Frequently Asked Questions

How does the treatment work?

A dilute irritant solution is injected into the vein using a very fine needle. This damages the vessel lining causing it to close off. The body treats this as damaged tissue which is slowly absorbed over about three months.The injections are almost painless and all the thread veins can usually be treated in one half hour session. They look worse to begin with and large vessels may go darker. Fading starts after three weeks and it will be six weeks before the main benefit is seen and improvement continues for a few months.For this reason it is a good idea to plan treatment some time before your holiday.

How successful is Sclerotherapy?

An improvement of 80-90 % is  achievable but will depend on the number of treatments completed.We recommend 3-6 but depends on the size and extent. Sclerotherapy is a permanent solution for the areas treated, but does not prevent new problem areas from appearing. The treatment will last for several years.

How many treatment sessions are needed?

The number of treatments varies and is dependent upon the patient and the extent of the condition usually between 3-6 but each session must have a 6 week interval. This and other aspects of the treatment will be discussed in more detail at the pre-treatment consultation.

Are there any complications?

An allergic reaction to the solution is very rare, occurring in about one person in 100 000.
 

What should I do before treatment?

Please avoid aspirin, vitamin E and Aloe Vera orally preparations for a few days prioe to treatment.

What happens afterwards?

You will be able to return to normal activities and driving immediately afterwards.
Smaller Vessels
-Avoid hot extremes,hot baths,sauna,excessive exercise for a few days.
-Avoid body lotions,scrubs,tanning lotion on the area treated for 1-2  weeks.
-Compression/support stockings optional

Larger Vessels
-Normal shower after 24 hours,no baths.
-Dressings can be removed after 24 hours
-Compression stockings are to be worn for 7 days.
-Walk for 20 minutes every day.
-Elevate legs while sitting down.
 
How long does the treatment take?

In most cases, treatment takes 30-60 minutes and no recovery time is needed so normal activity can be undertaken immediately afterwards.

Is micro-sclerotherapy painful?

Patients who have had micro-sclerotherapy have reported little discomfort. Some experience a slight to moderate burning sensation immediately after the injection but this disappears within a few seconds.Local anaesthetic is applied prior to injection.

Can thread and spider veins also be treated by laser?

Yes, but will depend on the size of the vessels and location on the legs.Facial veins are only treated by laser. 

Are there any side-effects following treatment?

Most patients experience no complications; however, some minor side-effects have been reported. These include slight swelling,tenderness and bruising on larger areas. Bruising around the treated area, which eventually disappears, can result if the veins are unusually weak and clots sometimes develop at the site of the injection.