What is it?
Sclerotherapy is a treatment for thread veins (spider veins) and small varicose veins. A solution is injected into the affected veins, causing them to close and gradually fade from view over the following weeks. At Beechwood House Healthcare it is carried out by a consultant vascular surgeon following an assessment of your veins.
Who is it for?
Adults bothered by thread veins or small varicose veins — usually on the legs — who would like them assessed and treated. An assessment first confirms whether sclerotherapy is suitable for you.
Benefits
- Targets thread veins and small varicose veins
- Carried out by a consultant vascular surgeon
- No general anaesthetic — a walk-in, walk-out treatment
The procedure
After assessing your veins, the clinician injects a small amount of solution into each treated vein using a very fine needle. Several veins can usually be treated in one session, and more than one session is sometimes needed. You can normally walk and go home straight afterwards.
Aftercare
You may be advised to wear compression stockings for a period and to stay active with regular walking. We explain what to expect as the treated veins fade, and what to avoid while the area settles. Full aftercare guidance is given at your appointment.
Risks
Every procedure carries some risk. We discuss these fully with you beforehand. Possible risks include:
- Temporary bruising, redness or discolouration at injection sites
- Lumps or tenderness along treated veins
- Not all veins respond, and some may need further sessions