Some people love being spontaneous. It keeps life interesting and it keeps those around them on their toes! But when it comes to sclerotherapy treatments, spontaneity is not something I recommend – it’s always best to plan ahead. And that’s especially true when it comes to treating visible veins.
Let me explain how a course of sclerotherapy can help to minimise the appearance of any unwanted spider veins. Once your course is complete, you’ll then have the freedom to be as spontaneous as you like this summer without concerns about visible veins holding you back. Throw on shorts at a moment’s notice, impulse buy that mini skirt, or book a last minute beach holiday and finally feel good in that bikini!
Let’s have a conversation about veins
If you’ve noticed spider veins on your legs and you’re keen to find a safe and effective solution to minimise them, book a consultation and let’s have a conversation. I’ll talk through your concerns, examine your veins, discuss your medical history, and assess if you’re suitable for treatment.
Is sclerotherapy the right treatment for you?
First up, it is important to note that sclerotherapy is not suitable for anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, has high blood pressure, swelling of the legs (oedema), or peripheral diabetic neuropathy, or those on blood thinning medication.
Secondly, it is important to understand the difference between the types of veins you may see when examining your legs:
- Varicose veins are typically swollen, hard, bulgy, twisted, and bluey-purple in colour. They are sometimes accompanied by symptoms such as aching in the legs, plus an itchy, burning sensation. These cannot be treated with sclerotherapy and most likely require surgery.
- Reticular veins are are slightly larger than spider veins but smaller than varicose, are blue-purple in appearance and you can sometimes feel them palpate. They don't protrude from the skin like varicose veins. Unlike spider veins these only appear on the legs only. These can be treated with foam sclerotherapy and are generally performed by the Clinical Director at the clinic.
- Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias or thread veins, are usually red in colour and are branch-like in appearance. They often appear on the face and legs and are caused by damage to blood vessels just beneath your skin's surface. The spider veins on the legs can be treated with micro-sclerotherapy and are generally performed by myself at the clinic.
How sclerotherapy works
Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a liquid or foam solution directly into the spider vein. This causes it to swell, stick together, and then seal shut. Other nearby healthy blood vessels compensate for the vein that is closed, so there is no need to worry about the effect on your circulation. When the blood stops flowing through the spider vein, the vein will gradually fade.
Perfect planning
Patients often ask me if they should shave or wax their legs before commencing sclerotherapy treatment. The answer is, it’s completely up to you, but don't do it immediately before a treatment. However, I do ask that you don’t apply any fake tan to your legs before coming in for treatment so I can see exactly what I’m working with.
To maximise your treatment results, multiple sessions may be required. Sclerotherapy is not a quick fix and the results won’t appear overnight, which is why I always emphasise the need for patients to plan ahead.
- 48 hours before and after: It is advised that you do not take any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
- The first 72 hours: You’ll need to wear compression socks day and night. It is essential that you don’t take these off, not even to wash. After this period the stockings only need to be worn during the day for 7 more days.
- The first 2 weeks: You can keep active but don’t do any intense exercise.
- The first 4 weeks: We recommend staying out of the sea, swimming pools, spas and saunas because of the risk of infection.
- The first 6-8 weeks: Be aware that bruising can last 6-8 weeks after treatment. Your legs will likely look worse before they look better, but hold the vision and trust the process!
Dates for your diary
A typical sclerotherapy treatment plan involves 1-4 treatments administered at 6 weekly intervals, however this will vary according to the individual, the severity of your spider veins, and your response to each treatment. With that in mind, if you’re hoping to minimise spider veins so you can show off your legs this summer, it’s time to start planning ahead and get booked in. It always pays to be organised!
You’re in safe hands
I have been performing sclerotherapy treatments for many years with a lot of success. I also take a proactive approach to keeping up to date with the latest treatment developments and protocols, attending major conferences in London where consultants, nurses and practitioners perform demonstrations and discuss their experiences.
Book a consultation to start your conversation about micro-sclerotherapy.
Elspeth
Authors experience
Nurse Elspeth has over eight years in patient care and has been performing sclerotherapy treatments for several years. She is a qualified member of the British Association of Sclerotherapists.
Resource links:
- British College of Aesthetic Medicine – Sclerotherapy
- Harvard Health Publishing – Minimally Invasive Treatments for Bothersome Leg Veins, 2011
- BAS – The Professional Sclerotherapy Association for UK and Ireland
- NHS – Treatment, Varicose Veins
- RealSelf – Sclerotherapy, What You Need to Know
