Microphlebectomy in Chicago
Microphlebectomy removes bulging varicose veins just under the skin through tiny openings, under local anesthetic, with no stitches. It is for surface veins that twist too much or sit too close to the skin for RFA, VenaSeal or Varithena, and it is often done together with one of them. Dr. Nidal Elbaridi performs every procedure in the office at our South Loop and Streeterville locations.
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Workers’ Comp, HMO referral or complex insurance? Call (312) 414-1088.
Bulging veins at the surface
Varicose veins develop when the valves that keep blood moving toward the heart stop working correctly. Blood pools inside the vessel and causes it to stretch and bulge. The underlying problem is called venous insufficiency. It is the source of both the visible veins and leg symptoms such as aching, heaviness, swelling and night cramps.
RFA, VenaSeal and Varithena close the leaking vein deeper in the leg. The bulging branches at the surface often remain afterward, and microphlebectomy removes them. Blood is redirected to healthier veins nearby.
Also called
Microphlebectomy, ambulatory phlebectomy or stab phlebectomy.
Other treatments for the same veins are ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy and Varithena.
Find out which treatment your veins need
Every visit starts with a venous duplex ultrasound, so treatment is matched to what is actually happening in your veins.
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Workers’ Comp, HMO referral or complex insurance? Call (312) 414-1088.
It starts with a duplex ultrasound
A visual exam alone isn’t enough. Your evaluation begins with a venous duplex ultrasound, a non-invasive study that measures blood flow direction and velocity, identifies which vessels have valve failure, and shows whether the problem starts in the deep or superficial venous system.
Dr. Elbaridi reviews your ultrasound with you and performs your procedure himself. If a larger leaking vein feeds the surface veins, he closes it first or in the same visit, so the result lasts.
Who microphlebectomy is for
- Bulging, rope-like varicose veins just under the skin
- Surface branches that remain after RFA, VenaSeal or Varithena
- Veins that twist too much, or sit too close to the skin, for a catheter or foam
- Aching, heaviness or tenderness over the bulging veins
Who it isn’t for
Microphlebectomy may not be appropriate if you:
- have an active blood clot (deep vein thrombosis or superficial thrombophlebitis)
- have an active skin or soft tissue infection over the veins
- are pregnant (treatment is usually put off until after pregnancy)
- have severe peripheral arterial disease with poor leg circulation
- are unable to walk or stay mobile after the procedure
How microphlebectomy is done
1. Marking and numbing
Dr. Elbaridi marks the veins on your skin while you stand, when they are easiest to see. The skin along each vein is then numbed with local anesthetic. Local anesthetic only for most patients. Sedation is available if you want it.
2. Removing the vein
Through openings of a millimeter or two, he removes the vein in small segments with a fine hook. You may feel pulling or pressure, but not sharp pain.
3. Closing
The openings are too small for stitches. They are covered with adhesive strips, and the leg is wrapped or a compression stocking is put on before you stand up.
How long it takes
On its own, microphlebectomy usually takes 30–60 minutes, depending on how many veins are treated. Done with RFA, VenaSeal or Varithena, it adds about 30 minutes to the visit.
Getting home
With local anesthetic alone, most patients drive themselves home. If sedation is used, please arrange for someone to drive you home, and plan to take the rest of the day off.
Recovery and results
Walking, work and exercise
Walk right after the procedure and several times a day after that. Most patients return to desk work the next day. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for about 1–2 weeks.
Bandages and compression stockings
You’ll wear compression stockings afterward. Keep the wrap or stocking on day and night for the first 24–48 hours, then wear stockings during the day for about 2 weeks.
Bruising and marks
Bruising and tenderness along the treated veins are common and usually fade over 2–3 weeks. The small openings heal to tiny marks that fade over several months, and most become hard to see.
Results
The bulging veins are removed during the visit, so the change is visible once the bruising settles. Treated veins rarely return; new ones can form. New varicose veins can develop over time if the underlying tendency toward venous insufficiency continues.
When to call
Call the office if you have:
- pain that keeps increasing instead of improving
- bleeding through the bandage that doesn’t stop with firm pressure
- redness, warmth or drainage at an opening, or a fever
- significant swelling in the treated leg
Go to the emergency room right away if you have:
- sudden chest pain
- shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- coughing up blood
- severe leg swelling that gets worse quickly
Treatments microphlebectomy pairs with
Dr. Elbaridi performs each of these in the office. The ultrasound, and your own preferences, decide which one fits.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency heat delivered through a thin catheter closes the vein, which is gradually replaced by scar tissue.
More about vein RFA Adhesive closureVenaSeal
Most patients need only local anesthetic; sedation is available if you want it. You’ll wear compression stockings afterward.
More about VenaSeal Foam injectionVarithena
A medicated foam injected through a small needle under ultrasound guidance. It fills the diseased vein and closes it, with no heat and no incision.
More about Varithena
Dr. Nidal Elbaridi, MD
- Harvard Medical School phlebology training (2015)
- Medtronic VenaSeal and radiofrequency ablation certification (2019)
- Boston Scientific Varithena certification (2023)
Insurance and pre-authorization
Medical vein treatment is covered by most insurance when ultrasound confirms venous insufficiency. We verify benefits and pre-authorize before your procedure, so there are no surprise bills afterward. We do not charge out-of-network rates.
Most insurance accepted, including Medicare, Medicare Advantage, PPO and HMO plans. Coverage depends on medical necessity — we verify before your visit.
When microphlebectomy is covered
When the veins cause symptoms and the ultrasound confirms venous insufficiency, microphlebectomy is usually covered, and it is often pre-authorized together with RFA, VenaSeal or Varithena. Removing veins only for how they look is cosmetic and isn’t covered.
What Chicago patients say about Loop
Dr. Elbaridi and the entire team are truly exceptional. Their bedside manner and genuine care make you feel like more than just another patient…
I’ve been coming to Loop Medical Center for my vein procedures with Dr. Nidal, and I couldn’t be more impressed…
Microphlebectomy questions, answered
Is microphlebectomy surgery?
It is a minimally invasive procedure done in the office under local anesthetic, through openings of a millimeter or two. There is no general anesthesia and there are no stitches.
Will it leave scars?
The openings heal to tiny marks that fade over several months, and most become hard to see.
Do I need stitches?
No. The openings are too small for stitches and are closed with adhesive strips.
Can it be done the same day as my ablation?
Often, yes. Microphlebectomy is commonly done in the same visit as RFA, VenaSeal or Varithena. Dr. Elbaridi decides from your ultrasound whether to do it together or separately.
How soon can I go back to work?
Most patients return to desk work the next day. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for about 1–2 weeks.
Can the veins come back?
Treated veins rarely return; new ones can form. New varicose veins can develop over time if the underlying tendency toward venous insufficiency continues.
Book your vein evaluation at Loop Medical Center
Same-week appointments at our South Loop and Streeterville locations.
Opens our secure booking calendar — this page stays open.
Workers’ Comp, HMO referral or complex insurance? Call (312) 414-1088.