Microsclerotherapy

What Is Microsclerotherapy?

Microsclerotherapy is a technique used for the removal of surface and spider veins. It involves injections with a very fine needle of a sclerosing drug which irritates the lining of the veins causing the walls to stick together. Blood stops flowing through the veins, which are then absorbed by the body over a period of a few weeks. The blood is directed back to the deeper veins.

What are thread veins?

Thread veins are commonly referred to as spider veins or broken capillaries. They are small superficial veins, frequently found in legs. Around 1 in 4 women are thought to suffer from thread veins which appear small red, blue or purple lines under the surface of the skin. They are caused by weak vascular walls and an inefficient circulation. Whilst they are not a health problem, they can look unsightly and may cause some mild symptoms such as itching, heaviness, night cramps and aching.

They start as tiny capillaries and may be isolated or associated with ‘feeder’ veins, or with a larger more underlying varicose vein. They can appear as three forms:

1. A spider shape that has a group of veins radiating from a central point
2. A pattern of veins that resemble the branches of a tree
3. Linear patterns of thin separated lines

How effective is this treatment?

This treatment will eliminate around 5-80% of the injected vein. Although this treatment is mostly effective for all clients, no guarantee on expected outcomes can be made. Spider veins commonly respond 3-6 weeks post treatment, while larger veins can take up to 4 months. New veins can appear during this time. Compression of the area is equally as important post treatment for the best results.