Treatment Overview

Phlebectomy (say "fluh-BEK-tuh-mee") is a procedure used to remove varicose veins. Your doctor will make several tiny cuts (incisions) in the skin. The varicose veins are removed through the cuts. Stitches usually aren't needed. The procedure is also called microphlebectomy, ambulatory phlebectomy, and stab avulsion.

This procedure is usually done in the doctor's office. You'll get medicine to numb the area. It might be done along with another treatment for varicose veins. Other treatments include ligation and stripping, laser treatment, and radiofrequency treatment.

Phlebectomy usually doesn't lead to other problems. But it might cause short-term skin colour change, infection, pain, and tiny red spider veins.

Phlebectomy can help improve how the skin looks after treatment.^{footnote 1} But it's less likely to fix varicose veins when the leg veins aren't working well. Because that's the case for most varicose veins, this procedure is usually used along with other treatments.