Microsclerotherapy (sometimes known as sclerotherapy) is a method of treating dermal flares, or spider veins. These are very fine dilated veins situated just below the surface of the skin.
Sclerosant solution is introduced into the cutaneous veins and expels blood from them. The veins then appear to disappear. The sclerosant solution sticks the vein walls together so the blood cannot return. The vein walls are damaged by the injection and are slowly removed by the body's natural defence mechanisms over a period of three months.
Initially there is a thorough consultation to formally assess whether the veins are treatable by this method. A very fine, almost invisible, needle is used and connected to a fine flexible tube. The needle is inserted into one of the flares and delivers an injection of sclerosant. The number of injections per session depends on how extensive the veins are and the amount of sclerosant solution that can be injected in one session. A session usually lasts 20-25 minutes. The number of sessions will depend on the extent of the problem, and the frequency of sessions will depend on how effective the clearance has been. Bandages are applied following the treatment to put pressure on the injection sites and underlying vessels.
Yes. It is possible to get a blister at the site of the injection but this usually clears without any further problems. The treatment may be associated with staining but this usually clears on its own.
Some patients experience aching or pain on the evening of a treatment. There will be marks/bruises around the injection sites for several days, and the vessels that have been treated may feel tender and look darker for several weeks following treatment. This is an indication that the treatment has been successful and will settle in time. Occasionally an infection can occur at the injection site which may necessitate antibiotics.
The treatment is highly successful, and in the majority of clients an excellent result is achieved. In some people there is an instant result and in others the veins can take up to 3 months to clear. Where there is underlying venous disease which has been treated the chances of flares recurring is extremely low. If there is no underlying venous disease and your flares are treated, then over a period of years further flares will appear. It is possible to repeat treatments as often as necessary to achieve a very good result.
Our Practitioner is a Registered General Nurse and a Registered Member of the British Association of Sclerotherapists who has almost ten years experience of treating patients with venous disease and treating reticular veins and dermal flares.
Please contact us to find out more about pricing.