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Sclerotherapy Vein Treatment

Sclerotherapy is a safe and effective procedure that can be used to remove visible unwanted thread veins or spider veins, which can be commonly seen among those who have undergone pregnancy, weight gain, ageing or long period of standing or sitting.

WHY CHOOSE Sclerotherapy Vein Treatment

Dermagical Sclerotherapy injection is an FDA-approved treatment for small varicose veins such as spider veins or thread veins. As per international guidelines, it is one of the preferred treatments for varicose veins, next to radiofrequency and laser endogenous therapy.

Venous diseases are medical conditions that affect the veins of the body—the blood vessels that return blood from the tissues to the heart. Superficial veins are located near the surface of the skin, while those buried in the muscles of the arms and legs are called deep veins.

The veins are consist of valves that facilitates the flow of the blood in one direction. If there are problems in these valves, venous insufficiency can occur. Additionally, the walls of the veins can get damaged, causing the blood to flow backward. This increases the pressure within the veins, which can lead to more stretching and twisting of the veins. Such conditions will ultimately lead to various venous diseases.

Recovery Time
3 days
Treatment Time
Anaesthetic Required
None

How successful is this procedure?

A single session of sclerotherapy can help improve appearance by 50-80% depending on individuals. It can take several weeks for the optimal appearance to become apparent.

Is sclerotherapy safe?

Varicose veins injection is generally safe but like all medical procedures, it is associated with risks and side effects. You may experience:

  • Growth of fine red veins: this occurs when veins are destroyed. They may appear days or weeks after treatment, they usually go away over time.
  • Allergic reactions: This is typically rare; a medical consultation will occur before the procedure. If you are allergic to the sclerosant solution, this procedure is not recommended.

How effective is sclerotherapy?

A single session of sclerotherapy can help improve the appearance of veins by 50-80% depending on the severity of the condition. Although varicosities are more common in women, male patients are treated with equal success. It can take several weeks for optimal results to become apparent. You may need more than one session for optimal results, our trained practitioners will be able to advise you.

What happens if I don’t treat my varicose veins, spider veins or thread veins?

Usually nothing. Untreated varicose veins do predispose people to blood clots, skin ulcers, pain, and swelling.

Spider veins typically do not cause any medical problems, but many people are uncomfortable about their appearance.

How long do sclerotherapy results last?

Sclerotherapy results are permanent. The destroyed veins are less likely to reappear, but your body may still form new varicosities over time. Lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, and wearing compression stockings are recommended to prevent the formation of varicose veins.

Are varicose veins dangerous?

Spider veins typically do not cause any medical problems but many people are uncomfortable about their appearance; it makes some women feel embarrassed to expose their legs. Large varicose veins, especially the symptomatic ones, may lead to blood clots, skin ulcers, pain, and swelling. The treatment aims to clear up existing vein problems. However, as you age, other veins may still develop.

What should I avoid after sclerotherapy?

Avoid medications that can affect your blood’s clotting process such as ibuprofen or aspirin. During the first 2-3 days after treatment, avoid excessive sun exposure (hot baths, saunas, and the beach). Always wear your support tights or compression stocking, only remove them at the shower.

Does insurance cover sclerotherapy?

Many insurance plans will cover vein treatment when it is medically necessary, or if it is causing medical problems such as pain or swelling. Sclerotherapy for cosmetic purposes is not covered (most companies consider spider veins as a cosmetic issue).

Required number of sessions

You may need more than one session for optimal results, our trained practitioners will be able to advise you.

Insurance policies

Many insurance plans will cover vein treatment when it is medically necessary, cosmetic vein treatment is not covered (most companies consider spider veins as a cosmetic issue).

Initial consultation

An initial consultation is necessary to check for the presence of varicosities and to determine if Sclerovein injection is right for you. We will also check for an underlying blood vessel problem that needs to be corrected prior to treatment.

