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.