Phlebectomy
Restore smooth, beautiful legs and eliminate painful varicose veins with phlebectomy.
This minimally invasive procedure removes bulging veins, relieves discomfort, and improves circulation, giving you healthier legs and renewed confidence with minimal downtime.
Renew Leg Comfort and Appearance with Phlebectomy
Phlebectomy offers a proven solution for eliminating bothersome varicose veins while restoring both the health and appearance of your legs. This minimally invasive treatment targets the root cause of discomfort, promoting smoother skin and better circulation for long-lasting relief and renewed confidence.
Discover Effective Varicose Vein Treatments in Our Latest Videos
What to Expect From Your Phlebectomy
Phlebectomy, also known as ambulatory or micro-incision phlebectomy, is a minimally invasive procedure that removes large varicose veins through small punctures in the skin. It is performed under local tumescent anesthesia, ensuring a comfortable experience while improving both cosmetic and medical outcomes.
Minimally Invasive Procedure
Phlebectomy is performed through micro-incisions a few millimeters long (less than 1/8th of an inch), allowing precise removal of problem veins without stitches or visible scars. The incisions are so small that they do not require a suture.
Improved Circulation
By removing diseased veins, blood flow is redirected to healthy vessels, improving overall leg circulation and comfort.
Quick Recovery
Most patients resume regular daily activities immediately after treatment.
Dual Benefit
Functional and Cosmetic Phlebectomy relieves pain and swelling and enhances leg appearance, restoring smooth, clear skin.
Complementary Treatments
This procedure may be combined with sclerotherapy or CoolTouch CTEV laser treatments for complete vein correction.
Long-Lasting Results
Once removed, varicose veins do not return.
Before and After Phlebectomy
HEAR FROM OUR HAPPY PATIENTS
5/5 STARS
I trust Farzaneh Momeni completely with my skin. She is by far the best clinical aesthetician I’ve ever known. My skin has improved dramatically since I began monthly facials with her. Her treatments are 100% results-driven so if this is what you seek, look no further. Also, the entire Team at West Dermatology are top-notch. They’re always friendly, professional, & helpful, & greet everyone with a smile. 10 Stars all around!
My new regular cosmetic dermatology office. Dr Zubair is amazing and really patient with me. He has helped me over the last year with keloid scar removal, jaw Botox, and full facial acne scar treatment (ultra clear). The office is clean and the nursing/medical assistant staff is accommodating on all levels. I will always recommend this office and Dr Zubair to friends and family.
Most professional and most impressive! The service from the physicians to office staff is superb!
I live in Orange County and drove all the way out to see Dr. Wu because a friend of mine referred him (she had amazing results from her face and neck procedure). Dr. Wu is truly an artist! He made me feel extremely comfortable during my procedure. I was anxious when I got there, but he (and his staff) have such great energy and are so very kind and gentle that you can't help but feel at ease! The office was immaculate and they adhered to covid rules (sanitizing, temp checks, masks). This is my go-to place from now on and Dr. Wu is my go-to guy! Can't wait to see my final results! Thank you Phyllis (pre-op) for being so wonderful and informative! You were so very helpful and kind! I'll definitely be back!
Leysin and the entire team at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology are fantastic. They are professional, caring and communicative. The laser treatment was comfortable, efficient and effective! I highly recommend this practice. I definitely will come back and recommend her and Cosmetic Laser Dermatology to my family and friends.
Dr. Goldman is amazing! I came here for my permanent eyeliner removal (which is not offered anywhere near me), and they are completely removed in just one session. They use a special contact lens to protect your eyes from the laser, and there are no damages to my eyelashes. The healing was also nice and smooth. They have everything you need. I live almost 3 hours away, but it was totally worth the trip. For anyone who is looking to remove their permanent makeup, this is the right place to go :)-
Dr. Butterwick is fantastic, all of her team as well. They make sure your experience is pleasant and painless as possible. My tattoo removal and my injectables look amazing. I highly recommend her for any skin treatment.
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology was recommended to me by my dermatologist. He recommended Dr. Monica Boen. I'm so glad I took his recommendation. Everyone here at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology was super nice and friendly. Very welcoming. I came here for hair removal treatment. I did 4 sessions with Dr. Boen. Dr. Boen made me feel so comfortable and at ease when I talked to her. She explained everything before she did my treatment. I loved that. She was really easy to talk to. I definitely will come back and recommend her and Cosmetic Laser Dermatology to my family and friends.
This office is awesome. My visit today was with Dr. Groff. His bed side manner is so fun and welcoming. He understood my concerns and recommended a treatment plan that I feel was reasonable. I love his staff! They take there time to make sure you understand the treatment and after care. Everyone in the office, from the front desk to the nurses in the back, are so friendly and beautiful. They are very prompt and I trust my care with CLD. I can't wait for my next visit. See you guys in a few weeks!
"Dr. Sabrina Fabi is genius! Her technique is unlike anyone, her eye is precise, and her kindness and caring manner comes from the depth of her soul. She's simply brilliant! It's no wonder people travel the country just to be treated by her."
I wish I could give them 10 stars! I had such an awesome experience for my first visit and I am referring everyone I know to this office. From the super friendly staff to the state of the art procedures, they are the cream of the crop.
