What is Microsclerotherapy?
Microsclerotherapy is the gold standard procedure for the removal of thread veins, also known as spider veins or telangiectases, on the legs. It is the most reliable and effective treatment for leg thread veins.
The Microsclerotherapy Procedure
Microsclerotherapy is an outpatient procedure. Patients should not shave or moisturise their legs prior to treatment as this can have an impact on the effectiveness of the treatment. A series of microinjections, usually of concentrated salt water or other sclerosing agents, are given using very fine needles directly into the vein.
The sclerosing solution irritates the lining of the vein. This causes the vein to gradually close off. Blood will then stop flowing through the vein and the damaged blood vessels will then be slowly reabsorbed using the body’s natural healing processes. The full effect of the procedure may take up to eight weeks to become fully apparent.
The procedure usually takes half an hour.
Will Microsclerotherapy Hurt?
Patients may experience some mild discomfort. To minimise pain and discomfort, the solution is mixed with a local anaesthetic before injection.
Patients may also wish to take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol one hour prior to treatment.
How Many Treatments Are Required?
Patients will see a marked improvement after the first treatment. However, for optimal results patients will usually require an average of three sessions. The total number of treatments required will vary from patient to patient and will depend on the severity of the thread veins.
Treatments are usually six to ten weeks apart.
Microsclerotherapy Aftercare Information
The injection site(s) will have the appearance of insect bites following the treatment, but this should settle quickly. The injected vessels may appear prominent for a few days, after which they will change from purple/red to brown in colour before fading altogether, which usually takes between six and eight weeks.
Patients will need to wear a compression stocking for three days following the procedure, and should also wear this on long haul flights.
Normal activity can be resumed immediately after the procedure, although patients should avoid rigorous activity, very hot baths and saunas for at least 72 hours after the treatment.
Patients may experience some bruising, which should usually subside in around two weeks.
