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Sclerotherapy
Court House Clinics is able to offer sclerotherapy for the treatment of thread veins and spider veins.
Sclerotherapy is a very simple procedure which is performed by our skilled medical practitioners. The treatment involves injecting a solution into the vein using a micro-needle. The lining of the vein is broken down by the solution causing the vein to collapse and flatten and eventually fade from view. It is a virtually painless treatment which has been shown to be the most successful treatment available today for these tiny blood vessels.
Most patients feel this treatment is a successful remedy for thread veins and spider veins and are pleased with the result. Usually an overall improvement of 80-90 % can be seen following treatment. It must be understood however that this treatment does not prevent new veins from emerging in the future and as time passes by, it may be necessary for touch-up treatments when new leg veins surface.
If you feel you would benefit from such treatment book in for a full assessment of your condition by calling our team of advisors on Tel: 0845 555 50 50
Prices from £150
Frequently asked questions
How does the treatment work?
The procedure involves injecting a diluted irritant solution into the vein using a very fine needle. This solution damages the vessel lining causing it to close off. The body treats this as damaged tissue which is slowly absorbed over about three months. Sometimes all the thread veins disappear.
How successful is Sclerotherapy?
The injections are almost painless and all the thread veins can usually be treated in one half hour session. Do not be alarmed if the vein looks worse to begin with, large veins may indeed go black but fading will start after about three weeks and it will not be until three months time that the full benefit is seen and then improvement will continue for a year. For this reason it is a good idea to plan treatment some time before your holiday. The treatment will last for several years, but other thread veins will often develop over time. An improvement of 80-90 % is more usual.
How many treatment sessions are needed?
The number of treatments is dependent upon the patient and the extent of the condition but each session must have a 4-6 week interval. This and other aspects of the treatment will be discussed in more detail at the pre-treatment consultation.
Are there any complications?
An allergic reaction to the solution is very rare, occurring in about one person in 100 000. It may cause a drop in blood pressure as well as a general reaction. The injection procedure is applied with great care, especially with any really small veins as the solution can damage the overlying skin. Larger veins may leave a faint brown mark but this will fade over the period of about a year.
What should I do before treatment?
Aspirin, vitamin E and Aloe Vera preparations should be avoided for at least 10 days. If you also suffer from varicose veins you will need these assessed by Doppler ultrasound before your treatment can be planned.
What happens afterwards?
Cotton wool will be taped over the injection sites but these can be removed the same evening. A support bandage has to be worn for three days and nights and for this reason sclerotherapy is best avoided in hot weather. You will be able to return to normal activities and driving immediately afterwards. However, please avoid hot baths or vigorous physical activity for about a week to allow the thread veins to close off successfully.
How long does the treatment take?
Treatment takes 30-60 minutes and no recovery time is needed so normal activity can be undertaken immediately following.
Is micro-sclerotherapy painful?
Minimal discomfort in the form of a slight to moderate burning sensation may be felt immediately after the injection but this will disappear quickly.
Can thread and spider veins also be treated by laser?
Thread and spider veins may occur elsewhere on the body, particularly on the face. In such cases laser therapy produces very good results
Are there any side-effects following treatment?
Minor side effect have been recorded but most patients do not encounter any complications following treatment. Problems that have been reported are slight blistering when small amounts of the solution seeps into surrounding areas of skin. Blisters heal rapidly but small freckle like areas of increased pigmentation may remain. Such spots will disappear over time or can be dealt with by further treatment with bleaching creams. If the veins are particularly weak, clots sometimes develop at the injection site and bruising around the area will eventually disappear. Such clots are never a major cause for concern but they can be removed within two weeks so that the healing process may continue normally.
Swelling has been occasionally noted, particularly with patients who are required to stand or sit for long periods in the course of their employment and if the veins involved are in the lower leg or ankle area. Such swelling is not dangerous but the swelling should be treated with elevation and/or compresses.
How long do the results last?
Sclerotherapy is not a preventative treatment and it will not stop unsightly veins developing in the future. However it give good results in the treatment of existing veins and with good after-care incorporating weight control and regular exercise it could be 2-3 years before repeat treatment is necessary.
How much can I espect to pay for treatment?
Price £200.
Before and after
Court House Clinics are the UK's largest non-surgical doctor led cosmetic provider. We do not believe in remote prescription for injectable treatments such as botox this is why they are a member of the independent healthcare advisory service (IHAS)
