Treatment
Microphlebectomy (Ambulatory Phlebectomy) in Newnan, GA
Medically reviewed by Dr. Roger Eduardo, MD, FASMBS, Board-Certified General Surgeon. Last reviewed August 2026.
Book a consultation →What is microphlebectomy?
Microphlebectomy, or ambulatory phlebectomy, is a minimally invasive in-office procedure that removes large, bulging surface varicose veins through a series of tiny skin punctures. The openings are so small that no stitches are needed and scarring is minimal. It's the gentle, modern replacement for the old operating-room procedure of vein stripping.
How it works
After numbing the area with local anesthesia, Dr. Eduardo makes a series of micro-punctures along the path of the bulging vein and gently removes it in small segments using a specialized hook. Because the openings are tiny, they heal without stitches and leave minimal marks. The procedure is performed entirely in the office.
Conditions it treats
Microphlebectomy targets large, ropey, bulging surface varicose veins. Because these are usually fed by an underlying refluxing vein, it's frequently paired with RFA or VenaSeal that closes the source vein, a combined approach that treats both the cause and the visible result of venous reflux.
What to expect
The procedure is office-based and typically takes about 45–60 minutes. You'll wear compression afterward and can usually resume light activity the next day, avoiding strenuous exercise for a short period as advised. Walking is encouraged. Some bruising is normal and resolves over a couple of weeks.
Results & effectiveness
A vein that is removed does not grow back, and the bulging contour typically improves immediately. Because venous reflux is a chronic tendency, new surface veins can develop over time, particularly if the underlying source isn't treated, which is why microphlebectomy is best done alongside closure of the feeding vein. Individual results vary.
Insurance coverage
When ultrasound documents underlying reflux and you have medically significant symptoms, microphlebectomy is typically covered as part of treating that reflux. Purely cosmetic vein removal is generally not covered. See how coverage works →
Risks & considerations
Microphlebectomy removes the vein through incisions small enough that most need no stitches, so the risks are mostly local. Expect bruising and tenderness for one to two weeks. Less commonly there can be small areas of numbness where a superficial sensory nerve ran alongside the removed vein, minor bleeding, a collection of blood under the skin, skin infection, or a small residual scar or dimple at an incision. Deep vein thrombosis is rare.
When it is not the right choice
Microphlebectomy is not performed in acute deep vein thrombosis or superficial thrombophlebitis, in active infection or an open ulcer at the treatment site, or in pregnancy. Significant peripheral arterial disease, lymphedema, or very thin fragile skin change the plan. Dr. Eduardo reviews your full history and your duplex ultrasound before recommending any treatment.
FAQ
Microphlebectomy FAQ
Can't find your answer here? Call us at (470) 742-1832 or book a consultation, we'll answer every question before you commit to anything.
Microphlebectomy (also called ambulatory phlebectomy) is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure that removes large, bulging surface varicose veins through a series of tiny skin punctures. The punctures are so small that no stitches are needed and scarring is minimal. It's the modern, far gentler successor to old-fashioned vein stripping.
No, and that's an important distinction. Traditional vein stripping was an operating-room surgery that pulled out long segments of vein through larger incisions. Microphlebectomy removes only the bulging surface veins through tiny punctures under local anesthesia in the office, with far less trauma, minimal scarring and a quicker recovery.
Often, yes. Bulging surface varicose veins are usually fed by an underlying refluxing vein. So microphlebectomy is frequently combined with catheter-based ablation (RFA) or VenaSeal that closes the source vein, while microphlebectomy removes the prominent surface veins for the best overall result.
The procedure is office-based and typically takes about 45–60 minutes. You'll wear compression afterward and can usually resume light activity the next day, avoiding strenuous exercise for a short period as advised. Walking is encouraged. Some bruising is normal and resolves over a couple of weeks.
When a duplex ultrasound documents underlying venous reflux and you have medically significant symptoms, microphlebectomy is typically covered by most major plans and Medicare as part of treating that reflux. Purely cosmetic vein removal is generally not covered. Our team verifies your benefits before scheduling.
Start your journey
Tired of large, bulging surface veins?
Microphlebectomy removes them through tiny punctures. Book a duplex ultrasound and consultation with Dr. Eduardo in Newnan.
