At Zenith Vascular & Fibroid Center in Memphis, TN, your health and well being are our top priorities. We offer several treatment options for clients who are displeased with the appearance of their varicose veins. But for each of these treatment options, we get several questions. Today, we answer our most frequently asked questions about microphlebectomy, including what it means.
What Does Microphlebectomy Mean?
Microphlebectomy refers to the removal of a medium to large varicose vein through a tiny incision made in the affected area. Most commonly, this treatment is performed to remove varicose veins in the leg. However, varicose veins may also occur in other parts of the body, such as the abdomen, chest, hands, and arms.
How Large Are the Incisions?
The incisions made to perform this treatment are less than 1/4″ in length. The exact size of the incision made will depend on the length of the vein. Most of the incisions we make are only 1 to 3 mm in length.
However, you need not worry about visible scars after the treatment. The incision will only be perceptible for a few weeks. Then it will fade and you will be left with varicose vein-free legs.
What Happens When the Varicose Veins Are Removed?
Once the diseased veins are removed, the blood previously attempting to flow through those veins is rerouted to other deep veins within the legs. Few people realize that they don’t need every one of their veins. In fact, circulation is improved drastically once the diseased vein is removed because blood isn’t struggling to reach your heart anymore.
Will I Have to Spend the Night in a Hospital?
Absolutely not! This outpatient procedure is performed in our state-of-the-art office. You are free to go home as soon as we’re done and we’ve ensured you understand how to care for your treated region after the treatment.
How Long Does it Take?
Depending on the size, number, and locations of the varicose veins, you can expect this treatment to take around an hour. However, you may receive an ultrasound of the area before the procedure so we can see exactly what we are dealing with.
This will make the actual treatment go a lot faster and it also ensures it is more effective. It also ensures that the other deep veins in the area are healthy and not the cause of the varicose veins you need to be removed.
How Do I Prepare for This Treatment?
To prepare for this treatment, we will perform a physical examination of the area to determine where the dysfunctional valves are located. Besides using a handheld ultrasound device to see the veins and valves better, we may also order a duplex scan. This helps us to see the amount of blood flow through the affected veins. It also rules out thromboses in the veins.
It is extremely important that you tell us about any over-the-counter or prescription medications you are currently taking or have taken recently. You may need to stop taking certain types of medications or nutritional supplements, such as those that may thin the blood or prevent blood clotting.
What Are the Benefits of Treatment?
No Downtime
After treatment, you are immediately able to walk and continue with your daily routine. There is no serious downtime involved, and you’ll enjoy the new look of your legs very quickly.
Good for Nearly Anyone
If you are displeased with the appearance of varicose veins, there is a very good chance you are the perfect candidate for this treatment. The types of veins that this treatment corrects are varicose veins that are bulging, close to the surface of the skin (superficial), or twisted.
The best candidate will be in fairly good overall health and have a positive, but realistic, outlook regarding the treatment process and expectations. We will ensure during your initial consultation that you have a solid understanding of what to expect during and after treatment.
During your initial consultation, we will assess the size, number, and location of your varicose veins to determine if you should choose this treatment method for your varicose veins.
Immediate Relief
Most of our clients opt for this treatment method because the pain relief derived from removing the bulging, twisted veins is immediate. Moreover, there is no downtime or extensive recovery period. After an hour or less, they are free to go about their day. The only difference to your day is there will be no painful swelling, discomfort, itching, irritation, pressure, numbness, or tingling. Even better, your aesthetic will be improved immediately, as well.
Permanent Results
The results of this treatment, also known as ambulatory phlebectomy, are permanent. However, depending on the cause of your superficial varicose veins, you may need a follow-up treatment. If the reason you were developing varicose veins in the first place is not treated, there is nothing stopping other veins from bulging and twisting.
Other FAQ About Varicose Vein Treatment
Are Varicose Veins Dangerous?
Varicose veins have the potential to be dangerous. Because the blood in varicose veins pools, it can clot. This painful condition is known as superficial phlebitis and is not necessarily dangerous. When a blood clot forms outside the vein or you develop deep vein thrombosis, the clot can break off from the vein.
