A to Z list of Services and Treatments

Sclerotherapy

What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a safe and well-recognised treatment for threads veins on the legs. Although there are a number of alternative treatments available sclerotherapy remains the most reliable. A solution is injected with a tiny needle very superficially into veins, causing the lining of the vein to become swollen and sticky.

Compression stockings are then applied to close the vein. Over a period of time the vein will heal closed and fade away.

What is liquid that is injected?

Sclerovein is injected into veins. This is unlicenced in Ireland and UK for this purpose. However used extensively in Europe for this purpose and has been proven to be beneficial. In addition it is painless and less likely than alternatives to cause side effects.

Will the treatment give me perfect legs with no blemishes?

No. Sclerovein like any form of Sclerotherapy will result in significant improvement. Up to 80% removal of thread veins.

In rare cases treatment does not work. Results cannot be guaranteed

Is it painful?

No. Sclerovein is painless, and use very fine needles for injection process.

How many treatments are necessary?

This varies depending on extent of your thread veins. Usually 4 sessions 12 weeks apart

What should I not do before a treatment?

Do not use bath oils, lotions, and creams on your leg for 24 hours before your injections.

Wear loose clothing at consultation in order to accommodate support stockings.

If you are going to wear compression stockings bring a suspender belt with you on day.

What are the after care instructions after treatment?

  • Take 10-minute walk after your injections.
  • Wear support stockings day and night for 72 hours after injections. After 72 hours take off your stockings to have a bath. It is normal for your thread veins to look worse after treatment at this stage. Thereafter wear support stockings during day for 7 days.
  • Avoid extremes temperatures for 14 days
  • Avoid sun exposure for 4 weeks
  • Avoid waxing for 4 weeks
  • Avoid high impact exercise for 2 weeks.

If you are planning air travel this must be discussed at your consultation.

What are side – effects?

Haemosiderin deposition happens when vein is not entirely closed and blood becomes trapped and clots. The iron pigments leach out to stain the skin brown. These brown marks are not permanent and fade in 6-12 months. It is necessary to avoid sun exposure when this occurs, as it can take longer to fade.

Matting can also happen if the fragile blood vessel is injured during the injection resulting in blue/ red bruise. . This usually disappears completely in 6-12 months. If it does not disappear it is usual to retreat vessel again.

Other side- effects, which are rare, are:

Allergic reaction – This is case for any drug. Itching after injection for 24 hours is not unusual. It is not a cause for concern.

Blistering can occur albeit rare. This occurs when solution enters surrounding tissue. This heals but may leave small scar in area.

Who is not suitable for treatment?

  • Pregnant women
  • Women breastfeeding
  • If you have a history of thrombosis – DVT / Pulmonary embolism
  • Severe cardiac / liver, kidney and lung disease
  • Connective tissue diseases
  • On warfarin
  • If you suffer recurrent cellulites in area to be treated
  • If you have varicose veins.

Why can’t you treat me if I have varicose veins?

If you have varicose veins outcome is better if you attend a vascular surgeon to have your veins stripped first. After this procedure you can return to have your thread veins injected. Long-term results will be better.