Treatment Of Fine Leg Veins Sclerotherapy

Summary

After several years of using both methods, I find that fine veins on the legs are better treated with sclerotherapy than lasers because the treatment is less painful and equally or more effective.
The exception to this rule, is the wider and deeper blue "reticulate" veins on the temples and chest that are treated with laser therapy.

How does Sclerotherapy work?

Sclerotherapy works by injecting a small amount of a substance that damages the lining of the veins so that the flow of blood within the vein stops. My preference is to use a substance called polidocanol which was first designed to be a local anaesthetic before it was found to clot veins. Research suggests that it is highly effective and has the fewest side-effects.

How should I prepare for a Lasers and Sclerotherapy treatment?

Do not apply any moisturiser to your legs on the morning of the treatment.

What is involved in Lasers and Sclerotherapy treatment?

A very fine needle will be inserted into the vein and a small amount of polidocanol injected to destroy the vein. Each injection will treat about a two centimetre diameter section of interconnected veins. Several injections will be needed to cover each patch of veins.

How will I look immediately after Lasers and Sclerotherapy treatment?

The skin becomes temporarily red and a little swollen like a nettle rash. The treated veins then turn darker for a few days before gradually clearing over the next two to six weeks.

Is there any important Lasers and Sclerotherapy aftercare?

Your veins will respond better to treatment if you wear light compression stockings for two to three days after treatment and if you exercise as much as possible between treatments.

How long after the Lasers and Sclerotherapy treatment will I notice an improvement?

The full improvement is usually seen at around six weeks after each treatment.

How much does Lasers and Sclerotherapy cost?

Prices

How many Lasers and Sclerotherapy treatments will I need?

Between one and six sessions, depending on how may veins that are to be treated and how many veins are treated during each session.

How long do Laser and Sclerotherapy treatments last?

Repeat treatments can be needed after a few years because new veins may continue to form.

What side-effects do Lasers and Sclerotherapy produce?

After Laser and Sclerotherapy treatment, the treated area will often redden and swell for a few hours and then itch for a day or two. The veins then turn dark brown. Over the next six weeks, the dark veins disappear in most people. However, one fifth of people find that some of the treated veins fade to a light brown colour and then persist for around six months before clearing.

The occasional person develops leashes of very fine veins at one or two treatment sites. These clear with further treatment. Rare side effects include ulcers that develop at one or more injection sites and take 4-8 weeks to heal leaving a small white scar. Superficial thrombophlebitis occurs in approximately 0.1% of patients. It is uncomfortable, lasts 2-4 weeks but is not dangerous. Allergies to the injection fluid are possible which is why it is safest to have sclerotherapy treatments in a medical environment.

Who shouldn't have Lasers and Sclerotherapy treatments?

Sclerotherapy treatment should be avoided during pregnancy and breast feeding. Laser treatment should not be undertaken while taking photosensitising medications.