This minor surgical procedure involves the removal of varicose veins close to the skin through tiny incisions.
The first step involves “Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy”, where the doctor injects a solution into the veins, to “shrink” the veins and reduce the size of the incision needed to remove them through the skin. While some veins sit very close to the surface, sections of the same vein may not. The injections also help to close off any part of the vein that may remain following the Phlebectomy.
These injections are described as “Ultrasound Guided”, meaning the ultrasound helps the doctor find the veins under the skin surface so they can be injected safely.
The second step is the Phlebectomy itself. This involves the removal of larger veins through small cuts in the skin. Although this may leave a small scar (approximately 2mm in length), it can lead to overall faster healing times in some people.
The procedure is performed in an office setting using local anaesthetic to the area surrounding the veins. Compression stockings are worn for up to 2 weeks following the procedure, but patients are able to shower normally during the recovery period. Bruising usually disappears over a six-week period.
Follow-up
It is important to follow-up the treated vein with ultrasound imaging to detect signs of early recurrence in branch veins. Our follow-up includes ultrasound examinations at 1 week and 4 weeks, at which time any remaining veins are treated.
Compression Stockings
All treatments performed at the Vein & Laser Centre require the wearing of a Class 2 compression stocking after the procedure for a variable amount of time. The length of time the stocking needs to be worn varies from 5 days to 2 weeks depending on the size of the veins injected and the treatment method provided. The stockings may be claimable from your health fund if you have ancillary cover.
