Varicose veins can cause a feeling of discomfort and heaviness in the legs. If the problem is severe, the veins could burst, and ulceration and infection can become a problem. There are risks associated with untreated varicose veins. While the damaged leg vein valves cannot be fixed, the enlarged and twisted veins themselves can be removed.
A highly experienced vein doctor can perform leg vein surgery to relieve the symptoms of varicose veins and prevent the problem from getting worse. Let’s discuss the different surgeries that are being used to remove varicose veins.
Ligation and Stripping
A vein doctor can use a minimally invasive approach to remove varicose veins. One such procedure is vein ligation and stripping. During the procedure, the doctor makes tiny incisions over the damaged veins. Then, he surgically ties off the veins in what’s called ligation and proceeds to thread up the vein, grasp it, and remove or strip it. This is a minor surgical procedure that involves the use of general anesthesia and is the conventional surgical method to remove varicose veins.
Phlebectomy
While ligation and stripping may be used to remove large and deepe varicose veins, those that sit just under the surface of the skin may be treated using phlebectomy. This is the minimally invasive approach for removing varicose veins. For the procedure, the doctor injects a solution into the vein to close it off, then uses a hook-like surgical instrument to remove the abnormal vein through a tiny incision. For this treatment method, a local anesthetic is typically used to numb the pain and make the patient comfortable.
Endoscopic Vein Surgery
A vein doctor can also use an endoscope, which is a small tool that contains a camera, light, and a surgical attachment at the end to close off varicose veins. The endoscope is moved through the vein and the doctor is able to close it off with the surgical attachment. This treatment method is usually recommended for patients with severe varicose veins where ulcerations have become a problem. The average recovery period is four weeks for endoscopic vein surgery.
A lot of things could go wrong if you let an inexperienced doctor treat your vein problem. For expertise, choose an experienced vascular surgeon as your vein doctor. A vascular surgeon is most qualified to treat varicose veins and other venous diseases.
Board-Certified Vascular Surgeon in Southwest Florida
Dr. Edward Mackay is a highly sought-after vascular surgeon in Florida and is always surpassing our patients’ expectations. Dr. Mackay treats spider veins and varicose veins using a variety of state-of-the-art methods, and he will determine which procedure will give you the best results. From ablation to laser treatments and minimally invasive surgeries, Dr. Mackay has decades of experience necessary to earn your confidence. He is board-certified in vascular surgery by the American Board of Surgery.
To schedule a vein treatment consultation, call our office today at (727) 349-5652 or use our convenient appointment request form. Dr. Mackay sees patients in our Palm Harbor, St. Petersburg, and Largo vein clinics.
