Microsclerotherapy
Microsclerotherapy is the effective treatment for visible leg thread veins
Visible superficial veins on the legs are often called thread veins or spider veins; the medical term though is telangiectasia. They can be unsightly and many people feel they need to cover their legs up even in the summer. There are many reasons why people get thread veins but could be due to being hereditary, lifestyle, presence of varicose veins, pregnancy, hormones, form trauma or they quite simply occur.
What is microsclerotherapy?
The most effective treatment for leg thread veins is by microsclerotherapy. This involves injecting a prescription solution known as a sclerosant into the tiny veins using a very fine needle. Over time your body reabsorbs the treated vein. The vein may have to be treated more than once and the results may show that they have disappeared or to reduced greatly in appearance.
How does it work?
When the tiny thread veins are injected by using the prescription solution, the walls of the veins are disrupted or irritated which causes the vein wall to become sticky. Immediately the vein collapses and over the next several weeks the body breaks it down and gets absorbed. The veins will be visible at this stage and go through what is known as a healing process but you will notice them starting to fade over the weeks. As the healing process takes place the tiny veins can look worse before they get better but will fade.
What areas can be treated?
The areas that are suitable for microsclerotherapy are the legs. Common areas on the legs are the thighs, inside the knees, and on the lower part of the legs. Unfortunately thread veins found on the feet or ankles are risky areas to treat due to the complex anatomy of the veins, arteries and nerves. Facial thread veins are treated by short wave diathermy.
What to expect when having a treatment:
A full assessment is required at a consultation prior to any treatment to assess for suitability. An assessment of your legs is carried out and a Doppler ultrasound is used to check for any signs of any underlying issues with the larger veins. This examination may show up that there could be an indication of reflux in the larger veins which in time could lead to varicose veins. Sometimes varicose veins are not always noticeable in everyone. Should an underlying problem be indicated, I am able to offer you recommended vascular surgeons within the area.
The treatment process:
- Consultation and be measured for compression hosiery
- Plan of treatment created as you may require more than one treatment which is usually carried out 10-12 weeks apart. The body needs this length of time to break down the treated vein and reabsorb it.
- Treatment, then a review appointment arranged for 2 weeks after. This appointment is to review your treatment.
- It is advisable to wear your compression hosiery continuously for 48-72 hours following treatment then during the day time for 2-3 weeks. The compression aids recovery which helps reduce the risk of bruising and swelling and they also help to prevent any pigmentation or brown discolouration occurring.
- You can resume to normal daily activities straight away. Activities such as hard impact exercises can be resumed after about a week, flying after about 4 weeks and leg waxing after 6 weeks.
Microsclerotherapy is not a quick fix treatment so planning is essential especially if you have an upcoming event such as a wedding, special event or holiday. Ideally it is best to start treatment a year to these events. It may seem a long time to prepare but with time you will see a great improvement to the appearance of your legs.
Autumn is the ideal time to start treatment so it continues over the cooler months to avoid wearing compression hosiery in the summer.
If you are not looking into having any microsclerotherapy treatment but would like to know more as regards to compression hosiery or fitting for compression hosiery, I am happy to offer you help and advice.
Price
1st session £250 – includes the compression hosiery
Per session £200