Bulging veins on the surface of the skin cannot be treated with endovenous ablation and require either sclerotherapy or mini-phlebectomy. Mini-phlebectomy is a technique in which varicose veins are removed using one to two millimeter incisions. This procedure is often performed with endovenous ablation of the saphenous vein. If the saphenous vein is normal (based on the ultrasound) with no reflux, then only mini-phlebectomy of the varicose veins is performed.
What to Expect
Mini-phlebectomy can take 20-40 minutes depending on the extent of varicose veins. After the procedure you will be wrapped for 2 days and wear a support stocking for two weeks. There will be some bruising, which is normal, and will completely resolve in four to six weeks. You may also experience some mild discomfort, tingling and/or tightness in the treated leg, which typically resolves in a few weeks.
After treatment of the diseased veins, healthy veins restore the normal flow of blood to the leg. As this happens, symptoms from the varicose veins improve.