Injection Microsclerotherapy
What is injection microsclerotherapy and how does it work?
Injection microsclerotherapy is a treatment for spider veins which involves injecting a chemical substance called “sclerosant” using fine needles. The sclerosant irritates the inner wall of the veins and causes them to become inflamed; the vein walls then stick together and the vein disappears.
The sclerosant used is sodium tetradecyl sulphate or “fibro-vein”, which has been used in the treatment of varicose and spider veins since 1946.
Am I suitable for Micro sclerotherapy?
Injection microsclerotherapy treatment is not suitable if a patient is/has:
· Unable to walk due to any cause.
· Currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
· Very overweight (obese).
· Experiencing acute inflammation with/or without blood clot formation (phlebitis/superficial thrombophlebitis) in the vein to be treated.
· A history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
· An allergy to the sclerosant (sodium tetradecyl suphate or “fibrovein”).
· An infection in the skin on the area to be treated.
· An infection throughout the body (systemic infection), such as a virus or a cold.
· Diabetes that is not well controlled.
· Significant heart disease.
· Significant peripheral arterial disease.
· Significant kidney disease.
· Varicose veins which require surgical/endovenous intervention.
· Varicose veins caused by pelvic/abdominal tumours.
· Currently on medication to thin the blood (e.g. Warfarin).
What are the potential risks or side effects?
· Immediately after the treatment, you may experience slight swelling, redness and itchiness over the injection sites.
· Bruising is common and can be quite extensive, taking 3-4 weeks to resolve.
· Brown/reddish staining or discolouration can occur, and can persist even after the veins have disappeared. Although this staining tends to fade over time, it may not completely disappear. The staining
generally becomes darker when exposed to sun light, so we advise that you avoid sun exposure unless a total sun block (SPF 50+) can be applied to the treated area.
· Some patients may develop a small painful lump at the site of an injected vein, particularly if a large vein has been treated. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen) may help to relieve these symptoms, in addition to wearing the compression stockings provided.
· Occasionally, a small ulcer may develop at the injection site as a result of the sclerosant leaking under the skin. This may be sore, take a few weeks to heal and may leave a small white scar.
· Generalised allergic reactions to the chemicals used during the injections can occur but are extremely rare.
· Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) associated with injection microsclerotherapy is rare.
· Telangiectasia matting – This is a rare complication associated with microsclerotherapy treatments and describes the formation of new very fine spider veins. These veins typically arise on the inside of the knee and the outside of the thigh, and look different to original spider veins as they appear similar to a bluish or red bruise. These veins can develop several months after treatment, and often disappear without requiring further treatment within 6-12 months.
CONTRAINDICATONS
Injection microsclerotherapy treatment is not suitable if you have any of the following:
· Unable to walk for any reason.
· Currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
· Very overweight (obese).
· Experiencing acute inflammation with/or without blood clot formation (phlebitis/superficial thrombophlebitis) in the vein to be treated.
· A history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
· An allergy to the sclerosant (sodium tetradecyl suphate or “fibrovein”).
· An infection in the skin on the area to be treated.
· An infection throughout the body (systemic infection), such as a virus or a cold.
· Diabetes that is not well controlled.
· Significant heart disease.
· Significant peripheral arterial disease.
· Significant kidney disease.
· Varicose veins which require surgical/endovenous intervention.
· Varicose veins caused by pelvic/abdominal tumours.
· Currently on medication to thin the blood (e.g. Warfarin).
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are like varicose veins but smaller. They are also closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. Often they are red, blue or purple. They can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short, jagged lines. They can be found on the legs and face and can cover either small or large areas of skin. The medical term for them is telangiectasia.
What causes spider veins?
Spider veins can be caused by hormonal changes, sun damage or local injury. They can also occur as a result of larger underlying varicose veins which are not always visible.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments needed depends on the size and extent of the veins. Several injections in to the veins of one or both legs can be performed at each session, however the amount of sclerosant that can be injected in a single treatment will limit the number of injections you can have. If only a small number of spider veins are to be treated, sometimes only one to three treatments will be adequate. More extensive veins may require a series of treatment sessions in order to reach the desired result.
We recommend at least 2 treatments for an area of thread veins before any improvement can be seen. It is possible that you may only require one session of treatment; however, this is all dependent on the number and severity of veins. It may take a number of repeat treatments before reaching your desired look.
How long does the treatment take?
Depending on the size of the area and number of veins to be treated, the treatment can take from 20 to 40 minutes.
We advise that you leave 6 weeks between each treatment session in order for the results of each treatment to be clear.
Does it hurt?
The injections do tend to sting slightly but they are rarely painful, as only fine needles are used during the treatment. Some people do experience a
burning sensation immediately after the treatment, but this usually only lasts a few seconds.
How quickly does the treatment work?
The treated areas may feel slightly sore and itchy for a few days. It is normal for there to be bruising at the injection sites; if you have had multiple injections the bruising can be extensive and may take several weeks to resolve. The veins themselves tend to appear worse and darker after treatment, but this will fade slowly.
It is not uncommon for the skin over the treated area to develop brown discolouration which can take from 6 weeks to over a year to fade. In rare cases, staining can be permanent.
What should I expect from the treatment?
Most clients are pleased with the overall results of microsclerotherapy and up to 80% of veins may disappear after the recommended amount of sessions.
Is the treatment safe?
The sclerosant has been safely used for varicose and spider veins for many years; however, as with any medical treatment, it is not entirely without risk.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
Please do not use bath oils, lotions or creams on your leg(s) for 24 hours before your treatment.
Make sure that you have had something to eat and drink on the day of your treatment.
Please dress in loose clothing, jogging bottoms or a skirt and comfortable shoes when you come for your treatment.
Post-Treatment Instructions
Avoid waxing or shaving the treated area for two weeks.
Avoid hot baths for two weeks following your treatment; it is advised that you shower rather than take a bath during this time. Avoid scrubbing the skin over the treated area, or applying shower gel or soap directly to this area.
Do not apply body lotion or creams to the treated area for one week.
Avoid sunbathing (including artificial tanning on a sunbed) or using a sauna for four weeks.
Do not disturb, lift or pick any scabs that may form on the skin.
First Session
(including compression socks) – £175 for any further sessions.
