Under the expert guidance of our Board Certified Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Mark Zuzga, our team of Vein Specialists & Vascular Experts are committed to delivering top-tier outpatient vascular & vein evaluation and treatment throughout the greater Tampa & West Florida surrounding areas. Should you find yourself dealing with leg pain, swelling, ulcers, discoloration, or the appearance of spider and varicose veins, we invite you to request a screening today

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Microphlebectomy

Tampa Microphlebectomy Vein Treatment

Being Your Journey To Relief From Varicose Veins And Effectively Address Your Vein Health Concerns

Microphlebectomy, also known as ambulatory phlebectomy, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to treat varicose veins. These are enlarged, twisted veins that often appear blue or dark purple and can cause discomfort, swelling, or skin changes if left untreated. During a microphlebectomy, a surgeon makes tiny incisions in the skin to remove these problematic veins. This technique offers an effective solution for varicose veins with minimal scarring and downtime, making it a popular choice for both physicians and patients seeking relief from this common venous condition.

No more painful vein stripping! Microphlebectomy may just be the ideal vein treatment for you as it can provide:

  • Minimal Scarring: Involves making very small incisions or punctures in the skin to remove varicose veins producing minimal scarring.
  • Minimal to No Pain: Outpatient procedure under local anesthesia that significantly reduces any discomfort during the procedure, as the patient only may feel mild discomfort. Most patients report that it does not hurt at all.
  • Highly Effective: Microphlebectomy has shown impressive long term success rates in treating varicose veins ranging between 95% and 98%.

What Is The Process For Microphlebectomy?

  • Consultation and Mapping: The first step involves a consultation with Dr. Zuzga where he & his team will conduct a physical examination and use ultrasound imaging to identify and map the problematic vein. This helps our team understand the severity of the condition and plan the procedure accordingly.
  • Preparation: Before the procedure begins, the patient's leg is cleaned, and if necessary, shaved. Our team will then mark your leg where the veins bulge out followed by a special local anesthetic (numbing medication) called “tumescent” that is injected into the area surrounding your vein. This ensures that you feel minimal discomfort during the procedure.
  • The Procedure (Small Incisions): Dr. Zuzga will make tiny incisions or “stabs” of about 2-3mm – the size of a ball-point pen tip – and use a crochet-type hook to “grab” the vein and remove it. This interrupts the vein, causes any remaining portions of the vein to “clot off”, and gets rid of those unsightly bulgy areas!
  • Closure: Because the incisions are so small, stitches are typically not required. The incisions may be covered with steri-strips and a bandage. Steri-strips are adhesive skin closures often used in surgery; they support the skin during the healing process and help to align the edges of the wound for better cosmetic results. They are less invasive than stitches and usually fall off on their own as the wound heals.
  • Post-Procedure Care: After the procedure, you'll need to wear compression stockings for a certain period to aid healing and prevent swelling. You can usually return to your normal activities within a couple of days, although strenuous exercise should be avoided for a few weeks.

Is The Procedure Painful & What Is The Aftercare?

Most patients say that the procedure does not hurt at all.  In fact, you can expect the following:

  • You will feel the pin prick of the needle as we inject the anesthetic, but then the area is instantly numb.
  • You will not feel any of the “stabs”.
  • You will not feel pain from the veins being removed.
  • After the procedure, we will write a prescription for some prescription-strength ibuprofen to help you for the first day or two, but the vast majority of patients require only extra-strength Tylenol or Motrin to keep them comfortable.
  • Rarely will patients require a stronger pain-killer post-operatively.
The “down” time for this procedure is negligible. You will need to take it easy for the first 48 hours, but walking is encouraged to promote healing – you will walk out of the office! After the first two days, normal activities are resumed. Only strenuous exercise is discouraged for the first week to ten days, as are swimming and hot tubs. After that, it is business as usual!
Choosing between different vein treatments often depends on the size and location of the veins, the patient’s overall health, and the desired recovery time. Microphlebectomy is often recommended for large surface varicose veins that cannot be effectively treated with sclerotherapy. It is a less invasive procedure compared to vein stripping, which involves the surgical removal of a major vein. This is why it is very important to schedule your vein screening with Dr. Zuzga as soon as possible to help determine what is the best course of vein treatment for you.
If your varicose veins are causing you discomfort or leading to other health complications, insurance companies typically provide coverage for treatments like microphlebectomy. This means that if Dr. Zuzga & our team deems a microphlebectomy is necessary to ease your symptoms or prevent further problems, there’s a good chance your insurance will cover the costs. However, procedures carried out purely for cosmetic reasons, such as enhancing the look of spider veins, are not usually covered by insurance. It’s important to note that insurance policies can vary greatly, so it’s advised to check with your individual insurer to understand your coverage. Our office staff can help guide you with this process.
It’s important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not guarantee that you will develop spider veins, but it does increase your chances.

Contact Our Tampa Vein Specialist About Microphlebectomy

Embarking on the journey of Microphlebectomy treatment begins with understanding this minimally invasive procedure designed to treat varicose veins. It’s an innovative solution that offers a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional surgical methods.

Don’t let varicose veins rob you of your comfort and peace of mind. Dr. Mark Zuzga, D.O., is here to help you navigate this journey towards relief. With his extensive experience and compassionate approach, he is committed to providing effective treatments tailored to your unique needs. Don’t wait for the pain to dictate your life. Reach out to schedule a consultation with Dr. Zuzga today, and take the first step towards reclaiming your health and well-being.