MICROSCLEROTHERAPY

Microsclerotherapy is the technique used to treat spider veins or thread veins of the legs. It is a relatively straightforward procedure which involves injecting a liquid into the veins which destroys them and causes them to disappear over time.

It is suitable for use on thread veins on the legs or body, provided they are beneath the heart. Thread veins on the face are better treated with Electro Surgery, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) or laser. As gravity has an effect on the blood in the veins and also as the skin is more sensitive to burns, Microsclerotherapy is the most preferable treatment for thread veins below the heart.

F.A.Q.

What causes thread veins and varicose veins?

50% of the population will develop problems with their legs during their life. In most cases there is a family history so the cause is likely to be genetic. Women in particular find the appearance of thread veins quite distressing but can be reassured that;

1. 1. Though unsightly they are unlikely to cause symptoms or medical problems
   2. They can be treated and their appearance significantly improved

We offer a thorough assessment and diagnosis of your veins to exclude underlying problems in order to offer the best treatment option for you.

What is Micosclerotherapy?

Microsclerotherapy is safe, painless and well-established treatment for thread veins, causing the lining of the vein to break down. This damage to the vein wall triggers a healing response which over several weeks causes the vein to close and fade away.

What results can I expect?

The results are not immediate. The veins look worse before they get better and the treatment may need to be repeated at 4-12 week intervals. Most patients see a 60-80% improvement in the appearance of the veins somewhere between one and four treatments.

Are the results permanent?

The veins that are successfully treated will not recover but this is a treatment for the symptoms not a cure for the underlying causes so new veins may develop over time.

Is this a safe treatment?

This is a very safe treatment but as with any other treatment, not entirely without risk.
The treatment is not suitable to everyone. Your practitioner will take a medical history and discuss the possible risks and complications with you prior to treatment.

Before treatment

• Do not use bath oils, lotions of cream on your legs for 24 hours before your injections.
• Dress in loose clothing, jogging trousers or skirt and comfortable shoes to accommodate the compression stockings.
• If you have already been supplied with a support stocking bring it with you on the day of treatment

After Your Microsclerotherapy Procedure

• Immediately following the procedure, you will be asked to put on your compression stockings.
• Compression stockings should be worn day and night for 72 hours, at the 72 hours you may take your stocking off and have a short cool shower or bath. Do not be alarmed that the veins look worse, this is normal at this stage.
• Thereafter, wear your support stocking during the day for 14 days. You may take them off at night
• Avoid extremes of temperature for 14 days, i.e. hot baths, saunas, sun beds
• Avoid sun exposure for 4 weeks – pigmentation may take longer to fade
• Avoid strenuous physical activity for 2 weeks
• Avoid waxing your legs for 4 weeks
• Elevate your legs as much as possible for the first 2 weeks
• If you are planning to travel discuss with your practitioner who will advise
• Consider wearing your compression stockings long term to minimize thread vein recurrence.

What to Expect

• Immediately following microsclerotherapy, it is common to experience itching in the treated leg. Itching is temporary, and will resolve in approximately 1 hour.
• Pain or discomfort following treatment is highly variable from patient to patient, and while some patients may experience some pain, some may feel no discomfort at all following the procedure. In most cases, ibuprofen is effective in alleviating minor pain. If the treated area becomes red, hot to the touch, or tender, contact your doctor immediately.
• Approximately two weeks following the procedure, you will detect hard bumps in the area of the treated vein. These should resolve over time and are expected to disappear over the course of several months. If you experience any pain during this time, or if these bumps become tender, call your doctor.
• Occasionally, brown staining will appear at the treatment site. This can be caused by taking certain medications or exposure to sun. Typically, this staining is temporary and will resolve within a year of treatment.

Your Return Visit

Patients are asked to return for additional treatment to complete therapy. Microsclerotherapy typically requires anywhere from 3 to 6 treatments over the course of a 6 to 8 week.