Spider Veins

Spider veins are small, thin veins that lie close to the surface of the skin. These super-fine veins are connected with the larger venous system, they are not an essential part of it. A number of factors contribute to the development of spider veins, including weight gain, occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing, pregnancy, heredity, events that cause hormonal shifts and the use of certain medications.

They usually take on one of three basic patterns:

• A true spider shape with a group of veins radiating outward from a dark central point.
• Tiny branch-like shapes - often seen on the outer thigh in a cartwheel or sunburst pattern.
• Thin separate lines - commonly seen on the inner knee.

Varicose veins differ from spider veins in a number of ways. Varicose veins are larger - usually more than a quarter-inch in diameter, darker in colour and tend to bulge. They are also more likely to cause pain and be related to more serious vein disorders.

Typical Candidates for Sclerotherapy

Women of any age may be good candidates for treatment, but most will fall in the 30-to-60 category. In some , spider veins may become noticeable very early on - in the teen years. In others, the veins may not become obvious until they reach their 40s.

Men who do have spider veins, but often do not consider them to be a cosmetic problem because the veins are concealed by hair growth on the leg. However, the treatment is just as effective for men.

Sclerotherapy can enhance your appearance and your self confidence, but it's unrealistic to believe that every affected vein will disappear completely as a result of treatment. After each sclerotherapy session, the veins will appear lighter. Two or more sessions are usually required to achieve optimal results.

Sclerotherapy of spider veins is a relatively simple procedure that requires no anaesthesia. Most patients are pleased with the difference sclerotherapy makes. The skin of your legs will appear younger, clearer and more healthy-looking.

Although sclerotherapy will obliterate the noticeable veins, it is important to remember that treatment will not prevent new spider veins from emerging in the future. You may find that you need "touch-ups" or full treatments for new veins that surface.

FAQ

Microsclerotherapy

Micro-sclerotherapy is the removal of red veins by injections. It is the gold standard in vein removal for all areas of the body but laser would be a better option for the face. Here are a few questions clients frequently ask.

What is microsclerotherapy?
A chemical called a sclerosant is injected into the thread vein with a very fine needle. It causes the thread vein to close and fade over the course of several weeks. It is not a perfect treatment and you will not get perfect skin but it gives improvement in the majority of cases. A course of 3 - 4 treatments separated by 12 weeks is usually needed to achieve the required degree of fading.

What are thread veins?
These are tiny blood vessels in the skin. Usually the cause no trouble, but occasionally they cause a burning sensation or pricking sensation. They do not usually indicate a serious vein condition and are not a threat to your health.

Are there any side effects ?
Yes. The vessels are fragile and will look worse for the first few weeks after treatment. Serious side effects are very rare indeed. About a fifth of patients have bruising or pigmentation. Fine red vessels can develop after treatment. These side effects fade with time.

Do I need to stop the pill or HRT?
No, but the success rate is slightly lower.

Does it hurt?
This is not a painful procedure. The injections are made with a tiny needle and very superficial. The solution does not sting. Some people feel nothing; some feel little pricks, how uncomfortable varies from one person to another.

What will my legs look like immediately after the treatment?
The injections will cause some redness and welts, like insect bites. These will have gone by the time you take the stockings down.

When you remove the stockings your legs will probably look bruised and the veins usually look worse before they look better. The veins are usually darker, sometimes with blue, black or brown spots under the skin. ( one pair of stockings are included in the cost of treatment and professionally fitted by ourselves as part of the healing process.)

The appearance has usually improved noticeably by day 10 - 14. At 4 - 6 weeks the thread veins should look pretty much as they did before injection and thereafter start improving. The full effect of the injection session is apparent at 12 weeks.

Please remember that everyone is different. Do not worry if the above does not apply to you. This is just a general pattern not a set of definite rules which define success or failure.

How many treatments do you think l will need ?
Budget for up to 4 treatments over a period of 4 - 12 months. Remember it is not always possible to achieve 100% clearance but we should aim for at least 60 - 80% improvement in their appearance. It is possible to get such results after only 1 treatment but it can take up to 4.

Will the thread veins come back?

Sclerotherapy is not a permanent cure and other thread veins can develop. Most people need a top up session of treatment every 2 – 3 years.

Cost £175 to £250 per session (including stockings)