Microsclerotherapy is the treatment of telangiectasia also known as thread or spider veins. These are superficial, small, often unsightly veins usually found in clusters on the legs.

Thread veins are very common and affect a significant proportion of the population at some point in their lifetime. Many sufferers find their appearance significantly affects their confidence and self esteem, particularly in the summer when having their legs exposed wearing dresses, skirts or shorts.

Treatment is safe and effective and has been practiced now for many years. It involves injection of a solution (sclerosant) into the lumen of the vessel using a tiny needle. This induces venous wall damage. The vein wall then becomes inflamed, or hardened which causes it to collapse. It is then absorbed naturally by the body.

How successful is Microsclerotherapy? 

People are generally very satisfied with their treatment and feel they have much more confidence when exposing their legs.

Microsclerotherapy is estimated to provide about 95% improvement over the treatment course. However, it is not possible to guarantee that every vein will disappear. Improvement is also gradual, with some vessels taking up to three months to see maximum benefit.

How many treatments will I need?

This will vary vastly depending on a number of factors, including how many veins there are to treat to begin with, and how well you respond to treatment. Once all the veins have been treated (the number of treatments to achieve this will vary depending on the number of veins that you have), you will require at least one more additional follow up. This is so that we can pick up any veins that may have been left over, or that have not responded as well to treatment.

Is treatment permanent?

If there is no significant underlying vascular disease, the veins treated by Microsclerotherapy should not reoccur, however, if you are predisposed to underlying weakness of your veins, new veins can appear with time. Therefore periodic future treatments are likely to required to maintain your treatment results.

What is the downtime? 

Treated veins will look worse before they get better. After treatment, there may be some bruising and raised bumps on the skin. The vessels may be red and more noticeable and prominent. Initially, you will need to wear compression hosiery, this can help to enhance your results as well as reducing the risk of adverse events. It is worth bearing this in mind if you have social events or holidays planned. There should not be any pain, but you may experience a prickly, itchy feeling to the treated areas. Often taking an antihistamine following treatment helps with this. The majority of people are able to carry on with their normal activities immediately after treatment.

Is there anything I need to do following treatment? 

You will be advised to wear compression stockings day and night for 3 days post procedure. We often advise you then continue wearing the compression stockings for longer than this this, but you may then reduce to daily use and remove at night-time.

You must also keep active following treatment, we recommend taking a brisk walk 20 minute walk or run immediately post procedure, and to then continue with daily walking of two brisk 20 minute walks or runs per day.

We advise that you avoid flying for 4 weeks following treatment, and leg waxing for 6 weeks after treatment. Your practitioner will provide you with full written aftercare advice.

Is there anybody that is not suitable for treatment? 

If you have, or have a history of significant vascular disease or varicose veins, microsclerotherapy is likely not the right treatment for you. Your practitioner will be able to assess and advise you on alternative treatment options if they feel this applies for you.

Are there any risks of treatment? 

Even in experienced hands, there are a number of possible side effects which your practitioner will run through with you at consultation, however rest assured these rarely present any long terms problems.

If you would like to find out more about Microsclerotherapy treatment, please call us on 01296 614 441, and book a Free Consultation.