Treatment details

Using very fine needles, sclerotherapy injection solution is administered in each spider vein, causing them to harden and fade over time. We use Sclerovein because it is FDA-cleared and tends to be more comfortable than the traditional saline. The procedure is suitable for any part of the body and is designed to permanently eliminate small varicose veins.

Precautions and Contraindications

Prior to treatment, avoid shaving and applying lotions or cosmetics to the affected area. Sclerotherapy is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding patients. You also need clearance from your GP if you are prone to forming blood clots. For larger varicosities, sclerotherapy may be combined with laser therapy for complete removal.

Recovery

You can return to your daily activities immediately, but make sure to follow the doctor’s aftercare instructions. The number of treatments required will depend on the size of the vein, however, most will require 3 treatments at intervals of 2-4 weeks apart. You don’t need treatment for the first six weeks as shrinkage of the veins may still occur. The treatment itself will not prevent new veins from forming and if you are prone to have thread veins, additional treatments may be required.

Safety

The minimally-invasive sclerotherapy is one of the preferred treatments for varicose veins, next to laser therapy and radiofrequency. We use foam sclerosant to cover more surface area, allowing larger varicose veins to be treated. Side effects are often mild and temporary. Color changes at the site of injection, swelling, and redness have been reported. Although uncommon, small clots can also develop after the procedure.

Results

Sometimes multiple injections are required to make the vein disappear completely. Complete removal is not expected in the first session. About 50-80% reduction has been reported depending on the severity and size of the affected vein. The veins that were removed will not likely recur, but new varicosities can still form, particularly if you have an underlying venous problem.

Sclerotherapy vein treatment
1 3
Consultation, 3 test patch (Mandatory) £50 £N/A
Very minor area £99 £ ?
Minor £149 £447
Medium £199 £597
Major £299 £897
Major+ £399 £1197

SOME INFORMATION

Home » Treatments » BODY » Sclerotherapy Vein Treatment

What is sclerotherapy vein treatment?

We use non-surgical sclerotherapy vein treatment—an FDA-approved procedure—to manage varicose veins and spider veins. It involves the injection of a chemical irritant into the affected vein, causing it to close and forcing the blood to flow to undamaged blood vessels. Without blood flowing through the sealed vein, it will eventually shrink and fade permanently.

Different forms of venous insufficiency:

  • Varicose veins – enlarged, twisted, or bulgy veins commonly found in the legs. May cause pain and discomfort in some patients, as well as skin changes, muscle cramping, or swelling.
  • Spider veins (telangiectasia) – also known as thread veins, these are a mild and smaller variation of varicose veins. They can be found on the face and legs.
  • Varicocele – abnormal enlargement and stretching of the veins of the scrotum (loose skin that contains the testicles). It can impair the production and function of the sperm.
  • Hemorrhoids – enlarged and swollen veins inside the anus. It can be caused by increased pressure during pregnancy, obesity, and straining when defecating.

How does it work?

In our clinic, we use a chemical irritant called Sclerovein injectable foam. When injected into the vein, the sclerosing agent causes the vein to swell, clot, and seal shut. Over time, the spider veins or varicose veins turn into scar tissues and vanish. Associated symptoms are alleviated and the veins will no longer be visible from the skin surface. Multiple injections may be necessary for the treatment to work.

Sclerotherapy vein treatment is effective on superficial and small varicose veins of the face, thighs, calves, and anus. The treated vein starts to fade within 1 to 2 weeks.

Treatment Details

  1. This procedure is not for everyone, so an initial consultation is required to check for underlying medical conditions and to know if you are eligible for sclerotherapy.
  2. The injector will first clean the skin around the affected vein.
  3. Using ultra small needles or microcannula, an appropriate amount of sclerosant is injected into the enlarged vein.
  4. The area may blanch or turn white as the irritant pushes blood out of the vein.
  5. You may experience transient bruising or swelling in the treated area that usually subsides within a week or two.
  6. You will be advised to wear compression stockings after the procedure to relieve swelling and prevent blood clots.