Microsclerotherapy is regularly used to treat thread veins and is by far the most effective form of treatment. Often treatments such as laser or IPL may be offered to treat thread veins but this can be found to be both painful and ineffective with thread veins on the legs. Microsclerotherapy involves the injection of a diluted drug, called a sclerosant, directly into visible thread veins. With precise planning and technique, it is possible to get superb results for the vast majority of patients.
Here are a few Frequently Asked Questions about our Microsclerotherapy treatments…
How does Microsclerotherapy work?
The procedure involves injecting a diluted drug, in the form of a sclerosant, into the veins. The sclerosant causes localised damage to the inner lining (endothelium) of the vein. This subsequently causes the thread vein to collapse. The inner lining of the vein becomes thickened, sealing off the vein so that blood can no longer flow through it. The blood is redirected to deeper veins.
During the treatment, the thread veins initially disappear instantly as the sclerosant is injected into the vein. However, the veins rapidly become more red and more visible again immediately after treatment due to inflammation. The veins can often look worse immediately after treatment. It is common to develop localised redness, similar to a nettle sting. It usually takes several days or even weeks for the inflammation to settle, and for the veins to disappear.
What is a session?
Most patients require between 2 and 4 sessions of Microsclerotherapy, so it is important to note that it might take some time to fully resolve all of your thread veins. Occasionally, only 1 session is required.
Ideally, the session would last until we have treated all the affected veins, but we must stop the treatment once we have reached the safety limit. The number of sessions required depends entirely on how many veins you present with and how well your veins respond to treatment (some veins may need treating more than once).
At your consultation, we will give you a good idea of how many sessions you’re likely to require based on our past patients’ experiences. In addition, prior to committing to a consultation, you’re welcome to send us some images of your legs and we can send these on to a consultant to review.
It sounds painful...does it hurt?
As microsclerotherapy involves a series of tiny injections, some patients find this uncomfortable or mildly painful. The sclerosant used may also sting slightly.
What can I expect from the treatment?
Once the procedure has finished, we will help you put on a compression stocking (or two if you’ve had both legs treated). You are strongly advised to wear these for a full week post-treatment, and we will talk you through how to wear them. We will also provide you with aftercare advice, including any post-treatment symptoms to be aware of.
We will ask you to take at least a 10-minute walk following the appointment, prior to making your way home.
When will I see the results from my treatment?
The sclerosant used may result in some bruising. The extent of the bruising will depend on the size of the area treated and the number of veins in the area. Once the bruising decreases results will be visible.
Microsclerotherapy Aftercare
Following microsclerotherapy treatment, you are to wear a surgical compression stocking for a week. This will prevent you from swimming but should not restrict your movement.
The sclerosant used may result in some bruising. The extent of the bruising will depend on the size of the area treated and the number of veins in the area.
You can drive on the same day as microsclerotherapy treatment.
You can resume your normal activities following microsclerotherapy. We strongly encourage you to go on at least a 20-minute walk each day. If there is anything else that you should avoid for a period of time post-treatment, we will advise you on that.
Microsclerotherapy Follow-Up
Following a session of microsclerotherapy, you can book in for a reassessment follow-up or you can book straight in for a further session.
It is not mandatory to attend and pay for a follow-up appointment after a microsclerotherapy session unless you feel that you would benefit from further treatment. Patients normally self-assess their treatment progress and decide whether they are satisfied with the results to date or would like to attend for a further session.
There is no rush to attend for further sessions. You can wait up to 2 years before seeking another session without the need to attend for a new consultation prior to treatment.
