Visible Veins (Sclerotherapy)

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    What is the Fab Clinic Visible Veins (Sclerotherapy)

    Sclerotherapy effectively treats varicose and spider veins. It’s often considered the treatment of choice for small varicose veins.

    Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution directly into the vein. The sclerotherapy solution causes the vein to scar, forcing blood to reroute through healthier veins. The collapsed vein is reabsorbed into local tissue and eventually fades.

    After sclerotherapy, treated veins tend to fade within a few weeks, although occasionally it may take a month or more to see the full results. In some instances, several sclerotherapy treatments may be needed.

    Sclerotherapy is often done for cosmetic purposes — to improve the appearance of varicose and spider veins. The procedure can also improve related symptoms such as: aching, swelling, burning and night cramps.

    If you’re pregnant or breast-feeding, doctors recommend waiting to have sclerotherapy done.

    *Results may vary from person to person

    Summary Of Your Treatment

    • Procedure Time

      Approx. 30 min

    • Back To Work

      Within 2 Hours

    • Anaesthetic

      None

    • Results

      6-8 Weeks (Depending)

    • Risks & Complications

      Minor Bruising, Swelling, Minor Bleeding

    • Prices

      From £170

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    Frequently Asked Questions
    • Does it hurt?

    Sclerotherapy is not a particularly painful treatment – the needles used are tiny and the injections are very superficial.

    Commonly used sclerosants (the drug used) are not painful on injection. You may experience some prickling and itching after treatment for a few hours, but these symptoms can be relieved with anti-Histamines which can be purchased over the counter in supermarkets and pharmacies.

    • What are the risks associated with the treatment?

    Sclerotherapy results in few serious complications. Some side effects that may occur at the site of the injection include:

    • Bruising
    • Raised red areas
    • Small skin sores
    • Darkened skin in the form of lines or spots
    • Multiple tiny red blood vessels

    These side effects usually go away within a few days to several weeks. Some side effects can take months or even years to disappear completely. Other complications are less common but may require treatment. These include:

    • This is usually mild but may cause swelling, warmth and discomfort around the injection site. Your practitioner may suggest an over-the-counter pain reliever such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) to reduce the inflammation.
    • Blood clot.A lump of clotted blood may form in a treated vein that may require drainage. Rarely, a blood clot may travel to a deeper vein in your leg (deep vein thrombosis).

    Deep vein thrombosis carries a risk of pulmonary embolism (a very rare complication of sclerotherapy), an emergency situation where the clot travels from your leg to your lungs and blocks a vital artery. Seek immediate medical care if you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain or dizziness, or you cough up blood.

    • Air bubbles.Tiny air bubbles may rise in your bloodstream. These don’t always cause symptoms, but if they do, symptoms include visual disturbances, headaches, fainting and nausea. These symptoms generally go away, but call your doctor if you experience problems with limb movement or sensation after the procedure.
    • Allergic reaction.It’s possible that you may have an allergic reaction to the solution used for treatment, but this is uncommon.

    • How do I prepare for my treatment?

    Before the procedure, your doctor performs a physical exam and gathers your medical history.

    After Care
    • Your veins will look worse before they get better. You may have bruising, red marks and you may have some brown pigmentation (looks like fading bruising) which, in rare cases, can take up to 18 months to fade.Following the aftercare advice helps speed up the healing process and minimises the risk of side effects:
    • Take a 10 minute walk immediately after treatment
    • Wear your support hosiery day and night for 72 hours; at the end of the 72 hours you may take the stocking off and have a short cool shower or bath. Thereafter, wear your support stocking during the day for 7 days; you may take it off at night. After the 7 days, wear your hosiery as often as you can, for as long as you can.
    • Avoid extremes of temperature for 14 days i.e. very hot baths, saunas, sun beds.
    • Avoid sun exposure for 4 weeks – pigmentation may take longer to fade.
    • Avoid high impact exercise for 2 weeks.
    • Avoid waxing of the legs for 4 weeks.
    • Elevate your legs as much as possible for the first 2 weeks- when you are seated.
    • If you are planning air travel discuss with your practitioner who will advise.
    • Consider wearing support hosiery long term to minimize thread vein recurrence.
    • Do not be alarmed that the thread veins look worse, this is normal.
    • Rarely, patients who have had sclerotherapy may suffer symptoms of serious allergic reaction and should seek urgent medical assistance. If you suffer any of the following symptoms, please dial emergency services; itching, rash, red itchy welts, wheezing, asthma symptoms, dizziness or feeling faint. Get medical help immediately if you have any breathing problems.
    • Rarely, patients who have had sclerotherapy may suffer symptoms of DVT and if so, should seek immediate medical advice. Symptoms include pain, heat and swelling of the calf.
    Treatment Price
    • A single treatment: £170
    • A course of 3 sessions: £400 (Depending on assessment)
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