedure, you can return to your normal, everyday activities almost immediately, though we typically recommend that you abstain from engaging in any strenuous physical activities (such as sports) for the first week after treatment. In some cases, patients experience mild bruising or discomfort, but this typically resolves within 1-2 weeks after your procedure has been performed.
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FAQs
Q: What is the difference between a phlebectomy and sclerotherapy?
Q: Who should perform a phlebectomy?
Q: What is the recovery time like after a phlebectomy?
Q: Will I notice an immediate improvement in my bulging blue veins?
Q: Are multiple phlebectomies required?
Q: What are varicose veins?
Other Options
An in-person consultation at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology will help our vein experts determine if you’re a good candidate for a phlebectomy or one of our advanced treatment alternatives for vein removal:
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