Sclerotherapy generally does not require any type of anaesthesia. Patients are asked to wear loose fitting clothing and the thread veins are identified. The thread veins are injected with a scleroing solution that will destroy them. The treatment causes minor discomfort.

The procedure does not take more than 30-60 mins and can even be done during a lunch break. You can resume most activities shortly after each session.

No preparation is required before the procedure.

Thread veins are most common in women in the age groups 30-50. Men are also treated. They can occur during hormone fluctuations of pregnancy and menopause . Thread veins look like a network of small veins. These pink and purple veins usually appear in a lattice pattern and are completely harmless.

Sclerotherapy leads to few side effects other than a little discomfort and some bruising. Severe allergic reactions are rare. A few people may develop intense itching at the site of injection as mentioned previously, but antihistamines are given in this case to alleviate symptoms.

Almost anyone with unwanted spider veins can be treated, except women who are pregnant or nursing. Other relative contraindications include those with skin infections, uncontrolled diabetes, fever, history of deep vein thrombosis, anticoagulant therapy those patients taking corticosteroids.

No, this treatment is only suitable for the smaller ‘thread veins’ visible on the surface of the skin. If you have large varicose veins you will be asked to see your GP for a doppler.

It varies from individual to individual but typically 2-4 treatments are required for the best results. In patients with a few veins, 1-2 sessions will suffice. More treatments are required where veins are more numerous and extensive.

There is a little sting associated with each injection which lasts few seconds. Most individuals tolerate the procedure and do not require any type of anesthesia. The majority of patients claim that the procedure is much less than painful than they anticipated. There can be itching after the injections. An antihistamine can be taken to alleviate this.

Absolutely nothing. Thread veins are almost entirely of a cosmetic problem. They do not form blood clots and they do not cause swollen feet. A few people find that their veins cause some aching which is relieved by sclerotherapy.

Thread veins have no function and removing does no harm. The only reason they are removed is because of their unsightly appearance.

Because the veins are usually so tiny laser treatment is normally recommenced for the face.

There is some mild pain which can easily be overcome with paracetamol or Nurofen. The injected site will appear bruised and swollen for a few days. I would advise the use of compression stockings after treatment in order to minimise bruising and maximise the benefit of treatment. The bruising usually disappears in 2-3 weeks. Most patients can resume their normal activities soon after treatment.

Yes of course. The free consultation is for you to find out if the treatment is suitable for you. We discuss what you are aiming to achieve and how best to achieve that. You can then go away and consider your options. There is no obligation to book a treatment.

Head to my appointments page where you will see a list of clinics that I work from. Choose the most suitable time and location and follow the links to book. If it is your first treatment book a ‘consultation’.

Walking is recommended soon after the procedure. Normal activites can usually be continued after treatment.