Aesthetic Solutions - Cosmetic Treatment Clinic - Truro - Cornwall - Dr Simon Knowles

Sclerotherapy
Thread, spider, or red veins of the legs are a common problem which particularly effects women. These small veins can form anywhere on the leg, from the top of the thigh to the ankle and while they do not pose any major health problems, they can cause discomfort and be unsightly. Today, a simple treatment called microsclerotherapy is being used to correct unwanted thread veins of the legs.

What is Sclerotherapy?
This is a procedure in which a small amount of solution is injected directly into the thread vein, using a special type of syringe with a tiny, very fine gauge needle. This solution has been used with great success for some years in continental Europe and the United States and is available for use at the Aesthetic Solutions clinic.

The solution displaces the blood within the vein causing it to turn white. The solution also causes the vessel to become irritated and swell shut, stopping the blood from re-entering the vein. Following the injection pressure may be applied, depending on the size of the vein but usually support hose is all that is necessary for no more than a week.

Treated veins can disappear within two weeks to two months. More than one treatment is usually needed - although most can be treated over the course of two treatment sessions, each taking around 30 to 40 minutes. For very extensive thread veins, a maximum of six treatments could be necessary, but rarely more.

Is the treatment painful?
Patients report a little minor discomfort, with perhaps a very slight to moderate burning sensation which disappears within a few seconds.

Will treated veins recur?
Thread veins may recur. Often it may seem that a previously injected vessel has recurred, when in fact a new thread vein has appeared in the same area.

Thousands of people who are self-conscious or embarrassed by unsightly thread veins are delighted with the results gained from microsclerotherapy.

Thread veins before and after Sclerotherapy treatment

What are the side effects?
Most patients experience no adverse effects, although some minor side effects have been reported. These include slightly raised areas at the site of injection which heal within a day or so, or temporary bruising around the treated area which usually resolves rapidly.
Very rarely, a small dark area of pigmentation resembling a freckle may remain. However, these spots usually resolve in time or respond to treatment with bleaching agents. Development of tiny networks of fine red vessels near the injection site of larger vessels can very occasionally occur. Most resolve spontaneously and others disappear after injection treatment. Allergic reactions to the solution are rare.