Microsclerotherapy for thread veins: how does it work?
Written in association with:Research shows that nearly all women suffer from thread veins at some point in our lives. Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and the menopause are often thought to cause their development.
We recently spoke with Mr Hosaam Nasr , a leading consultant vascular and endovascular surgeon (from Premier Veins ), to discuss how microsclerotherapy can improve the cosmetic appearance of skin and how uncomfortable symptoms of thread veins can be reduced.
What is microsclerotherapy and when is it necessary?
Micro sclerotherapy is a highly effective, minimally invasive treatment for improving the appearance of thread veins (often found in the upper thigh and around the knee and ankle) and small reticular veins.
Micro sclerotherapy is offered to improve the cosmetic appearance of the leg and to relieve minor leg symptoms such as aching, itching and discomfort.
Before the treatment, it is important to have a full assessment of the leg veins with an ultrasound scan. This is necessary as thread veins are frequently associated with varicose veins that are hidden below the skin surface and can feed thread veins. Treatment is unlikely to be successful unless these varicose veins are dealt with too, this may require slightly different walk-in, walk-out procedure to achieve the best results.
How is the procedure performed?
Micro sclerotherapy is a walk-in, walk-out procedure and does not require an anaesthetic. The treatment focuses on causing the veins to shrink and eventually disappear.
Using a very fine needle and a special light to show up the veins, the liquid sclerosant is injected into the affected thread veins in your leg. The sclerosant destroys the vein is absorbed by the body over time.
Once the thread veins have been treated, the treated area is dressed / bandaged, and compression stocking is applied.
What instructions must patients follow during recovery, postop?
Post-treatment instructions are provided for each particular case, including contact details in case you need to talk to us.
Patients can return home soon after treatment. Depending on the amount of treatment, patients may be able to drive home afterwards.
Depending on the extent of the veins treated, you may need to wear the compression stocking for up to 2 weeks.
Back to work
Patients are usually able to return to work straightaway after treatment, even on the same day. We'll advise you for your specific case at the consultation.
Walking and running
Walking is recommended as it helps the blood circulation in your legs and promotes the healing process. More vigorous exercise such as aerobics, jogging or gym workouts may be best avoided until after you remove your dressings.
Swimming and cycling
Low-impact exercise such as cycling and swimming is good for vein health. Swimming is fine as long as you wear your stockings. The same applies for cycling but avoid strenuous cycling until after you stop wearing your stocking.
Flying
Avoid flying for 2 weeks after treatment, especially if you’re planning to fly long haul.
What results can be expected?
A course of treatments may be necessary to see the full cosmetic benefits. It’s important not to over-treat the veins, and it’s important to be aware that it can take up to months to realise the full cosmetic benefits.
What are the possible risks of microsclerotherapy?
Usually there will not be any problems after treatment but get in touch if you do; we are here to help you.
Bruising
Some bruising can occur during the first few days after treatment but they fade and disappear.
Pigmentation
The treated veins usually appear more prominent after treatment. It’s important to remember that it will take time (6 to 12 months) for you to see the full cosmetic benefits.
Tenderness and/or lumps
Some lumpiness and tenderness may occur initially in the area treated and will settle over 2 weeks; this can be relieved by taking ibuprofen or paracetamol if necessary.
Thrombophlebitis
Where microsclerotherapy treatment for thread veins has been combined with treatment for hidden varicose veins, and the varicose veins have been lumpy, a red lump that can be painful may develop in the treated area.
This is called superficial thrombophlebitis. It can usually be treated with anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen, and it usually settles down after 1 or 2 weeks. Thrombophlebetis can also be treated by withdrawing a small volume of trapped blood from the treated vein a few weeks post treatment.
The risk of developing a deep vein thrombosis is very little and very rarely, a piece of thrombus may travel to the lungs causing a pulmonary embolus.
Rare side-effects
These include: transient visual disturbance, allergic reaction.
To treat thread veins or small reticular veins, we recommend booking an appointment with an expert such as Mr Hosaam Nasr , a highly experienced consultant vascular and endovascular surgeon. Click here to visit his clinic’s profile today for information on appointment availability.
