Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins
Varicose veins, thread veins, or telangiectasia, are small superficial red, purple or blue veins which may appear anywhere on the body, but most commonly on the face and legs. Thread veins occur when the vein dilates and become large enough to be visible through the skin.
Thread veins are very common and have an unsightly appearance, stopping the sufferer from showing off their legs in the summer months. These veins can be safely and effectively treated with Sclerotherapy.
What causes varicose veins?
The reason why people develop varicose veins (or 'thread' veins) on the face and legs is not fully understood but the known and most important causes include heredity, pregnancy, obesity, minor injuries, sun damage, poor circulation, and extreme heat.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a procedure that involves injecting a liquid agent through a tiny needle directly into the blood vessel. The solution used in the treatment irritates the lining of the vessel causing it to contract and collapse. The injections are relatively painless as they are done with a very fine needle, however the sclerosing agent can sting. Sclerotherapy is only suitable for treating leg veins.
How successful is Sclerotherapy in treating varicose veins?
After treatment most patients can expect a 70-90% improvement in the treated vessel. It can take between 3-6 treatments at monthly intervals before results are seen. The fading process is gradual with treated veins fading up to three months after the last treatment.
After your Sclerotherapy treatment
Normal activities can be resumed immediately. You will be advised to wear support stockings for 2 weeks after the treatment. The compression following the injection is essential to obtaining a good result.
You are recommended to walk as much as possible. As well as being good for your health, walking works the calf muscles and pumps blood through other vessels back to the heart. This reduces the pressure in the superficial vessels.
Will the varicose veins reoccur?
Veins treated adequately by Sclerotherapy should not recur. However, the underlying problem is not corrected and therefore new vessels may appear with time. An annual review is recommended to detect development of new vessels, which can then be treated.
Are there any side effects to using Sclerotherapy?
After treatment using Sclerotherapy you are likely to find the following side effects:
- Red, raised area at the treatment site, like a nettle rash. These should disappear within a day or so.
- Bruises, at the injection site. These will disappear in 7 - 10 days
- Itching at the site can be immediate and settle within 24 hours
- Aching in the leg for a day or two following treatment. This is usually relieved by walking but paracetamol can also be taken.
- Allergic reactions to the sclerosing agent. Although very rare, if this happens the treatment will be stopped immediately.
Please check the price list for Sclerotherapy treatment costs.
Contact us for more information on using Sclerotherapy to treat varicose veins, or to book a consultation.