Microsclerotherapy

Microsclerotherapy leg vein removal treatment is a medical treatment used to treat and eliminate spider veins on legs. A sclerosing solution is injected using a very fine needle into the veins. The sclerosing solution has an irritant effect on the lining of the veins causing the walls of the veins to stick together.

Blood stops flowing through the veins, which are then absorbed by the body’s natural defence mechanisms over a period of three months.
To date, microsclerotherapy is still the most effective treatment for thread veins and lasers are not as effective.

Dr. Rowena Hughes will do a full consultation with you to assess you for suitability. If you have thread veins on your legs and are not contraindicated you are suitable for microsclerotherapy. You will have an opportunity to discuss the appearance and any symptoms attributed to the veins, the results you expect post-treatment, and your pre-treatment and post-treatment care. A full medical history will be taken which is, of course, completely confidential. It is important to give full disclosure of any medication you are taking and your lifestyle so that you will get the best results possible.

The number of treatments required can vary depending on the size and severity of the veins. Normally, patients will require 3 to 6 treatments which are spaced approximately 6 to 12 weeks apart.

Fifty percent of vessels treated at any one session usually disappear. Most or all veins treated during the course of microsclerotherapy can be expected to be eradicated. Unfortunately, there are always a few exceptions. Some veins are much more resistant than normal.

There will be a visible improvement after only one sclerotherapy session, but sometimes a person will not respond. Normally after treatment leg veins can appear darker and will fade after 3 to 10 weeks.

Bruising can last anything from two weeks to three months depending on the size of the blood vessels treated. Due to bruising following injections the treated areas can look worse before they improve and it is necessary to be patient to obtain a good result. Occasionally thicker bruises in larger veins, which can remain for several months, may cause brown discolouration of the skin. This could take up to a year to fade.

Sclerotherapy is a treatment for the symptoms rather than the cure for the cause, other veins may develop. Most people need a top up session every 1-2 years. If you have underlying varicose veins, you are recommended to see a Vascular Surgeon to treat the larger vessels first.

High compression stockings need to be worn for seven days following the procedure to help keep the thread veins compressed and to reduce the amount of bruising. You must procure your own support stockings for wearing immediately afterwards or you can buy a pair at the clinic for €60.

Do not take aspirin for 7 days before treatment. Do not apply moisturiser or shave your legs on the day of treatment. Treatment should not be considered if you intend to fly overseas within the following 2 weeks.

It is possible to drive immediately after a treatment and we encourage you to go for a 20 minutes’ walk immediately after treatment and then daily for 1 week. We discourage exercises which put pressure on the leg venous system such as cycling up hills, running or lifting heavy weights and doing squats. Avoid standing for long periods of time, do not cross your legs. Do not massage the legs or use any exfoliator or body brushes on legs for a month post treatment as these increase blood flow. Avoid flights of 4 hours or more duration for a month following treatment. Avoid hot showers or baths. Do not pick or scratch the treated area or pick any scabs.