Infrared Assisted Microsclerotherapy: What are the benefits?
Written in association with:
Vascular surgeon
Published: 24/10/2017
Edited by: Jay Staniland
Infrared assisted microsclerotherapy is a modern treatment for thread veins, spider veins, and broken veins in the hands, arms and feet. Microsclerotherapy is a technique for removing small veins which uses a series of injections with a very fine needle, with the assistance of infrared technology, the veins are more clearly seen and better targeted.
Specialist vascular and venous surgeon Mr David Greenstein explains how infrared microsclerotherapy, otherwise known as 3D phlebotherapy, is used to treat hand, arm and foot veins, thread veins and spider veins
What is infrared assisted microsclerotherapy?
Infrared assisted microsclerotherapy helps to give better results when treating thread veins, spider veins and other small broken veins.
The infrared assistance helps the vascular surgeon to visualise the veins, particularly the spider veins, which means the surgeon can target the correct area.
An infrared light is shone onto the affected area, and the veins beneath the skin can then be seen. The surgeon will then target the correct area to administer the microsclerotherapy treatment.
How does microsclerotherapy work?
Microsclerotherapy works by injecting a sclerosing (hardening) solution into the veins with the use of a very fine needle. The sclerosing agent irritates the lining of the veins, causing them to stick together. Once they are stuck together, the veins will slowly die as blood can no longer flow through the veins, they will eventually be absorbed back into the body by the bodies natural defences.
Are there any risks to infrared assisted microsclerotherapy?
The risks of microsclerotherapy are minimal, with the only usual side-effects seen are bruising and swelling. Bruising can last anywhere between two weeks and three months, but will go down in time and show an improved appearance. Swelling may occur in some cases, but again this will go down in time.
The veins are not needed, as the blood will flow back into the larger veins and blood vessels.
What are the benefits of infrared assisted microsclerotherapy?
Infrared assisted microsclerotherapy gives much more accurate results than miscrosclerotherapy without the use of infrared. The results can be seen straight away, and the patient is able to see the sclerosing agent is action.
The treatment is often used following varicose veins treatment to also remove the smaller affected veins.
The procedure is not widely available in the UK, but is provided by leading vascular and venous surgeon, Mr David Greenstein. To make an appointment, click here. For appointments for all kinds of vascular surgery, make an appointment with a specialist here.