Surgical Vein Treatments in Moncton, NB | Varicose Veins

Two common surgical treatments are vein stripping and phlebectomy.

What Is Vein Stripping?

Vein stripping is a procedure used to remove large, bulging varicose veins that are not working properly. These veins often develop because the one-way valves inside them have weakened, causing blood to pool and pressure to build up.

During vein stripping:

The procedure is done under general anesthesia.
Small incisions are made at the top and bottom of the affected vein (often along the thigh or leg).
A thin, flexible wire is inserted to remove the faulty vein.
Once removed, blood flow naturally reroutes through nearby healthy veins.

Recovery and Results:

Patients go home the same day. Some bruising or tenderness is normal for 4-6 weeks. As healing progresses, symptoms like heaviness, aching, and swelling improve, and the appearance of the leg becomes smoother.

What Is a Phlebectomy ?

A phlebectomy—sometimes called a microphlebectomy or ambulatory phlebectomy—is a quick, minimally invasive way to remove smaller surface varicose veins.

During a phlebectomy:

Tiny punctures (just a few millimeters wide) are made along the vein.
Using a fine hook-like instrument, the vein is gently removed in small sections.
Stitches are rarely needed, and the small marks fade over time.

Recovery and Results:

Patients usually return to normal activities within a few days. Compression stockings are often worn for a short period to support healing and reduce bruising. The treated veins are gone for good, leaving the leg looking and feeling better.

Who Might Benefit from These Procedures?

You may be a good candidate if you have:

Large, bulging varicose veins causing discomfort or swelling
Veins that haven’t responded to less invasive treatments
Skin changes or heaviness in your legs due to poor circulation

Your vein specialist will discuss which treatment option is best based on your symptoms, vein size, and overall health.

FAQs

Get all your varicose and spider vein treatment questions answered with our comprehensive guide to understanding procedures, insurance coverage, and recovery.

More FAQs

Surgical Treatments

Are these procedures safe?

Yes, both procedures are safe and well-established. As with any surgery, there are small risks of bruising, infection, or numbness, but serious complications are rare. Your doctor will discuss these with you and take steps to minimize any risk.

When will I see results?

You’ll notice an improvement in your leg’s appearance and comfort within a few weeks, with full results visible once swelling and bruising resolve—usually after 4–6 weeks.

What are vein stripping and phlebectomy?

Both procedures are designed to remove problematic varicose veins that are no longer working properly.

Vein stripping involves removing a larger, damaged vein (usually the great saphenous vein) through small incisions.
Phlebectomy (also called microphlebectomy) targets smaller surface veins, which are removed through tiny punctures in the skin.

These treatments help improve both circulation and appearance, and are performed under general anesthesia, depending on the case.

Who might need these procedures?

Your doctor may recommend vein stripping, phlebectomy or a combination of both if you have large, bulging varicose veins, or if symptoms like aching, heaviness, swelling, or skin irritation aren’t improving with conservative treatments such as compression stockings.

Is the procedure painful?

Although variable, most patients describe the procedure as uncomfortable rather than painful. General anesthesia is used, so you’ll be comfortable throughout. Afterward, you may feel some tightness, bruising, or soreness, which typically improves within 4-6 weeks.

What should I expect after the procedure?

You’ll go home the same day in most cases. It’s important to walk and stay lightly active to promote good blood flow.
Your doctor will ask you to wear compression stockings for 2 weeks to reduce swelling and help your legs heal. Some bruising and tenderness are normal, but these fade gradually. Most people can return to work and daily activities within a few days.

Why do I need to wear compression stockings after surgery?

Compression stockings are your best friend after vein surgery! They help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and keep the treated areas comfortable as your body adjusts. Depending on your procedure, your doctor will recommend either knee-high or thigh-high stockings and tell you how long to wear them.

Are there any scars after phlebectomy or vein stripping?

The incisions made during these procedures are very small—often just a few millimeters—so scarring is minimal and usually fades over time. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how natural their legs look after healing.

Will the veins come back?

The veins removed during surgery are gone for good, but new varicose veins can develop over time—especially if you have an underlying tendency for vein disease. Regular follow-up visits and good leg care (like staying active and wearing compression when needed) can help maintain your results.