Thread Vein Removal (Sclerotherapy)

What happens during the treatment?

A tiny sterile needle containing a drop of ‘sclerosing’ solution is injected into the thread vein. The solution enters the vein and causes it to blanche and tingle for a second or two.

Redness can increase in the area of treatment as the lining of the vein is irritated. After a short while the sides of the thread vein will either collapse, or swell and stick together, sealing off the vein and preventing the passage of more blood. The tiny sealed vein is absorbed by the body over time.

This ‘closing down’ process can continue for several weeks or even months after the final treatment. At JM Medispa we use medical grade hypertonic saline (salt) solution (very low risk of allergic reactions)

Post Treatment…

After injection we advise compression is applied to the treated area using stockings / tights / leggings which causes the sclerosing solution to stay within the treated vessels. There may be some discomfort or burning at the injection site following the treatment and some clients experience restlessness in their legs during the first few nights after treatment, which is due to the swelling of the walls of the veins.

For a month or so, the vessels will appear more prominent until the veins are reabsorbed. The treated injection sites may look like insect bites and can occasionally itch. The veins gradually begin to fade and will continue to improve for up to 8 weeks. After this time, a brownish discolouration of the skin may remain, which can take months to fade away.

Treatment duration…

Treatments usually take between 30 and 45 minutes.
Many clients will see some improvement after just one treatment. In practice, clients usually require between 2-6 treatments at 4-8 week intervals depending on the number of vessels being treated.

Which areas can be treated?
Micro-sclerotherapy is specifically designed to treat leg thread veins. The ankles and knees cannot be treated.

Results…

Most patients will see some improvement after just one treatment.

In practice, patients usually require between 2-6 treatments at 8 week intervals depending on the number of vessels being treated.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects are usually rare and minor. Possible side effects include:

• Discomfort or burning at injection site.
• Restless legs for a few nights.
• Initial increase in appearance of veins, just until re-absorption takes place / occurs.
• ‘Insect bite’ appearance that may itch (temporary).
• Longer term skin discolouration which will fade.
• Phlebitis. A rare complication of Micro-Sclerotherapy.

Aftercare…

Aftercare for Micro-Sclerotherapy is advice-based, you will also receive an email copy of all the aftercare you have been advised to follow.

As detailed above, there are certain activities that should be avoided and other information that is important to note. Please read the full details outlined above if you are to be treated with Micro-Sclerotherapy.