Do you have large, bulging varicose veins that won’t go away, even after other treatments? These visible veins can cause aching, heaviness, and embarrassment. Microsurgery, also known as microphlebectomy, is a precise procedure designed to remove problem veins through tiny openings in the skin.
At Espinoza Vein Institute in Lexington, SC, Dr. Paul Espinoza and Dr. Jeffrey Mollé provide advanced, physician-led vein treatment focused on both comfort and results. With 21 years dedicated exclusively to vein disease, Dr. Espinoza provides unmatched experience and personalized care, supported by Dr. Mollé’s 30 years of general and vein surgery expertise.
What Is Microsurgery (Microphlebectomy)?
Microsurgery for varicose veins, often called microphlebectomy, is a minimally invasive procedure used to physically remove large, bulging surface veins.
Through very small openings, so small they often don’t require stitches, the damaged veins are gently removed. Because these veins are not functioning properly, removing them improves circulation and relieves symptoms.
What Conditions Does Microsurgery Treat?
Microphlebectomy is ideal for:
- Large, bulging varicose veins
- Ropy surface veins
- Veins causing pain or tenderness
- Veins that remain after closing deeper refluxing veins
It is especially helpful when veins are too large to respond fully to injectable treatments alone.
Benefits of Microsurgery
Patients often choose microsurgery because it offers:
- Immediate removal of visible veins
- Minimally invasive technique
- Tiny openings with minimal scarring
- In-office procedure
- Long-lasting results
Many patients notice an immediate improvement in the appearance of their legs once the treated veins are removed.
Are You a Candidate for Microphlebectomy?
You may be a candidate if you:
- Have large surface varicose veins
- Experience aching, heaviness, or skin irritation
- Have already been treated for deeper vein reflux
- Want a long-term solution for visible veins
At Espinoza Vein Institute, your evaluation includes a detailed ultrasound exam performed by a medical doctor. Our experienced doctors are Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) and Registered Phlebology Sonographer (RPhS), placing them among a select group of specialists in South Carolina with advanced ultrasound expertise.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Your comfort and well-being are always a priority.
During microsurgery:
- The treatment area is numbed with local anesthesia.
- Tiny openings are made along the vein.
- The vein is gently removed using specialized instruments.
- A small bandage and compression stocking are applied.
The procedure is performed in-office and typically takes about one hour, depending on how many veins are treated.
Recovery and Results
You can walk immediately after treatment, and light activity is encouraged. Most patients return to normal routines within a day or two.
You may notice mild bruising, swelling, or tenderness, but these effects usually improve within a few weeks. Because the vein is physically removed, it does not come back.
Over time, patients experience:
- Less leg discomfort
- Improved circulation
- Smoother-looking legs
- Increased confidence
Dr. Espinoza’s background in family medicine gives him a broader understanding of how vein disease impacts overall health. His goal is not only cosmetic improvement, but also long-term symptom relief.
Why Choose Espinoza Vein Institute for Microsurgery
Experience and precision matter when removing varicose veins.
At Espinoza Vein Institute, you benefit from:
- Over two decades of dedicated experience in venous disease
- Physicians with 25–30+ years of medical and surgical experience
- Physician-only care – all evaluations and procedures performed by medical doctors
- Advanced ultrasound-guided diagnosis for accuracy and targeted treatment
- A wait policy that respects your time
- Transparent, ethical billing practices
- Relationship-based care focused on trust and long-term outcomes
At Espinoza Vein Institute, every patient benefits from the standard of medical excellence defined by Dr. Paul M. Espinoza—built on over 28 years of physician experience, including 21 years dedicated exclusively to vein disease.
Every physician on our team is personally trained and held to this same standard, ensuring expert, consistent, and evidence-based care—every time.
How Microsurgery Fits Into a Vein Treatment Plan
Large surface varicose veins can sometimes signal a deeper venous problem. If an ultrasound exam identifies reflux in an underlying vein, treatment may need to address that source before or along with removing the bulging surface veins.
Microsurgery can be used as a standalone treatment or as part of a broader vein care plan, depending on the location, size, and cause of the affected veins. For some patients, treating deeper reflux first helps address the source of pressure contributing to visible varicose veins, while microphlebectomy then removes veins that remain prominent at the surface.
This step-by-step approach allows treatment to be based on the full venous system rather than appearance alone.ed Phlebology Sonographer (RPhS), placing them among a select group of specialists in South Carolina with advanced ultrasound expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Removing a damaged surface vein does not prevent blood from circulating through the leg. Blood is redirected through healthier veins that can carry it back toward the heart. An ultrasound evaluation helps identify which veins are contributing to the problem and whether they can be appropriately treated.
In many cases, the openings used during microphlebectomy are so small that stitches are not needed. Small dressings are typically placed over the treatment areas while the skin heals.
Yes. Microphlebectomy may be combined with other treatments when a patient has both bulging surface veins and underlying venous reflux. The treatment sequence depends on ultrasound findings, symptoms, and which veins are contributing to the problem.
The veins removed during microphlebectomy are physically taken out and cannot return. However, venous disease can progress over time, which means other veins may eventually become enlarged or symptomatic.
No. Although the procedure can improve the appearance of prominent veins, it may also be recommended when those veins cause aching, tenderness, heaviness, or irritation. Treatment recommendations are based on both symptoms and diagnostic findings.
Compression stockings are commonly recommended after microphlebectomy to support the treated area and help manage temporary swelling or bruising. Your physician will provide specific instructions based on the extent of treatment and your individual needs.
Remove Bulging Veins and Restore Confidence with Microsurgery in Lexington, SC
You don’t have to live with painful or unsightly varicose veins. Microsurgery offers a safe, effective way to remove large surface veins and improve both comfort and appearance.
To learn more about microsurgery in Lexington, SC, contact Espinoza Vein Institute at (803) 626-9075. Our compassionate team is ready to help you take the next step toward healthier, more confident legs near Columbia, SC.
