Microphlebectomy throughout Michigan

To know whether you’re a good candidate for this procedure, it’s best to undergo a proper evaluation, during which we can review and discuss your medical history. Our vein specialist, Dr. Zmily, will determine whether the varicose veins are the only concern, or whether other connected veins need to be addressed as well. The clots in your veins will also be evaluated so our specialist can determine whether they affect the deep veins or only the surface. 

While not everyone experiences pain, discomfort, or swelling, varicose veins may be a sign of more serious issues which is why seeking a professional opinion is essential. 

That being said, microphlebectomy may not be the best treatment for patients who:

• Are allergic to local anesthesia 
• Lack the ability to walk on their own 
• Have an active infection
• Suffer from cellulitis (a bacterial skin infection)
• Severe edema in the treatment area — a condition where your smaller blood vessels (capillaries) leak fluid
• Pregnant or breastfeeding

Spider veins are typically much smaller than varicose veins so it’s much more common to treat them using sclerotherapy. However, in some cases, microphlebectomy can be used as well.

Not at all! Before your procedure, Dr. Zmily will administer a local anesthetic so that your procedure is painless and comfortable. However, local anesthetic takes away the pain but not the sensation so it’s common to feel a “pulling” or “tugging” sensation as the afflicted vein is being removed. Patients experience little to no pain following treatment which makes it a superior choice for varicose vein removal.

The purpose of vein stripping and microphlebectomy is the same — to completely remove problematic surface veins that are painful or aesthetically unappealing. However, the process differs greatly. 

With traditional vein stripping, the vein is removed with an invasive surgery at a hospital. General anesthesia is needed which means you won’t be conscious during the procedure and it can take up to three hours to complete. The surgeon makes a large incision to remove the vein. The problematic vein will be stitched closed which will redirect the blood flow to nearby veins and the dead vein is pulled out though a second sizable incision. Not only can it take nearly two months of recovery, this procedure is oftentimes ineffective, and many patients experience a return of the varicose vein. 

Microphlebectomy is much less invasive. Your vein specialist Dr. Zmily will make tiny nicks along the length of the vein, removing it piece by piece. This treatment only requires local anesthesia, which means you’re awake during the procedure but will experience no pain. The procedure can be done in less than one hour, and patients can return to their regular schedules the same day while enjoying long lasting results. 

The most common symptoms of varicose veins are leg swelling and pain. But other signs may not be so obvious, for example, blood clots and restless leg syndrome. Some people even experience numbness and the inability to walk long distances.

Being female can make you more likely to develop some health issues. Varicose veins are one disease that’s more common in women. The first reason is pregnancy, as the baby causes increased pressure on the vessels compounded by increased blood volume during pregnancy. A second reason women may experience more varicose vein symptoms is leg muscle mass may be less than a male. Strong leg muscles may support the blood vessel more. Finally, female hormones estrogen and progesterone cause the muscles that control blood flow in the legs to relax.