Sclerotherapy For Varicose and Spider / Thread Veins
Sclerotherapy effectively targets varicose and spider veins through the injection of sclerosant solution via an ultra-fine needle directly into the blood vessel.
With no downtime or surgery, this advanced treatment is well established and renowned for long-lasting results.
How Sclerotherapy Works
The sclerosant solution injected into the blood vessels causes the lining to swell and stick together. Over the following weeks, veins will fade and disappear. Some may need several treatment sessions.
We treat varicose veins first, as thread or spider veins connected to them may disappear over a few weeks without treatment. Treatment sessions are spaced accordingly to keep the treatment needed to a minimum.
What Veinwave Can Treat
- Thread veins on the face, including the nose, cheeks and chin
- Redness from the fine veins that often come with rosacea
- Small red spots on the skin (cherry angiomas)
- Some fine thread veins on the legs and body
If you have rosacea, Veinwave can reduce visible veins, but it doesn’t treat the underlying condition. We’ll talk through skincare that can help at your consultation. Read more about rosacea and facial thread veins.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Small areas of facial veins often clear in one session. Larger areas, or more widespread veins, may need 2 or 3 sessions, about 4 weeks apart.
Will The Veins Come Back?
Veins that have been treated don’t return. New thread veins can still form over time, especially if you’re prone to them, so some people have an occasional top-up session.
Side Effects and Recovery
- Mild redness or slight swelling for a few hours to a day
- Tiny marks or small scabs along the treated veins, which settle within a week
- Rarely, temporary darker or lighter patches of skin
Aftercare
- Don’t wear makeup on the treated area for 24 hours
- Avoid saunas, hot baths and strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours
- Keep the area out of strong sun for a few weeks, and use SPF 30 or higher every day
- Don’t pick any small scabs that form