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Treatments » Sclerotherapy

What Causes Thread Veins?

The cuase of these unsightly veins are unknown. Sometimes they run in families, but old injuries may be relevant as may long periods of sitting or standing. As more women than men develop this condition, hormones such as the pill and hormone replacement therapy probably play a part.

What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a technique, which involves the injection of a very small amount of solution into the veins. This causes the walls of the veins to stick together, empty of blood and ultimately disappear. Sclerotherapy is by far the most successful way of removing thread veins on the legs. The needles used are very fine and most people are unaware that the treatment is being performed.

What are the side effects of treatment?

Minor side effects do occur in some people. Slight swelling and redness around the vein may appear soon after the injection has been given. This disappears over two to three days. The veins themselves darken as they are shrivelling and can take anything from two to eight weeks to clear. Sometimes small bruises are apparent just under the skin at injection sites. In some people a brown pigmentation mark may develop either at the site of the bruise or the original vein. This staining can in some instances take several months to completely disappear.

Is everyone suitable for sclerotherapy?

Almost all people can undergo sclerotherapy safely. We cannot treat ladies who are pregnant or breast-feeding. We are also very cautious with diabetic clients and those with medical conditions that cause a tendency to bleeding or poor healing. A detailed medical questionnaire will be completed prior to your treatment and you will be advised as to whether it is safe to proceed.

Instructions after treatment

We advise the use of an elasticated tubular bandage (tubigrip) for 24 hours. We prefer clients to avoid very warm baths and heavy aerobic type exercise for a few days after the treatment. It is also advisable to avoid rubbing creams and lotions into the skin for two or three days. Aspirin and large amounts of alcohol should also be avoided either just prior to or for two days after treatment.