Sclerotherapy (Liquid & Foam)

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy treats unwanted veins by injecting a sclerosant — a medicine that irritates the vein lining so the vein closes, seals and is gradually absorbed by the body. For fine spider veins the sclerosant is used in liquid form through a very fine needle (microsclerotherapy). For larger reticular veins and residual varicose veins, it is mixed into a foam and guided into the vein under ultrasound, which lets the medicine cover more of the vein wall.

Who it may suit

Sclerotherapy is the usual treatment for spider veins and smaller surface veins, and a useful finishing treatment for tributary veins after endovenous ablation or VenaSeal has dealt with the leaking truncal vein. Treating surface veins without checking the deeper system first is a common reason results disappoint — if an underlying leak is left untreated, the surface veins tend to return. That is why an ultrasound assessment comes before any injection in my practice.

What the procedure involves

• Done in the clinic; no anaesthesia is needed — the needles are very fine
• A session typically takes 15–30 minutes depending on the area treated
• You walk out immediately and can return to most activities the same day
• Compression stockings are usually worn for a period afterwards to help the treated veins seal — see the stocking guide

What to expect afterwards

Treated veins darken and fade over weeks to months, and larger veins can feel firm before they soften and resolve. Several sessions are often needed for extensive spider veins. Temporary brownish staining along a treated vein is common and usually fades; a fine blush of new vessels (matting) and small skin injuries at the injection site are uncommon but recognised. Allergy to the sclerosant is rare.

Is it right for me?

Suitability comes down to the ultrasound findings and what bothers you — appearance, aching, or both. At consultation the veins are scanned, and I go through the findings and options with you so the treatment plan matches the anatomy rather than the other way around.