Phlebectomy – cosmetic indications

Summary Ambulatory phlebectomy is a safe, aesthetic, effective and economical operative technique, which enables venous extraction with a special hook, assuring complete and definitive eradication of the veins. Minimal skin incisions (1–3 mm), or even needle punctures, usually result in little or no scarring. This aesthetic method is particularly indicated to treat unsightly varicose veins, such as reticular veins (popliteal fold, lateral thigh and leg), groin pudendal veins, veins of the ankles and the dorsal venous network of the foot. Curettage of telangiectasias is a less well-known technique, but it is also effective in removing networks of thick blue spider veins. Ambulatory phlebectomy of body areas other than the lower limbs include dilated periorbital, temporal or frontal venous networks and venous dilatation of the abdomen, upper limbs or dorsa of the hands.