For patients with bulging veins, the most effective treatment method may involve surgically removing the vein. Traditionally, this procedure required general anesthesia, hospital or surgery center use, and often resulted in leg scarring.
However, contemporary techniques have refined this procedure significantly. It is now commonly performed as an outpatient procedure in the office, using local anesthesia, with minimal downtime. Patients remain awake during the procedure, and veins are removed through small incisions using a vein hook, resulting in little discomfort and minimal scarring, if any.
Most patients can return to work the day after microphlebectomy, with only those engaged in risky work advised to take an additional day off. Post-operative pain is effectively managed with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
