Sclerotherapy​

Sclerotherapy is a safe and well-established treatment for thread veins on the legs. Although there are a number of alternate treatments, it remains the most consistently successful treatment of them all. 

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A solution is 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 close the veins. Over a period of time, the vein will heal closed and fade away. 

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The injections will cause some redness and welts, like insect bites and the legs may look bruised, with the veins looking worse before they look better. The veins are usually darker, sometimes with blue, black or brown spots under the skin. The appearance of these veins will have usually improved noticeably by day 10-14. At 4-6 weeks the thread veins should look as they did before the procedure and thereafter start improving. The full effect of the injection session is apparent at 12 weeks. 

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How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Budget for up to 4 treatments over a period of 4-12 months, remember, it is not possible to achieve 100% clearance but we should aim for at least a 60-80% improvement in their appearance. It is possible to get such a result after one treatment, but can take more than one. 

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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 every 2-3 years. 

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Are There Any Risks?

Though safe, Sclerotherapy is not without risks. The two most common side effects are Haemosiderin Deposition and Telangiectatic Matting. Statistically these occur in around 15% of people treated. 

 

Haemosiderin Deposition occurs when the vein is not entirely closed, blood is trapped and clots. Iron pigments may leak from the clot and stain the skin brown but these marks are usually not permanent and take 6-18 months to fade. They will darken if exposed to sun and will take longer to fade if tanned.

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Telangiectatic Matting occurs if the fragile vessel is injured during the injection, leaving a mat of tiny veins that look like blush or a red bruise. Matting usually disappears completely after 6-12 months, but if it persists, it can be treated with Sclerotherapy if the needle can access fine vessels and flush the solution gently through. 

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Other Risks;

• Allergic Reaction- Any drug carries a risk of allergic reaction. It is quite common for patients to experience some itching and redness at the treatment site- this is no cause for concern and will pass in a few hours. 

• Blistering- If the solution irritates the tissue surrounding the vein, in rare instances blistering can occur. If left alone these can potentially lead to more blistering and scarring may occur. 

• Phlebitis- Rarely a vein may become painful as it heals, this is called Phlebitis. 

• Deep Vein Thrombosis