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Leg treatments
Thread veins, or spider veins, are what happen when blood pools in the veins. When the blood does not circulate properly, it stops and pools inside the vein. Spider veins sit at the surface of the skin so that the colour of the blood in the veins comes through the skin and appears either red or purple. They can be hereditary or they can come with age. Many women who have gained a lot of weight during a pregnancy can develop them due to the excess strain on the legs.
What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a microinjection procedure to treat spider veins. The procedure involves injection of a sterile solution into the small veins using a very fine, thin needle. This solution irritates the vein lining causing it to undergo fibrosis and eventually disappear. Multiple veins can be injected at each session.
Does it hurt?
There is a little sting associated with each injection. The burning sensation lasts few seconds. Most individuals tolerate the procedure and do not require any type of anaesthetic. The majority of patients claim that the procedure is much less than painful than what they anticipated. You can have a local anaesthetic prior to treatment if you wish.
Can sclerotherapy be used to treat large varicose veins?
Unfortunately, sclerotherapy is generally used for the very small superficial veins next to the skin. Sclerotherapy is not effective for large veins. You will need a referral from your GP to a vascular surgeon for this condition.
How many sclerotherapy treatments are required?
It varies from individual to individual but typically 2-4 treatments are required for the best results. In patients with milder cases, 1-2 will suffice. The treatments are more when there are more veins or slightly larger veins.
Do I have to limit any activity after the treatment?
Walking is highly recommended soon after the procedure. But any high activity sports should be avoided for the first 2-3 days.
Who can have treatment?
Almost anyone with unwanted spider veins can be treated, except women who are pregnant or nursing. Other relative contraindications include those with skin infections, uncontrolled diabetes, fever, history of deep vein thrombosis, anticoagulant therapy those patients taking corticosteroids.
How long is each sclerotherapy session?
Generally, most individuals have multiple spider veins and only up to 15-20 injections can be done at seating. Each treatment session lasts up to 30 minutes.
Who can do the treatment?
Our experienced cosmetic consultants and nurse manager can see you for this treatment. They have treated hundreds of patients so you are in safe hands
