Phlebectomy, or ambulatory phlebectomy, is a varicose vein treatment technique used to remove bulging superficial veins. This is not vein stripping. After injecting an anesthetic solution around the abnormal veins, the vein is removed through small incisions (about 2 mm.). This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and requires no stitches.

The patient is placed in a compression dressing and stocking immediately after the procedure. The procedure is essentially painless and provides immediate cosmetic improvement and symptomatic relief. Ambulatory phlebectomy is performed commonly in association with laser ablation. This provides the best possible results since the ablation procedure removes the source of venous reflux and the phlebectomy removes the visible bulging veins.