- Crowthorne Health and Wellness Centres, 99 Pinewood Avenue, RG45 6RQ
- 01344 513 603
- info@primelaseberkshire.co.uk
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Injection microsclerotherapy is a treatment for spider veins, or telangictasia, which involves injecting a chemical substance called a ‘sclerosant’ using very fine needles, into these tiny, superficial veins. We use a detergent based solution called Fibrovein.
The sclerosant irritates the inner wall of the veins and causes them to become inflamed. The vein walls then stick together and the vein gradually disappears. The sclerosant used is Sodium tetradecyl sulphate, or ‘Fibrovein’, which has been used in the treatment of varicose and spider veins since 1946.
Thread veins, also known as spider veins, are a little like varicose veins, but smaller, usually around 1mm diameter. They are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins, so more visible, especially with blood trapped in them. Often, they are red, blue or purple. They can look like little tree branches or spider webs. They are commonly found on the legs and face, and can cover either small or large areas of skin. The medical term for them is telangiectasia. They are not harmful, but the appearance of spider veins may be considered unattractive to some. This can impact on choice of clothing etc. Currently the NHS does not offer any treatment for spider veins.
It is not always obvious why some people get thread veins. They are very common, affecting more than 50% of females. A tendency to get these ‘veins’ or capillaries, is often genetic and are seen in other members of the family. They may be linked to a connective tissue disease or liver disease? They can be caused by hormonal changes, especially around pregnancy and menopause. It may be caused by an injury or trauma to the area? Ageing and loss of elasticity in the skin can also be a factor. People who are overweight or have jobs requiring them to stand for long periods of time, are more at risk. There may also be the result of larger, underlying varicose veins.
The number of treatments needed depends in the size and extent of the veins. Several injections into the veins of one or both legs can be performed in one session, however, the total amount of sclerosant that can be used in one session will limit the number of injections that you can have. If only a small number of spider veins are to be treated, sometimes only two or three treatments may be required? More extensive, or prominent veins may require a series of sessions in order to reach the desired result. We cannot guarantee complete clearance of all the spider veins.
Maintenance treatment may be required over an extended period of time, depending on lifestyle and amount of veins at the start of treatment. There should be at least 6 weeks in between treatments. Each treatment may take just a few minutes, or up to an hour?
Treated areas may fee slightly sore, or tender. There may be an itching or burning sensation for a few days. It is normal to have some bruising around the injection sites. This will be more apparent after an extensive treatment session. This may take anything from a few days to a few weeks to resolve. The treated areas may feel a little raised. It is possible to experience long term ‘staining’ or discoloration of the treated area. This will fade, but can in rare cases, can take up to a year to fade, or even for some pigment to remain permanently. Following post treatment advice can reduce the risk of this occurring.
The veins tend to appear worse or darker after treatment, but this will fade gradually. This irritation usually shows that the vessels have been treated effectively and a gradual improvement of the veins will be seen over the weeks ahead.
There are some cases where this treatment may not be suitable for you? Some examples of where this treatment is not suitable are:
Pre-treatment – Do not use bath oils, lotions or creams on your legs for 24 hours pre-treatment. If you need to shave, do so 24 hours at least before.
Ensure that you have had something to eat and drink on the day of your treatment. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before treatment. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Aftercare – Take a brisk walk immediate post treatment and walk daily. Wear the compression hosiery as per protocol. For 3 days, 24 hours per day and then as often as possible for the next week.
Avoid extreme temperatures, such as a saunas and hot baths for 2 weeks. Avoid sun exposure. Avoid flying, especially long haul, for 4 weeks. No leg waxing for 6 weeks. Avoid high impact exercise for 2 weeks. Review appointment at 2 to 3 weeks post treatment.
You can see a full list of our Leg Veins Microsclerotherapy prices, along with all our other treatments available at our clinic in Crowthorne, on our prices page.
Treatment / Area | Price |
|---|---|
Microsclerotherapy consultation and 1st treatment (including stockings) | £200 |
Follow up treatment | from £90 |
