Sclerotherapy UK

Foam Sclerotherapy is used to treat spider and varicose veins (if no underlying faulty valves). In this treatment the medication is mixed with air to form a suspension of micro-bubbles. The resulting foam is injected into the vein either directly or under ultrasound guidance. Because foam has a greater surface area than liquid, it is able to stick to the vein walls more effectively and cause faster "shrinkage" of the damaged veins. In clinical trials it has been found that foam-sclerotherapy treatment can be as effective as surgery

Sclerotherapy is one technique used to treat spider veins. This involves the use of a very fine needle to inject a solution (sclerosant) directly into the veins. The solution causes the lining of the vein to swell, eventually sealing off the blood vessel and preventing blood flow. After the skin has been thoroughly cleaned with alcohol, the doctor will use a syringe with a tiny needle to inject a small amount of the sclerosing (hardening) solution directly into a vein. The solution displaces the blood within the vein, causing it to blanch or turn white. The vessel then becomes irritated and begins to swell shut. When the needle is withdrawn, pressure is immediately applied to the area. The skin may be kneaded to help disperse the solution and reduce bruising. Each vein may require several injections and most disappear in two weeks to two months.

Different types of vein will require differing techniques but in respect of straight forward linear veins, the treatment it applied subepidermally along its length. This is minimally invasive, literally breaching only the top layers of skin, and should not pierce the vessel. The nickel needles are insulated with a micro sheath so as not to cause advert trauma to the surrounding tissue. The effect of the treatment is 'instant' - you see the veins disappearing immediately. Some patients leave the treatment without any real visible sign on the skin, other than the lack of veins, and some with more sensitive skin may suffer minor reddening which should disappear within a few days. The sensation to most is similar to a warm pin prick, others relate it to a minor sting but which does not linger - often it depends upon the location of the treatment. Either way, any discomfort is said to be incomparable to the pain of some laser based treatments and is undoubtedly more effective. All make up and creams must be removed prior to treatment