Microsclerotherapy (Treatment Of Thread Veins)

Using a tiny needle the  substance called a sclerosant is injected into the vessels causing irritation and collapse of the small vessel. I use a device called a veinlite which helps to identify the veins below the surface of the skin and makes injecting more accurate. As soon as the sclerosant is injected, the vein ‘disappears’ but reappears soon after. This doesn’t mean the treatment hasn’t worked as it takes time for the vein to collapse permanently. Immediately after treatment the veins look red and angry however this settles after two weeks at which point it may seem as though the treatment has not worked at all - the veins look as they did before treatment. Don’t lose heart at this stage as this is normal. Three treatment sessions at eight-week intervals are recommended.

This treatment has been used for years and is perfectly safe. We follow strict guidelines regarding maximum quantities to inject at each treatment.

Most patients hardly feel the injections. After the treatment it is common to feel an itching or stinging sensation at the site, but this is short-lived.

Microsclerotherapy can cause temporary redness and bruising to the skin. The risk of developing blood clots is extremely small, and if there are any risk factors/a past medical history of clots, then treatment would not be recommended.

Take a 10 min walk immediately after treatment.

Wear the support hosiery day and night for 3 days. After this you may take it off to have a cool shower or bath. Wearing the support hosiery is crucial even if it does seem a nuisance!

Wear the hosiery during the day for a further 7 days, removing it overnight.

Avoid hot temperatures for 14 days such as hot baths, saunas and sunbeds.

Avoid sun exposure for 4 weeks as this can enhance pigmentation.

Avoid high impact exercise for 2 weeks.

Avoid waxing the legs for 4 weeks.

Elevate your legs as much as possible for the first two weeks.

Avoid long haul flights for 4 weeks after treatment.

Consider wearing support hosiery long term to reduce the appearance of thread veins.