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

Question

I am an early forties male and have had treatments for varicose veins this past year, and was hoping to also get a vein on my foot removed. I have been told that removing a vein from the top of the foot may result in nerve damage that may not resolve. This large vein bothers me cosmetically, and am hoping for more information to help quantify the risk. Thanks.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

David Green, MD · Answer

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.

John Landi, MD · Answer

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.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

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

Answers (5)

Answer: Foot veins can be treated.

Answer: Foot veins can be treated.

Answer: Microphlebectomy with sclerotherapy is the answer

Answer: Microphlebectomy with sclerotherapy is the answer

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

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

Answers (5)

Answer: Foot veins can be treated.

Answer: Foot veins can be treated.

Answer: Microphlebectomy with sclerotherapy is the answer

Answer: Microphlebectomy with sclerotherapy is the answer

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.