For many people, the appearance of varicose veins can be cause for concern, but what they may not realize is that health risks can also arise when varicose veins are left untreated. Pain from sitting or standing as well as carrying out everyday activities can become a burden when bulging varicose veins are afflicting the legs. Fortunately, there are multiple treatment options available at Canada Vein Clinics that help reduce the appearance of varicose veins and also restore their natural function. One such method is the minimally invasive yet completely effective mini-phlebectomy.
What Is It?
Because the veins are so heavily involved in the circulatory system, treating vein conditions can seem complicated. What many clients don’t realize is that options are available that vary in intensity. For those who wish to treat their varicose veins, but are weary of surgery, general anesthesia and discomfort after the fact, a mini-phlebectomy is a great compromise.
Guided by ultrasound, the mini-phlebectomy procedure removes sections of bulging superficial veins and only involves two very small incisions to the affected area. A small hook is inserted into the incisions, which pulls the vein toward the surface of the skin. The vein is then removed – the entire procedure taking less than an hour to complete.
How Is It Any Different from Vein Stripping?
Before more innovative techniques were created, the only way to rid the legs of varicose veins was through a process called vein ligation or vein stripping, where the greater saphenous vein was removed from the leg. To remove the GSV, the procedure was often invasive and involved significant downtime afterwards. Many people who had varicose veins chose not to seek treatment due to the discomfort vein stripping created, which caused even greater health risks for them over time.
Mini-phlebectomy is much less invasive and removes the veins through small holes in the skin, rather than a large incision. Due to the procedure being guided heavily by ultrasound, physicians can direct the surgery from outside of the body, creating more comfort for the client. A topical anesthetic may be used before the incisions are created, but otherwise, no general anesthesia is required and no sutures are placed on the wounds afterward n. Additionally, mini-phlebectomy can be performed right in a physician’s office rather than a hospital setting, making it a rather convenient procedure.
Is It Really That Simple?
Oftentimes, the mini-phlebectomy procedure will be combined with other vein treatments such as EVLT, ClariVein or VenaSeal in order to enhance and solidify the results. Otherwise, the procedure is more convenient than getting a filling at the dentist’s office. Once mini-phlebecomy is complete, many clients return to their normal routine the very next day, and they’re back at work in less than a week. Although the mini-phlebectomy offers that same benefits as vein stripping, the latter tends to be more comfortable for clients.
A patient’s qualifications for mini-phlebectomy will depend on their medical history as well as the depth and condition of the veins in question. To gain a full understanding of the mini-phlebectomy procedure or to find out whether it is right for you, call Canada Vein Clinics and schedule a consultation or browse our website for specific treatment information. We would be happy to discuss with you the expectations, time frame, costs and risks associated with the procedure; please contact us if you have any questions.
