Ambulatory phlebectomy is one of the most common varicose vein treatment options, and it has a long history of success. At our Cincinnati vein treatment center, we offer ambulatory phlebectomy using the most advanced techniques and technology to help men and women get rid of ugly varicose veins and the symptoms they cause.
Like laser vein procedures and other state-of-the-art varicose vein treatment options, ambulatory phlebectomy (sometimes simply called phlebectomy) is a minimally-invasive procedure, which means it uses tiny incisions that result in faster healing and recovery, not to mention much smaller scars. If you have varicose veins, knowing what to expect after treatment is an important part of feeling confident about your care. Here’s what to expect following ambulatory phlebectomy.
Phlebectomy is a surgical procedure that uses tiny incisions to remove a diseased vein. As one of the “oldest” vein procedures, phlebectomy has a very high safety rate, and it’s very effective in removing ugly veins. You can see some before & after photos at our site.
Ambulatory phlebectomy uses local anesthetic to numb the treatment area, so there’s no need for sedation or general anesthesia. The procedure can be used alone or in combination with other techniques, like radiofrequency ablation, depending on each patient’s unique needs. Most procedures are completed in a single office visit. A second visit may be required for patients who need to have multiple veins removed.
Once your procedure is complete, a dressing is applied to the treated area, and a compression garment also may be provided. The dressing and garment promote optimal healing and recovery while also reducing swelling, bruising and any minor discomfort that can occur. You’ll need to keep the dressing on for the first 24 hours for the initial healing period. During those 24 hours, you may notice some drainage from the incisions sites. This is completely normal, and typically resolves after the first day. After 24 hours, you can remove the dressing but continue to wear the compression garment for about two weeks.
Most people who have ambulatory phlebectomy have some bruising and minor swelling in the area. Keeping your legs elevated as much as possible during the first week or two after your procedure can help reduce both these issues. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful in reducing any discomfort you might experience.
You can return to work in about two or three days after your procedure, but it’s important to make sure your activities are light during the first week of recovery. You should also try to walk for at least 30 minutes each day during this time. If you have discomfort, it’s OK to split up your walking time into multiple 5- or 10-minute sessions throughout the day. After two weeks, you’ll be able to resume most of your activities.
For about a week after your procedure, you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity to avoid placing too much pressure on the treatment site. You should also stay out of hot tubs and avoid hot baths during this time to enable the incision sites to heal properly and to avoid infection.
As a top-ranked vein treatment center, Vascular and Interventional Associates offers the most advanced varicose vein treatment options for patients in Crestview Hills and throughout the greater Cincinnati area. To learn more about our treatment options or to schedule a vein evaluation, call Vascular and Interventional Associates at 859-286-7333.
