Sclerotherapy

What is microsclerotherapy?

The procedure of microsclerotherapy involves injecting a sclerosing agent into abnormal surface veins using a fine needle. It is usually reserved for the treatment of small, blue superficial veins (called reticular veins), spider veins and for small visible varicose veins. The treated veins will fade as the body gradually removes them. In many cases not only is there improvement in the appearance of the legs but the symptoms of varicose veins can be relieved as well.
 

What about laser treatment for surface veins?

Microsclerotherapy is considered the gold standard in treatment of spider veins of the legs. External laser (cosmetic laser) has not proven to be an efficient or particularly effective treatment for leg veins compared to microsclerotherapy.
 

What is involved in sclerotherapy of surface veins?

Depending on the severity of the surface veins up to 50 micro injections may be required in each treatment session. The sessions are usually 30 minutes in duration.
 

Do I need to wear compression stockings?

YES, compression stocking are essential to achieving the best outcome. They are usually worn during the day (not at night) for 1 week after treatment.
 

What results can I expect?

After one treatment most patients can expect a 50-70% improvement in the area treated. Fine spider veins require more time and effort to clear and need meticulous technique to achieve good results. It is important to remember that treatment isn’t magic and that veins will slowly fade over several weeks.
 

How many treatments will I need?

Usually 2 treatments are needed in the same region to obtain good results. Sometimes 3 or more sessions are needed. As the fading process is gradual, treatments are usually spaced 6 weeks apart. Treatment tends to be less effective in overweight patients and those with extensive surface veins.
 

What are the side effects of treatment?

Expect your leg veins to look worse after treatment with some bruising and discolouration over the treated veins being the most noticeable features. This is harmless and usually resolves within a couple of weeks.

Sclerotherapy is generally a safe procedure and serious side effects are rare. At Sydney Inner West Vein Centre we will discuss in detail all the possible side effects at your initial consultation.
 

Will veins come back after treatment?

Veins that are properly treated by sclerotherapy will not recur. However, the underlying predisposition to develop varicose veins or surface veins will remain. Some things to remember are to keep your weight within normal range and exercise regularly as this will reduce the tendency to develop further varicose veins. If needed, repeat treatments are usually simple and effective.
 

How much does it cost?

There is no Medicare rebate for the treatment of cosmetic surface veins. The cost of the treatment is comparable to other cosmetic medicine procedure – please call our office for further information.