Mini Phlebectomy for Varicose Veins (1 Leg) in Turkey

Mini phlebectomy targets the visible, bulging varicose veins on the surface of your leg. These are the branch veins that have become enlarged due to increased pressure from a faulty underlying vein.

Your surgeon marks the veins to be removed while you are standing (when the veins are most visible). Local anaesthetic is then injected along the length of the veins. Using a tiny 2-3mm incision at each access point, a small hook instrument is used to gently pull the vein to the surface and remove it in segments.

The incisions are so small that stitches are rarely needed, adhesive closure strips are usually sufficient. Multiple veins can be treated through separate small incisions in a single session. The removed veins are superficial and not needed for circulation, blood naturally flows through the deeper, healthy veins.

Mini phlebectomy may be performed as a standalone treatment (for surface veins without significant underlying reflux) or in combination with EVLA or radiofrequency ablation. The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes per leg.

This package covers treatment for one leg.

You may be suitable for this treatment if you have symptomatic varicose veins that are affecting your quality of life.

You may be a good candidate if:

• You have visible varicose veins causing aching, heaviness, or swelling
• Your legs feel tired and uncomfortable, particularly after standing
• You have skin changes (discoloration, eczema, thickening) around the ankles
• You have had a duplex ultrasound confirming venous reflux
• Conservative measures (compression stockings, exercise) have not provided sufficient relief
• You have been on an NHS waiting list and want to proceed sooner

You may not be suitable if:

• You have significant deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the affected leg
• You are pregnant (treatment is deferred until after delivery)
• You have peripheral arterial disease affecting blood supply to your legs
• Your varicose veins are purely cosmetic with no symptoms or reflux

Before your procedure

A free consultation reviews your symptoms and any previous ultrasound findings. A duplex ultrasound scan is performed in Turkey to map your veins and confirm the treatment plan. This scan shows exactly which veins are faulty and guides the treatment approach.

On the day

You are driven from your 5-star hotel to the clinic. Your personal translator accompanies you. The veins to be treated are marked on your skin. Local anaesthetic is injected around the treatment area to ensure you are comfortable throughout.

Your surgeon makes tiny 2-3mm incisions along the marked veins and gently removes them using a small hook instrument. The incisions are closed with adhesive strips. The procedure takes 30-60 minutes per leg.

After the procedure

Compression stockings are applied immediately. You can walk out of the clinic and are encouraged to walk regularly. You return to your hotel the same day. Follow-up appointments and ultrasound checks are scheduled during your stay.

Hotel recovery

Your hotel stay allows time for follow-up scans, graduated compression wear, and comfortable recovery before travelling home.

Recovery from mini phlebectomy is generally quick, and most patients are walking on the same day.

Day of treatment: Walk for 30-40 minutes after the procedure. Mild discomfort and tightness in the treated leg is normal. Wear your compression stockings continuously (day and night) for the first 48 hours.

Days 1-7: Continue wearing compression stockings during the day. Walk daily, at least 30 minutes. Some bruising along the treated vein is normal. Mild to moderate discomfort managed with paracetamol and ibuprofen. Avoid hot baths, saunas, and prolonged standing.

Weeks 1-2: Bruising fades. Discomfort reduces. Most patients return to desk work within 2-3 days. Avoid heavy exercise for 2 weeks.

Weeks 2-4: Compression stockings can usually be stopped after 2 weeks (your specialist will advise). Gradually return to all normal activities including exercise.

Months 1-3: The treated vein is gradually absorbed by the body. Visible improvement continues. Any residual lumps or firm areas along the treated vein soften and resolve.

Long-term: Results are typically permanent for the treated veins. However, new varicose veins can develop in other veins over time. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and wearing compression stockings during prolonged standing can help prevent new veins developing.

This is a safe, well-established procedure with a strong track record. Understanding the possible side effects helps you feel fully informed.

Common and temporary effects:

• Bruising along the treated vein (resolves in 1-2 weeks)
• Mild to moderate discomfort or tightness in the leg
• Firmness or a cord-like feeling along the treated vein (this is the sealed vein, it softens over weeks)
• Slight skin discolouration along the treatment area (usually fades)
• Temporary numbness near the treatment area

Less common risks:

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), rare, minimised by walking and compression stockings
• Nerve damage causing numbness (usually temporary, rarely permanent)
• Skin burns (rare with modern equipment and experienced operators)
• Phlebitis (inflammation of the vein, managed with anti-inflammatories)
• Need for additional treatment sessions (some patients need touch-up treatments)

Your treatment is performed by an experienced vascular specialist in a government-licensed facility. Follow-up ultrasound scans during your stay confirm successful treatment.