What are the risks to phlebectomy on foot? (photos)

Thank
you Charles1973 for your question. Due to the position of this vein, your
history, and the photos that you have included, I do not suggest the removal of
this vein because it is potentially very close to a nerve. You could end up
with permanent nerve damage if you attempt to do this cosmetic procedure. If
this vein bothers you, I would suggest compression and elevation, which will
help reduce the dilation of the veins.

If you
have any questions feel free to contact my office. Good luck.



Sincerely,


J.
Timothy Katzen, M.D.

Non essential veins can be removed or ablated on the foot without problems. Our office specializes in the treatment of veins on the lower extremities. Dr. Karamanoukian

Foot veins as illustrated in the photograph can be treated by Sclerotherapy.  One treatment should be sufficient to remove it.  After treatment, a compression stocking should be worn, the duration of which will depend upon the size of the vein; usually a few weeks is appropriate.  It may require a few weeks to a few months for the body to completely remove this vein, so that it is not longer visible or palpable.  This method of treatment should not be associated with any nerve injury.

Foot veins (dorsal foot veins) are a common problem and can usually be easily treated under local tumescent anesthesia by small incision removal (microphlebectomies). Larger dorsal foot veins can even be treated by endovenous laser and smaller veins by sclerotherapy.  There are small nerves in the area and there is always the risk of nerve injury but it is only to a very localized area.

For these foot veins, I use a combination of foam sclerotherapy followed immediately by microphlebectomy. The risk for clots is very small and nerve injury for this part of the foot is also small. If there is sensory deficit, it will be a small area the size of a quarter. If you don't want to take that risk, don't get it done. This type of procedure shuold cost approximately $2000 if done by an experienced specialist.