“I came to participate in a research study. All of the Doctors and staff at C.L. Dermatology are very professional, warm and friendly. All our my needs were anticipated and the hospitality of this office is like a five star hotel.”
Why You'll Love Cosmetic Laser Dermatology
Vein Experts You Can Trust
Mitchel Goldman, MD is renowned as the godfather of sclerotherapy, author on multiple textbooks on sclerotherapy, vein treatments, and ambulatory phlebectomy and was one of the founders as well as Past-President of the American Vein & Lymphatic Society in 1985, a national society of over 20,000 physicians who treat leg veins. Our board-certified dermatologists are nationally recognized phlebologists who specialize in advanced vein treatments.
Innovative Techniques
We use the latest minimally invasive tools and tumescent anesthesia methods to ensure comfort and optimal outcomes. With 80+ treatment options and 60+ laser, light, and energy devices, we can customize treatments to meet your unique needs.
Comprehensive Vein Care Options
From sclerotherapy and laser vein treatments to phlebectomy and CoolTouch CTEV, we provide complete vein care under one roof. Our vein specialists tailor each treatment plan to address your specific concerns and cosmetic goals.
Proven Natural-Looking Results
Our patients enjoy clearer, smoother legs and long-term improvement in both comfort and confidence. We are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of care using treatments backed by science.
Our Renowned Dermatologists
We are proud to share that Dr. Goldman, Dr. Butterwick, Dr. Groff, Dr. Fabi, & Dr. Boen have once again been recognized as Castle Connolly Top Doctors in 2026!
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology has been voted Best Cosmetic Dermatology Practice in San Diego Magazine’s 2025 “Best of San Diego” readers’ poll!
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Cosmetic Dermatologist, Best Cosmetic Surgeon, and Best Dermatologist for 4 consecutive years by the San Diego Reader Best Poll.
Dr. Mitchel Goldman was voted #1 Cosmetic Dermatologist in America by Newsweek
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Cosmetic Dermatologist and Best Cosmetic Surgeon for 8 consecutive years by the San Diego U-T Best Readers Poll.
Drs. Goldman, Butterwick, and Fabi made the top 8 in Newsweek’s Best Cosmetic Dermatologists in America for the last two years in a row
Voted in the top 10% of Realself Doctors by achieving high patient satisfaction and getting favorable feedback on Q&A
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Dermatologist for 10 consecutive years and Best Cosmetic Surgeon for 9 consecutive years by the La Jolla Light Best Readers Poll.
Drs. Goldman, Butterwick, Groff, Fabi, and Boen were named Castle Connolly Top Doctors in 2025, making us one of the Top 3 Practices in California with the most Castle Connolly Top Doctors in Dermatology.
Dr. Boen has been recognized as a Top Doctor in 2023 and 2024 by San Diego County Medical Society.
Dr. Butterwick, is a distinguished facial cosmetic surgeon certified by the American Board of Facial
Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS).
What to Expect from Phlebectomy
Phlebectomy is performed in-office under local anesthesia and typically takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the size and number of veins treated. The procedure involves making tiny punctures in the skin through which the affected veins are gently removed using fine instruments.
Before Treatment:
- Avoid self-tanner for four weeks before your appointment
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Notify your provider of any medications or supplements that may affect bleeding
During Treatment:
- Local tumescent anesthesia is administered for comfort
- Micro-incisions are made over the veins for removal
- Medical grade graduated compression stockings are applied immediately afterward
After Treatment:
- Resume all activity the same day
- Avoid submerging your treated leg under water for one week (showers are OK)
- Mild bruising or tenderness may occur but typically resolves within 1–2 weeks
- Wear graduated compression stockings as directed to support healing
Within days, you’ll notice smoother skin and relief from discomfort. Full results develop over several weeks as the treated veins fade and the skin tone evens out.*
For optimal results, phlebectomy can be combined with sclerotherapy to treat smaller residual veins or CoolTouch CTEV laser therapy to address deeper venous issues.
Learn more about the history and impact of vein treatment innovation in our blog, How the Popularization of Sclerotherapy Transformed Dermatology: A Personal Story.
Phlebectomy FAQ
Most patients return to daily activities immediately, though mild bruising or swelling may last up to two weeks.
The procedure is performed under local tumescent anesthesia, which delivers anesthesia directly to the veins being removed, and patients typically feel minimal discomfort during and after treatment.
The treated veins are removed; however, new veins in other areas can develop over time due to genetics or circulation issues. Results vary and depend on each patient’s unique vein issues and overall health.
Yes, phlebectomy is often paired with sclerotherapy or CoolTouch CTEV laser vein therapy for comprehensive results. Our board-certified dermatologists customize combination treatment plans to address both large varicose veins and smaller spider veins.
Visible improvements are often immediate, with continued enhancement as healing progresses over several weeks. Full results typically develop within 1-2 months as treated veins fade and skin tone evens out.
Our board-certified dermatologists perform phlebectomy procedures.
Our medical director, Mitchel Goldman, MD has authored 18 medical textbooks and published over 300 peer-reviewed articles on vein therapy and is considered a true global authority. Dr. Goldman founded the American Vein & Lymphatic Society and is internationally recognized for his vein treatment expertise.
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