Specialising in treatment for varicose veins
Thread veins affecting the leg
Sclerotherapy
Treatment of thread veins, spider veins, varicose veins
What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a treatment for thread veins, “spider veins” and varicose veins. An irritant chemical or sclerosant is injected directly into the veins to seal them and make them disappear. Sclerotherapy can be performed for thread veins and minor varicose veins using a liquid injection. Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is a new variation of the technique which has developed over the last few years to treat larger varicose veins that are unsuitable for other treatment and are too large for simple liquid sclerotherapy.
Do I need an anaesthetic?
No. This procedure does not require any anaesthetic as the injections are not normally uncomfortable.
How does it work?
The sclerosant chemical -Fibrovein- destroys the inner lining of the vein, which is then compressed with a bandage or stocking to seal it.
Is it painful?
The treatment is almost painless. There may be a slight degree of discomfort for a few days afterwards.
How long does it take?
The procedure normally takes 20-40 minutes. It is a walk-in, walk-out treatment, but you should ask someone to drive you home. You will normally need to wear a support bandage or stocking for between three days and three weeks depending on the size and severity of the veins being treated.
What is the recovery time?
Normal day-to-day activity can be resumed the following day. Vigorous exercise, should as gym workouts, riding or cycling should be avoided for the first week.
Will I need further treatment?
Sclerotherapy treatment will sometimes require more than one session to complete the treatment. the full effect of the treatment can take several weeks to develop.
Will my veins come back?
The veins treated will not normally come back. New varicose veins or thread viens can develop over time. This is quite variable and may affect some people more than others.
What are the risks?
Minor bruising and discomfort can occur after sclerotherapy of varicose veins. Discolouration or pigmentation can develop and might last for some months before settling. Serious risks, such as skin ulceration or deep vein thrombosis - DVT, are very rare. Before any treatment a full discussion of the possible risks and side-effects of any treatment is a routine part of your care.
Microsclerotherapy
The latest techniques make use of ultra-fine needles whch mean that most thread veins or spider veins in the legs can be treated.
Transillumination is often required to identify these very small vessels.Foam sclerotherapy
Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is a newer variation of the traditional liquid sclerotherapy technique and is useful for the treatment of larger varicose veins, especially in patients who have previously undergone surgery, or who are not suitable for endovenous laser or radiofrequency treatment.
What's different about "foam sclerotherapy"?
As the name suggests this treatment is performed by injecting a foam version of the irritant chemical into the veins. This is a new variation of sclerotherapy and is used to treat larger varicose veins. The sclerotherapy agent is mixed into a foam with air before injection. This foam can be massaged through the varicose veins and followed on ultrasound.
The National Institute of Clinical Excellence has produced information for patients about foam sclerotherapy which can be found here: information for patients
The NHS National Institute for Clinical Excellence - NICE has recently issued guidance for this procedure.