Sclerotherapy: Varicose Vein & Thread Vein Treatment

• Pain, aching and discomfort
• Swelling
• Itching or burning
• Heaviness or fullness in the legs
• Skin changes (discolouration, dryness etc.)

You are ineligible for sclerotherapy if:

• Pregnant
• Breastfeeding
• Allergic or sensitive to sclerosant
• Suffering from active deep vein thrombosis or blood clots

1. Consultation

Your journey with sclerotherapy begins with a free initial consultation with one of our vascular specialists. During this consultation, your specialist will:

• Assess your condition in detail.
• Discuss your symptoms and medical history.
• Perform a thorough examination of your veins to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

This evaluation is crucial in ensuring that sclerotherapy is the right treatment choice for your specific vein issues.

2. Preparations

On the day of your procedure, our team will guide you through the necessary preparations. You will be given specific instructions on any preparations that may be required ahead of your treatment, these may include:

• Fasting: You may be instructed to avoid eating or drinking for a specific period of time before the procedure.
• Medication: We will assess any medications or supplements you are currently taking, and adjustments may be made, especially with blood thinners.
• Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of your treatment to ensure ease of movement.

Following our pre-treatment instructions diligently will help optimise the procedure and minimise any potential risks.

3. Vein mapping and injection of sclerosant solution

Once preparations have been made, a fine needle is used to inject the specialised solution directly into the affected veins. If you are being treated for varicose veins then the needle will be directed under ultrasound guidance.

The foam displaces the blood within the vein, facilitating direct contact with the vein’s inner lining. This leads to vein irritation and inflammation, resulting in vein closure and eventual absorption by the body.

You may feel a minor stinging sensation or cramping as the needle breaks the skin and enters the vein. Please let our staff know if it becomes painful, as this could indicate that solution is leaking into the surrounding tissues.

4. Compression and recovery

Following the sclerotherapy procedure bandages may be applied to the treated area and you may be required to wear compression stockings. Compression stockings aid in the healing process and help maintain proper blood flow. 

You will have the option to relax in our recovery area if needed, but will be able to return home on the same day. Typically, patients experience minimal downtime and are able to leave the clinic and continue with their daily activities.

Whilst sclerotherapy is highly effective, 1 in 5 people will suffer recurrence after 5 years. These may require follow up appointments and additional treatment if they become problematic.

• Wearing compression stockings for a specified period to support circulation and prevent blood clots.
• Staying hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water to avoid constipation, which can place pressure on your veins and hinder the healing process.
• Avoiding sun exposure to protect the treated area and avoid any pigmentation changes caused by UV rays.
• Avoiding strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and exercise for a specified period to give your body the necessary time to heal.
• Keeping the treated area clean to prevent infections, avoiding baths or hot tubs for a few days post-procedure.
• Scheduling a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and ensure proper healing. It may be that further sclerotherapy treatments are required in subsequent appointments as there is a limit to the amount of solution that can be administered in one sitting, however subsequent injections will be included in the up-front price of your treatment.

• Minimally invasive: Sclerotherapy is minimally invasive, requiring only a small injection site. This results in minimal, discomfort, scarring, reduced pain, and a faster recovery compared to traditional surgical treatments.
• Highly effective: Sclerotherapy is highly effective in treating smaller to medium-sized varicose veins and thread veins. Studies have found the treatment to have a high success rate, leading to symptom relief and improved vein appearance.
• Versatile: Sclerotherapy is suitable for a range of vein sizes and types, making it a versatile treatment option. It can effectively target both varicose veins and certain types of thread veins.
• Local anaesthetic: The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, eliminating the risks associated with general anaesthetic and allowing for a shorter recovery period. Local anaesthetic may not be required if only undergoing microsclerotherapy treatment.
• Outpatient procedure: Sclerotherapy is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home on the same day and resume your daily activities with minimal disruption.
• Rapid recovery: Patients undergoing sclerotherapy treatment typically experience a swift recovery, with many able to resume normal activities within a day or two.
• Minimal scarring: Sclerotherapy requires only tiny injection sites, resulting in minimal scarring. These injection sites are often so small that they may not require sutures, enhancing cosmetic outcomes.
• Low risk of complications: The risk of complications with sclerotherapy is generally low, including a reduced risk of infection, nerve damage, or wound healing issues.
• Improved vein appearance: Beyond symptom relief, sclerotherapy can enhance the appearance of your legs by reducing the appearance of varicose and spider veins.
• Long-lasting results: Sclerotherapy provides long-lasting relief. Treated veins typically do not return, reducing the need for repeat procedures.
• Minimal discomfort: Patients often report minimal discomfort during and after the sclerotherapy procedure, with any discomfort usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medications.

• Infection: As with any procedure which penetrates the skin, sclerotherapy can result in infection. However, this is extremely rare (less than 1 in 1000 treatments). Signs of infection should be reported to your healthcare team for prompt treatment with antibiotics.
• Bruising, swelling, and inflammation: Bruising, swelling, and inflammation around the injection site are common side effects. These symptoms usually subside within a few weeks but can be bothersome initially.
• Allergic reaction: Although rare, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to the materials used during the procedure, such as the sclerosant solution or local anaesthetic.
• Skin changes: Skin discoloration along the treated veins can occur, and whilst it usually fades over time, in some cases, it may be permanent.
• Scarring: Whilst scarring is minimal with foam sclerotherapy, it is possible, particularly if injection sites are not cared for properly during the healing process.
• Nerve irritation: In rare cases, sclerotherapy can irritate nearby nerves, leading to prolonged discomfort or altered sensation in the treated area.