Microsclerotherapy Treatment

Microsclerotherapy is a procedure that treats thread veins (spider veins) by injecting a sclerosing agent into the affected veins. This solution irritates the vein walls, causing them to collapse and eventually be reabsorbed by the body, leading to clearer skin. Contact us to discuss any questions you may have.

Microsclerotherapy may be suitable if you have small thread or spider veins, particularly on the legs, that you’d like to reduce. It isn’t suitable for everyone, including during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and certain circulatory problems, blood-clotting conditions, allergies or other medical conditions may affect whether treatment is appropriate.

We’ll review your medical history, medicines and the veins you’d like treated during your consultation before recommending microsclerotherapy.

During treatment, a very fine needle is used to inject a sclerosing solution into the thread veins being treated. We use Veinlite® to help identify the veins requiring treatment. You may feel a brief stinging, tingling or burning sensation as the solution is injected.

Treatment typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number and extent of the veins being treated.

The number of sessions varies depending on the size and number of veins being treated. On average, patients may require between 1 to 3 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, to achieve the best results.

Results develop gradually. You may begin to notice the treated veins fading after around 3 to 6 weeks, although some can take longer to respond.

The final result will depend on the size and number of veins treated and how your body responds. Some veins may need more than one treatment session to achieve the desired improvement.

Results can last for several years. Once a treated vein has successfully closed, the body gradually reabsorbs it, but microsclerotherapy can’t prevent new thread veins from developing in the future.

Factors such as genetics, ageing, hormonal changes and underlying vein problems can affect whether new veins appear, so further treatment may be needed over time.

Microsclerotherapy is an injectable procedure and does carry some risks. Common temporary effects can include redness, bruising, itching, tenderness and mild swelling around the injection sites. Pigmentation changes can also occur and may take longer to fade.

Less common complications can include skin ulceration, an allergic reaction or a blood clot. We’ll assess your suitability before treatment, explain the potential risks and tell you what symptoms should prompt you to contact the clinic.

There is minimal to no downtime following microsclerotherapy treatment. For the most part, patients can resume normal activities immediately. However, it’s best to stay away from strenuous exercise and hot baths for a few days after the procedure.

Yes, wearing compression stockings after the procedure is often recommended. They enhance the effectiveness of the treatment by encouraging healing and compressing the treated veins. One of our experts will give you guidance on how long to wear them.

Microsclerotherapy is generally well tolerated when it’s carried out by an appropriately trained practitioner, but like any injectable treatment, it isn’t completely risk-free.

Most side effects are temporary and may include redness, bruising, tenderness or mild swelling around the injection sites. We’ll assess your medical history and suitability before treatment and explain the potential risks, aftercare and when you should contact the clinic.

Immediately after microsclerotherapy, you may notice some redness and slight swelling around the treated areas. Bruising may also occur and can last for a few days to weeks. These effects are normal and temporary. The treated veins will begin to fade over the next few weeks.

Microsclerotherapy is primarily used for small thread and spider veins rather than large, bulging varicose veins. If you have prominent varicose veins, leg swelling, aching or other symptoms of venous insufficiency, you may need further assessment to determine the underlying cause and the most appropriate treatment.

We’ll assess the veins during your consultation and let you know if microsclerotherapy is suitable.

You’ll usually need to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for around 48 hours and excessive heat, such as hot baths, saunas and jacuzzis, while the treated area settles. It’s also important to protect the treated skin from sun exposure, as this may increase the risk of pigmentation changes.

Light walking is encouraged to support circulation, and you should wear your compression stockings for as long as advised by your practitioner.