When a blood clot separates from a vein, it can travel all the way through your circulatory system and become lodged in one of your lungs. Such a condition is known as a pulmonary embolism and is potentially fatal.
Will I Have to Pay Out of Pocket for This Treatment?
That depends on your health insurance provider. Because varicose veins pose a health risk and often have already caused medical problems, most health insurance providers will cover this treatment. At Zenith Vascular & Fibroid Center in Memphis, TN, we have proudly partnered with Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, AETNA, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare.
Talk to your health insurance provider about your interest in this treatment. If they cover it, you may have to pay a small amount out-of-pocket if you have not yet met your deductible for the year. Otherwise, the entire treatment, including anesthesia, will be covered depending on your plan.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are caused by increased venous blood pressure. In healthy leg veins, blood travels towards the heart via one-way valves. When these valves weaken or become damaged, blood pools in the veins. Some of the most common causes of varicose veins are excessive alcohol consumption, nicotine consumption, obesity, pregnancy, and a sedentary lifestyle.
How Can I Mitigate My Risk of Developing Varicose Veins in the Future?
To mitigate your risk of developing varicose veins in the future, get your overall health in check. If you are overweight or obese, reach a healthy weight. To manage your blood pressure, do not consume nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, or sodium in excess. If you are pregnant, wear prescription-strength compression stockings and keep your legs elevated while you rest.
What Other Treatment Options Do I Have?
There are several other treatment options for varicose veins. Another one of our most popular varicose vein treatment methods is VenaSeal therapy. VenaSeal is a revolutionary form of endovenous ablation that is unlike any other method of endovenous ablation on the market.
Rather than sealing a diseased vein with heat or radiofrequency energy, the diseased vein is healed with a medical adhesive. You are a good candidate for this treatment if you are looking for an alternative to closing veins with heat or energy therapy and have realistic expectations about the treatment and outcome.
What Can I Expect From VenaSeal Therapy?
VenaSeal therapy treatments are performed on an outpatient basis in our state-of-the-art office. Guided by ultrasound technology, we place a catheter into the damaged vein. Once the catheter is in place, we use a proprietary medical adhesive to seal and close the vein.
A bit of pressure is applied to the leg during the treatment. However, because it does not involve heat or energy, there is no pain or discomfort. Treatment is very short and you are free to return to your daily routine immediately after treatment. While the closure of the disordered vein is immediate, the results of your treatment will become more apparent over time.
Is Endovenous Laser Treatment Right for Me?
Endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins, also known as ELT, is an ultrasound-guided treatment method using laser energy. During this treatment, an optical fiber is inserted into the disordered vein and infrared laser light delivers light energy inside the vein. As the vein contracts, the optical fiber is slowly withdrawn.
This incredibly quick treatment may be right for you if you are at risk of complications from vein disease, you suffer from physical symptoms of varicose veins and you’re seeking a non-surgical, highly effective alternative to varicose vein treatment.
What Can I Expect Before ELT?
Before ELT, we will examine your condition and discuss your personal preference to create a tailored treatment plan for your unique case. We are more than happy to answer any and all questions you have about treatment and insurance benefits. If the extent of your vein disease is significant, we will map your veins with ultrasound technology.
This will give us a comprehensive venous flow map that helps us see details not visible from the surface of your skin. This makes the treatment much safer and more effective and efficient. It may also be used to diagnose the cause of your varicose veins, such as other diseased veins deeper within the region.
What Can I Expect After ELT?
After ELT, you are immediately able to return to most of your daily routine. However, you should avoid high-impact activities and wear compression garments for two weeks after treatment. While the treated veins will not open up and become varicose again, currently healthy veins may become varicose in the future.
If you are concerned with developing new varicose veins in the future, we strongly recommend coming in for a regular follow-up appointment to assess your veins and identify potential problems before they become an issue.
Discover How to Improve Your Health and Aesthetics Today
Are you sick and tired of hiding your legs due to gnarly varicose veins? Do you wish you had the self-confidence of your friends and family members? With the help of microphlebectomy, you can. To learn more about this revolutionary treatment, please contact us today at Zenith Vascular & Fibroid Center in Memphis, TN to schedule your initial consultation.
