When the blood ceases to flow smoothly up the legs back to the heart and lungs, it may be because the veins are weak and not performing their intended function. The walls of the veins and the tiny valves inside push the blood against gravity with the help of the surrounding muscles. When they become weak because of heredity, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and for other reasons, they may fail to function. When this happens, the blood pools in the veins, causing them to bulge and twist. They may show beneath the surface of the skin as bluish, purple varicose veins. These inefficient veins may be large or small, and there are different treatments for each.
Large and medium-sized varicose veins are often removed with a special technique called microphlebectomy. This procedure is much less invasive than surgery and the recovery time is quicker. The procedure involves making a tiny opening or tiny openings in the leg over the vein. The incision is less than a quarter of an inch long, which is all the space that is usually required to pull out the deficient vein and leave the leg smooth and the skin clear. The incision is so small that it often does not require stitches. The vein is gone and will not recur.
A small piece of tape is enough to close the incision. You may be asked to wear compression stockings for at least 36 hours after the treatment and then during the day for about two weeks. If you have any soreness, you can take an over-the-counter non-aspirin pain reliever.
During a microphlebectomy procedure, our specialist very gently removes the vein through the small incision or incisions. The blood that previously flowed in that vein is naturally diverted to a healthy vein that is deeper inside the leg. The blood is now flowing efficiently and the bulging is gone. It is usually an outpatient procedure with minimal discomfort. If the patient was experiencing painful or uncomfortable symptoms from the varicose vein, he or she will get immediate relief.
Some of the symptoms of varicose veins that may be relieved are aching and throbbing legs, ulcers that are difficult to heal, hyperpigmentation in the lower legs and ankles, swelling, itching with or without a rash, pain that is worse when you stand and leg cramps. The procedure usually takes less than an hour to complete.
During your initial consultation with our specialist at Beach Cities Vein and Laser Center, you may have an ultrasound examination to make sure the veins that are deeper in your legs are functioning properly and not causing the varicose vein.
Microphlebectomy is a minimally-invasive procedure that removes large and medium-sized varicose veins from the legs. It immediately gives relief from the symptoms of varicose veins and improves the appearance of the legs. Beach Cities Vein and Laser Center is located in El Segundo, and we also serve the Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more about microphlebectomy.