Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a procedure to treat varicose and thread veins by injecting a solution into the vein which causes it to collapse and be reabsorbed by the body.

Veins: Am I suitable?

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be blue, red or flesh-coloured and can be swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are often found on the thighs, back of the calves or on the inside of the leg. Spider veins are like varicose veins but smaller and closer to the surface of the skin. They can look like spider webs with their short, jagged lines.-

Women usually want spider and varicose veins treated for aesthetic reasons, but spider veins can cause discomfort and varicose veins can be even more painful and lead to more serious health problems.

Sclerotherapy works well for most patients with varicose veins. Less than 10 per cent of patients do not respond to the injections at all.

Veins: What do I have to do to prepare?

You will be advised to avoid using aspirin, vitamin E and aloe vera for about two weeks before your session.

Veins: What’s the treatment like?

A dilute irritant solution is injected into the vein using a very fine needle which causes it to close off. The body treats this as damaged tissue and it is slowly reabsorbed. This treatment is almost totally painless and it is usually possible to treat all visible veins in one session, but follow-up appointments might be required.

Veins: What about after?

You should wear support stockings to wear for the first few days post procedure. Normal activities can be resumed immediately but vigorous physical activities should be delayed for a week.

Initially, the veins will look worse and the large vessels may go black, but patients should see an almost complete improvement over a three-month period. However, this treatment does not prevent new veins from emerging.