The aim of this information sheet/FAQ is to ensure that you understand the nature of the Microsclerotherapy treatment you wish to undertake. Please read it carefully and discuss any queries with your practitioner.

 

Microsclerotherapy is a simple, minimally invasive and effective method of thread vein removal. The procedure involves injections of a harmless solution through a micro-needle into the veins, causing them to gradually fade. The treatment makes thread veins appear fainter and, in some cases, disappear altogether. The effect is usually permanent although new thread veins may develop in the future.
Methods for removing disfiguring veins made significant advances in the 1920s when a treatment for varicose veins (sclerotherapy) was modified to achieve thread vein removal. This treatment is what we now call micro-sclerotherapy.

 

Are you a candidate for thread vein removal?

 

Anyone can develop thread veins (sometimes called red, spider or broken veins). They vary in type, size and colour, ranging from fine red ones to larger purple or deeper blue veins. Not to be confused with varicose veins, thread veins are usually very near the skin’s surface and under 2mm wide. Varicose veins are deeper, usually a blue/green colour, over 2mm wide and should be considered a medical rather than a cosmetic matter.

Although harmless, thread veins can appear on any part of the body and they can be the cause of self-consciousness and can inhibit people wearing shorts, skirts and swimming costumes that display the veins. The microsclerotherapy process is typically used on the legs (a small risk of scarring means that other methods are used on the face). Your individual suitability for the procedure will be discussed during your initial consultation with the practitioner.

 

Undergoing microsclerotherapy treatment treatment:

 

The treatment takes about 30 minutes and you will experience only minimal discomfort. A trained clinician will inject a small amount of a solution known as a sclerosant (usually sodium tetradecyl sulphate) directly into the thread vein. This solution displaces the blood and irritates the blood vessel lining so that it swells, preventing blood from re-entering the vein. This will eventually cause it to become much paler and sometimes disappear completely. Further treatments are often necessary, but will vary according to the patient and the extent of the condition. To allow the outcome of previous micro-sclerotherapy sessions to become clearly visible, there must be 4 to 6 weeks between treatments.

Following the treatment, you may experience some restlessness in your legs due to the swelling of the walls of the veins. In fact, the blood vessels may appear more prominent for the first month or so. There is always some degree of risk associated with cosmetic procedures of this nature, though a vast majority of patients experience no complications at all. Possible problems include mild blistering (caused by small amounts of the solution leaking into the surrounding areas) which will soon heal and disappear. Occasionally, a small, dark ‘freckle’ may appear at the site of the injection, though again, this often fades away eventually. Sometimes there will be mild bruising and swelling around the treated area, which will slowly disappear, and harmless clots can sometimes develop which can be removed within 2 weeks in order to encourage the healing process to continue. Following the advice of your practitioner after the procedure will make the outcome as successful as possible and reduce the risk of complications.

 

Why Use Compression?

 

Ideally the sclerosed vein walls will touch and the thrombus kept to a bare minimum.

More likely is a small sclero-thrombus that blocks the vein and is then re-organised. Compression will keep the thrombus to a minimum.
Following microsclerotherapy of thread veins and venules concentric compression is sufficient. Although some practitioners will use a cotton wool ball or dental pad over a reticular vein to give local eccentric compression.
Generally a Class 2 stocking (23-32 mmHg at the ankle) is recommended although a Class 1 is advised if it improves patient compliance. The stocking should be worn for at least 4 days continuously and for a further 10 days during the day.

 

Side Effects

 

Provided that the sclerosant is injected correctly at the appropriate concentration then the only likely adverse reactions are pigmentation and thrombophlebitis.
Hyperpigmentation is the most common adverse effect occurring in up to 30 percent of individuals. It is caused by haemosiderin staining of the dermis and looks like bruising over or around the treated blood vessel. It gradually resolves in 70 percent within 6 months, and rarely persists beyond 1 year.
Telangiectatic matting (TM) occurs in approximately 15 percent, with 80 percent resolution at 6 months.
Mild thrombophlebitis is not uncommon after sclerotherapy and is due to trapped blood in the vein. It is usually localised and self-limiting and easily aspirated at the follow up.

Occasionally people may be allergic to the product and reactions are usually mild but may result in anaphylactic shock.
Necrosis and ulceration should be very rare and are caused by injecting outside the vein or from using too high a concentration.

Safety for use in pregnancy and lactation has not been established.