Microsclerotherapy

Injections into the veins of an elderly woman's leg close-up.

Spider veins and thread veins are terms used by the public for small, unsightly, superficial veins usually found in clusters on the legs. They are a frequent cosmetic cause for concern amongst women and the demand for treatment is rapidly increasing.

The prevalence of thread veins and spider veins among adults is over 50%.   Most women are concerned with the cosmetic appearance of their thread veins but they can also cause discomfort and are frequently associated with symptoms of aching, burning, itching and throbbing. Microsclerotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for thread veins and spider veins which has been practiced in Europe for many years. 

About Microsclerotherapy

50% of the population will develop problems with their leg veins during their life. In most cases there is a family history so the cause is likely to be genetic. Women in particular find the appearance of thread veins quite distressing however although they may be unsightly, they are unlikely to cause symptoms or medical problems, plus they can be treated and their appearance significantly improved.  Sclerotherapy is a safe and well established treatment for thread veins on the legs.  Although there are a number of alternative treatments, it remains the most reliably successful of them all. 

This clinic offers a thorough assessment and diagnosis of your veins including Doppler assessment to exclude any underlying problems in order to offer the best treatment option for you.  

The treatment involves a solution being injected with a very tiny needle, very superficially into the veins, causing the lining of the vein to swell and become sticky. Compression is then applied to help close the veins, (this involves you wearing compression hosiery).  Over a period of time, the vein will heal closed and fade away.   

Can anyone have this treatment?

No, if you are pregnant or breast feeding, have a history of DVT, are on immune-supressants, have clotting disorders, have severe asthma or a systemic condition including cancer, you would not be suitable for this treatment. 

Does it hurt?

This is not a painful procedure. The injections are made with a tiny needle and very superficially. The solution does not sting. Some people feel nothing; some feel little pricks, how uncomfortable varies from one person to another. 

Can I exercise straight after my treatment?

No, we suggest a 10 minute minute walk straight after and you may resume normal activities immediately but should avoid high impact exercise for 2 weeks. 

What will my legs look like immediately after the treatment?

The injections will cause some redness and welts, like insect bites. These will have gone by the time you take the stockings down. 

When you remove the stockings, your legs will probably look bruised and the veins usually look worse before they look better. The veins are usually darker, sometimes with blue, black or brown spots under the skin. 

The appearance has usually improved noticeably by days 10 – 14.  At 4 – 6 weeks the thread veins should look pretty much as they did before injection and thereafter start improving. The full effect of the injection session is apparent at 12 weeks. 

How many treatments do you think I will need?

Budget for up to 4 treatments over a period of 4 – 12 months.   

Remember it is not always possible to achieve 100% clearance but we aim for at least 60 – 80% improvement in thread vein appearance.  It is possible to get such a result after one treatment but it can take more. Most patients are satisfied with the results somewhere between one and four treatments. 

Will the thread veins come back?

Sclerotherapy is a treatment for the symptoms rather than a cure for the cause, other thread veins can develop.  Most people need a top up session of treatment every 2 or 3 years.