Sclerotherapy
Thread Vein Removal
Sclerotherapy is a popular method of eliminating superficial telangiectasias (thread/spider veins). It involves injecting a solution, called a sclerosing agent directly into the veins. The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to collapse and stick together and the blood to clot. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view.
At Eden Medical Aesthetics our practitioners will carry out a Venous Doppler which uses ultrasound to map your veins prior to treatment. This allows our practitioners to accurately identify the root cause of your thread veins and treat appropriately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a good candidate for sclerotherapy treatment?
In general, sclerotherapy is an excellent choice as long as you are not pregnant or
have a history of blood clots in the treatment area. Sclerotherapy is not
recommended if you have certain health conditions that may affect how the vein will
respond to the sclerosing agent. If you have, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or had
heart bypass surgery you are not a good candidate for treatment.
Most vein specialists prefer sclerotherapy for thread veins over laser treatments
particularly on the legs.
How is a sclerotherapy procedure administered?
After assessing the veins, a cleansing agent is used on the treatment area, your
practitioner will use a very fine needle to inject the solution into the affected vein(s).
After treatment, you only need a small bandage or gauze applied.
Is sclerotherapy painful?
All injections can hurt. However, the needle used to administer sclerotherapy
treatment is extremely fine and therefore pain is minimal. A numbing agent can be
used on the treatment area, but this is not normally necessary.
What areas on the body can be treated with sclerotherapy injections?
Sclerotherapy can be administered almost anywhere on the body as long as the
veins are thread veins.
How long does a treatment session last?
This quick procedure only takes 30-45 minutes.
How many sessions will I need?
Every patient will have unique needs and health considerations, which may influence
the number of treatments needed, but on average, patients will require 3-5
treatments. Mild cases may only require 1-2 treatments.
When will I see results?
Depending on the severity, you may see a 50-70% disappearance of your spider
veins in 3 to 4 sessions.
Is there any downtime?
No! In fact, you can return to work or normal activities immediately after your
procedure. We actually encourage patients to resume normal activity such as
walking, which can help increase blood flow.
Are there any side effects of sclerotherapy?
Very few. Itching and raised, red-ish areas at the injection site may occur for one to
two days after your procedure but should disappear quickly. Additionally, some
patients experience bruising around the injection site that may last several days or
weeks.
Aftercare Advice
The following aftercare advice is essential to help reduce the risk of treatment
complications, to improve your comfort/healing and to help achieve the best possible
results from treatment.
what to expect
• Some visibility of thread veins will be reduced, but every patient (and every
vein) responds uniquely to treatment, so results cannot be guaranteed, and it
is common for multiple treatments to be needed.
• Some veins may disappear initially after treatment, then recur.
• Redness, itching and irritation may develop as a reaction to tape or bandages.
• Bruising or tenderness may occur at injection sites, but it is generally mild and
temporary.
• Treatments may leave a residual brownish pigmentation. This is not
uncommon, usually temporary and generally resolves over weeks to months.
Aftercare Advice
• Immediately after the treatment you will be required to walk for 10-30 minutes.
• Maintain normal activities.
• Walk at least one hour per day.
• Avoid standing for long periods of time.
• Avoid hot baths, sunbeds and sunbathing for at least two weeks. Cool your
legs with cold water after each shower.
• Avoid strenuous physical activities such as high impact aerobics or
weightlifting, running for one week after treatment.
• Avoid salty food and drink plenty of water for 2-3 days. Reduce alcohol and
caffeine intake for 2-3 days.
• For discomfort take over the counter paracetamol.
• Your practitioner will advise you when follow up appointments are needed. If
you are advised to attend a follow up appointment, please do make every
effort to attend them. You should do this even if you believe that the recovery
process is going well, and you cannot see that there are any visible
complications.
When to Seek Medical Attention
• Superficial inflammation (phlebitis) may occur, with tenderness and firmness.
This typically resolves with treatment but in some cases may be long lasting.
• If any bleeding is not controlled within 20 minutes of firm and constant
pressure.
• If you develop signs or symptoms of cellulitis (skin infection), including hot,
red, shiny skin, pus formation, feeling generally unwell or feverish.
• If you experience any severe pain following treatment.
• Contact your practitioner as soon as possible if you experience any other
Cost of Sclerotherapy
£200.00 – First treatment – includes Doppler Vein assessment
£175.00 – for all further treatments