Microsclerotherapy is a technique used for the removal of surface and spider veins. It involves injections with a very fine needle of a sclerosing drug which irritates the lining of the veins causing the walls to stick together. Blood stops flowing through the veins, which are then absorbed by the body over a period of a few weeks and the blood is directed back to the deeper veins. The treatment is carried out by qualified specialists.
The benefits
The main benefit of Microsclerotherapy is the gradual deduction of thread and spider veins. Over time, your red vein clusters should fade, and with commitment to treatments can disappear. Microsclerotherapy has several advantages over alternative types of spider vein treatment, such as laser, intense pulsed light (IPL) or electrolysis, including:
- Less likely to damage the skin
- Quicker procedure
- Treats hidden thread veins that feed surface thread veins
- Leaves minimal scarring, bruising and swelling
What does this treatment involve?
Microsclerotherapy is a walk-in-walk-out procedure that does not require an anaesthetic and takes less than an hour to perform. The thread veins are destroyed by injecting a small amount of a sclerosing solution into the vein. The sclerosing solution used may be either polidocanol (Sclerovein) or sodium tetradecylsulfate (Fibrovein) and the chemical irritates the small vein and causes it to undergo fibrosis and eventually disappear.
How long does it last?
Veins that respond to sclerotherapy injection treatment will not usually reappear. However, new veins may appear over time. If clinically indicated, these veins may also be treated by injection sclerotherapy. Two to four sessions are normally required to successfully treat targeted veins. Treatments are given 4-6 weeks apart and treated veins usually respond in 3 to 6 months.
Low risks
As with any procedure, there is a small amount of risk and downtime and these will always be discussed at consultation stage. Microsclerotherapy results in few serious complications, but some temporary side effects that may occur at the site of injection include:
- Bruising
- Raised red areas
- Small skin sores
- Darkened skin in the form of lines or spots
- Multiple tiny red blood vessels
Aftercare
You will be advised on detailed aftercare after your procedure but common practice is to walk for at least five minutes several times a day or perform gentle exercise wherever possible to enable healing. Putting your legs up (toes level with eyes) as much as possible for the first two weeks after your treatment will help and it’s sensible to avoid strenuous exercise (e.g. aerobics, running, lifting weights etc.) for two weeks.
Cost
Prices can vary dependent on the patient and how many treatments are required. You will always be given an upfront fixed-price quote at your consultation, once a thorough examination has taken place.
For further information on Microsclerotherapy and any other aesthetics treatments, please contact us here.