Varicose veins affect at least 30% of Americans, and your risk sharply increases with age. You’re not alone if you’re struggling with these frustrating oversized blood vessels.
At South Austin Vein Center, we understand that finding the right treatment can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Led by our renowned vein disease expert, board-certified vascular and interventional and diagnostic radiology specialist Dr. Michael Di Iorio, our team provides advanced vein care at two Austin, TX locations.
Many patients come to us asking about treatments to eliminate their varicose veins permanently. Far too many avoid or delay treatment because they’re concerned about having major surgery like vein stripping. We have great news: Vein stripping was the past, and new, far less invasive solutions like ambulatory microphlebectomy are the future.
Read on to learn about this modern alternative to traditional vein stripping and how the two compare.
Vein stripping is an older surgical procedure that involves making incisions along the leg to remove damaged veins.
It requires general anesthesia, stitches, and a long recovery period. The Society for Vascular Surgery explains that most patients need one month before resuming regular activities.
Vein stripping carries risks such as nerve damage, infection, and prominent leg scarring.
Although vein stripping effectively removes varicose veins, it’s now outdated thanks to groundbreaking newer techniques that offer similar (or better results) with considerably less downtime and discomfort.
Ambulatory microphlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure to remove large varicose veins near the skin’s surface. Unlike vein stripping, this approach doesn’t require general anesthesia, large incisions, or a lengthy recovery.
The advantages of ambulatory microphlebectomy include:
The procedure is called “ambulatory” because Dr. Di Iorio performs it here in our office, and you can return home afterward.
Ambulatory microphlebectomy may be ideal for patients with large, bulging varicose veins, particularly those that may not respond to other treatments.
While procedures like endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA), VenaSeal™, and foam sclerotherapy (Varithena®) effectively treat many cases, Dr. Di Iorio may recommend microphlebectomy when veins are too large or too close to the skin’s surface for those options.
Considering treatment for varicose veins? Don’t settle for less than the best in modern vein care. Call South Austin Vein Center at 737-258-4856 to book a consultation at our Davis Lane or Bee Cave Road office in Austin, TX.
