Microsclerotherapy

Spider and thread veins can be removed using a technique called microsclerotherapy. This involves the vein being injected using a very fine needle of a sclerosing agent which causes the walls of the veins to stick together. The blood then stops flowing through the veins which are then absorbed by the body’s natural defense system over a period of approximately 3 months. Blood is then diverted back to the deeper venous system.

Dependant upon the size of the blood vessels treated bruising can take anything from 2-3 weeks to disappear. The areas which have been treated can look worse before they improve. Thicker bruises in the larger veins can remain for several months. Compression stockings are worn for 2-3 days which help reduce the bruising. Generally a 2 week period is advisable to leave between treatments to allow the bruising to subside.

Some areas such as the ankle and knees are more susceptible to swelling. In some cases larger veins may develop a small degree of thrombophlebitis (vein inflammation) where the vessel may feel hard, warm and a little bit sore. This will resolve itself but a mild analgesic may be required. The larger veins may require a stronger compression for a little longer to help minimise this problem.

At least 50% of the vessels treated in any session will normally disappear. 80% of all vessels treated during the course of the microsclerotherapy will be eradicated. Sometimes though there are exceptions.

A brisk walk of about 20 minutes is advisable after the treatment and it is possible to drive straight away. Exercise can be done 24 hours afterwards. If travelling by air then this can be done immediately however it is sensible to drink plenty of water and to wear compression stockings on journeys which are longer than 6 hours.

It is common for an annual ‘tidy-up’ visit to take place as sometimes a few thread veins will reappear over time.