Thread Vein Removal

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a treatment for thread veins (also called spider veins) that comprises of injecting an “irritant” solution known as Scleremo, which is based on Glycerine Chromate, into small veins. The great advantage of this solution is that it is extremely safe.

For the treatment to be effective, it is necessary to inject the solution directly into the thread vein. These veins are extremely small and can sometimes only be seen under magnification. It therefore requires quite considerable skill on behalf of the therapist to introduce a needle into these vessels.

For the treatment is used the smallest needle available, which has the same diameter as and human hair. When the needle is introduced and the solution injected, the solution can be seen tracking through the various branches of the vein. Local pressure is then applied to the area and the treatment is repeated for all the areas that require treatment.

Glycerine Chromate sets up an immediate inflammatory reaction in the veins, so that temporarily they become more noticeable. In response to this inflammatory process, the veins then go into spasm and, over the course of a few weeks, atrophy (break down). It is generally necessary to repeat the treatment two or three times or even more, depending on how many spider veins are present in the first instance. Thread vein removal treatments normally spaced six weeks apart to allow the process of atrophy to take place.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of the Thread Vein Removal?

Although side effects are mild, they are still a possibility. These include:

Localised Redness and Swelling
Patients with an allergy to costume jewellery or chrome may also be allergic to Scleremo.
Taking antihistamine tablets, which are readily available from pharmacy, can reduce these problems.

Itching
You may experience mild itching along the vein route. This itching normally lasts 1 to 2 hours but may persist for a day or so.

Transient Hyperpigmentation
Approximately 10% of patients who undergo sclerotherapy notice discolouration (light brown streaks after treatment. In almost every patient the spider veins become darker immediately after the procedure. In rare instance this darkening of vein persists for 4 to 12 months.

Ankle Swelling
Ankle swelling may occur after treatment of blood vessels in the foot or ankle. It usually resolves in a few days and is lessened by wearing the prescribed support stockings.

Pain
A few patients experience moderate to severe pain and some bruising, usually at the site of the injection. The veins may be tender to the touch after treatment, and an uncomfortable sensation may run along the vein route. This pain is usually temporary, in most cases lasting 1 to at most 7 days.

How Many Sclerotherapy Treatments Will I Require?

This can vary depending on the severity of the spider veins and the time involved to treat them. Most patients require a minimum of 3 thread vein removal treatments, which are spaced approximately 5-6 weeks apart. In more severe cases a further 1-2 treatments may be recommended.

When Will I See Results After The Sclerotherapy?

Few patients see any changes taking place after only one session. Normally about three weeks after the second treatment fading begins to occur and the finer thread veins will tend to disappear. It is however extremely important to continue with the treatment until the thread veins have completely faded to achieve the greatest results.

There should not be more than seven weeks between treatment times.
During your treatment it is recommended that the patient protects the area from excessive sun exposure by applying a sun block.
If the leg area is being treated it is better to avoid waxing.
Extremes in temperature can be a strong factor in causing spider veins to appear. Not just heats, but also the cold, therefore protect the skin where possible.

Does Sclerotherapy Work For Everyone?

The majority of persons who have sclerotherapy performed will be cleared or at least see improvement. Unfortunately, however, there is no guarantee that sclerotherapy will be effective in every case.

What is the cost of treatment?

The price for thread vein removal starts from £230 for small areas.