Varicose Vein Surgery

Vein surgery has been the standard varicose vein treatment for many years. Varicose veins are enlarged veins close to the skin`s surface. Varicose veins appear as bulges in the skin and can cause embarrassment and physical pain, as well as minor to serious medical problems. When a doctor removes problem veins, blood is rerouted through normal healthy veins, so bloodflow is not disrupted.

Varicose Vein Surgery: Vein ligation and stripping

Vein ligation and stripping is the most common vein surgery. This procedure is performed to remove the great saphenous vein. The great saphenous vein runs along the inside of the leg from the ankle to the groin area. Removing this vein is safe and can often improve the appearance of varicose veins in the legs. When this vein is removed, the veins that feed into it are also cut off, which can help to relieve varicose vein symptoms.

To perform ligation and vein stripping, the doctor will first make incisions at the groin and ankle. Next, small incisions are made along the path of the great saphenous vein, above and below the knee. The vein is tied off near the incision in the groin area, cutting it off from further bloodflow. Tying off the vein is called “ligation.”

The doctor then inserts a special tool into the vein. This tiny stripping tool is threaded through the vein. The doctor uses the incisions near the knee to help guide the stripping tool through the vein. Finally, the doctor pulls the tool out through the ankle incision, pulling the vein out as well, “stripping” it from the leg. After stripping the vein, the doctor sews the incisions shut with stitches.

Vein stripping is an out-patient procedure usually performed in a hospital or surgical center. In most cases, vein stripping requires general anesthesia.

Varicose Vein Surgery: Phlebectomy

Similar to vein stripping, phlebectomy is a surgical vein removal procedure that involves physically removing the problem veins from the legs. While vein stripping normally refers to the procedure used to remove the great saphenous vein, phlebectomy is used to remove smaller veins.

When performing phlebectomy, the physician makes very small incisions near problem veins and then uses a special tool to pull out the veins. Because the incisions are so small, no stitches are needed, and the incisions do not normally lead to scarring.

Am I a good candidate for surgical vein removal?

You are likely a candidate for surgical vein removal if you have varicose veins that cause you pain or discomfort or even if you are seeking treatment for cosmetic reasons only. Vein surgery is a common procedure that helps relieve varicose vein problems for thousands of individuals every year.

However, only a doctor can determine for certain if vein surgery is the right treatment path for you. Finding a local vein specialist is easy with our physician directory. We work hard to connect you with the best vein specialists in your area.

Your doctor will determine the right treatment for you by first examining the problem area and asking you details about your medical history. Your doctor may order an ultrasound image of your leg to help determine the severity of the condition before developing a treatment plan.

Protruding Veins On Legs and FeetProtruding Veins on Leg

How effective is varicose vein surgery?

Because vein stripping removes one of the major surface veins in the leg, the procedure can greatly reduce unsightly varicose veins. When the great saphenous vein is removed, the smaller veins that feed into it are also broken. Bloodflow is rerouted through healthy veins.

Vein surgery is normally effective for reducing varicose veins in the legs. However, your doctor may wish to use vein surgery along with other procedures for optimal effectiveness. After vein surgery, your doctor will monitor your progress and may recommend sclerotherapy or laser treatments to treat any remaining varicose veins.

Side effects and complications of varicose vein surgery

During the vein stripping procedure, smaller veins that feed into the great saphenous vein are pulled off when the vein is stripped from the leg. Because of this, blood from the smaller veins may pool in the body, causing pain and bruising. After vein stripping, you may develop scars at the incision sites. However, phlebectomy normally does not cause scarring due to the small size of the incisions.

Although vein surgery complications are not common, any type of surgery carries a certain amount of risk. Complications can include damage to the surrounding nerves and tissues, which could result in some numbness or chronic swelling of the legs. However, the risk of complications is minor, and vein surgery is known to be a safe and effective procedure.

Will my medical insurance cover the cost of  my vein surgery?

If you are considering vein surgery for cosmetic reasons, it`s likely that your medical insurance will not cover the procedure. However, insurance companies may cover vein surgery that is performed to correct medical problems. Insurance plans vary, so you should consult with a representative of your insurance company before scheduling your vein surgery. Your insurance company may require information from your doctor before covering the procedure.

If you discover that your insurance plan will not pay for your vein surgery, other options may be available. You should discuss the situation with your doctor before scheduling your procedure. He or she will be able to explain the associated costs and may be able to offer a financing plan to help you pay for your surgical vein removal.

You can read more about the costs of varicose vein treatments on the Costs page of our site.

After Your Varicose Vein Surgery

You should be able to stand up and walk around immediately after your vein surgery. However, you will need to have someone drive you home from the hospital. It’s also best to have a friend or relative stay with you for the first 24 hours of your recovery. You will be able to return to normal activities within two to four weeks.

After your surgery, your doctor will give you instructions for treating your incision sites.  If you experience pain, you can take over-the-counter pain medications. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about which medications you should take.

Find a Surgical Varicose Vein Surgery Doctor Near You

The first step toward relief from your varicose veins is to make an appointment with a doctor for a consultation. You can search our directory to locate a doctor near you. Our physician directory connects you with the very best vein specialists. 

When you meet with your doctor, be prepared to ask questions about the surgical vein removal procedure so you can determine if this is the right procedure for you. Once you have scheduled your procedure, your doctor will explain what to expect. Ask your doctor what you will need to do to prepare for your surgical vein removal, how you should eat and drink before the procedure and what special instructions you will need to follow after your surgery. Make sure your doctor knows if you are on any medications.