Sclerotherapy (Thread Vein Removal)

sclerotherapy-introduction

What is thread vein removal (sclerotherapy)

Thread veins mostly affect the face, body and legs and are extremely common. The causes are unknown although they may be caused by changes in temperature, smoking, hormonal changes, alcohol, prolonged standing and maybe an inherited condition.

Sclerotherapy is a simple procedure where a dilute irritant solution is injected into the vein using a very fine needle. This damages the vessel lining causing it to close off. The body treats this as damaged tissue which is slowly absorbed over 3 months. It is important to realise this treatment does not prevent new veins from emerging and it may be necessary for touch-up treatments if a new vein emerges. It is a virtually painless treatment performed under local anaesthetic.

The thread vein removal procedure takes around 30-60 minutes and no recovery time is needed, so normal activity can be undertaken immediately afterwards.

Sclerotherapy is a permanent solution for the areas treated but does not prevent new problem areas from appearing.

An allergic reaction to the solution is very rare, occuring in about 1 person in 100,000. When injecting larger veins, there may be a faint brown mark which will fade over a year and is easily concealed with a light tan or stockings.

This treatment costs £200 per session however this may alter due to the size of the area.

Sclerotherapy (thread vein removal) procedure details

Operation time

1 - 2 hrs

Anaesthesia

none

Risks - common

redness and swelling at injection site

Risks - uncommon

prolonged redness

Pain and discomfort

minimal at time of injection

Follow-up

2 weeks

Time off

1 day

Result

after a course of at least 3 treatments 4 - 6 weeks apart

Visit our FAQs page for more information regarding this procedure.

sclerotherapy

FEES

Medical Needling

From £200