If your legs have begun to resemble a map of minor byroads, you’ve probably developed thread veins.

Smaller than varicose veins, thread veins are a common cosmetic complaint, harmless enough but undoubtedly matronly looking.

Treatment with Sclerotherapy

Cosmetic Doctor treats thread veins very effectively with Sclerotherapy, by injecting a substance called a sclerosant through a tiny needle directly into the veins. There are a number of options used to treat thread veins, including laser treatment for facial thread veins, but Sclerotherapy is the most effective method for legs.

The sclerosant stops the blood flow through these unsightly thread veins so they collapse and close off collapse and close off. Once the sclerosant is injected, the lining of the veins swells and gets sticky, and then compression stockings are worn to encourage the vein to simply close. It heals and fades away after a while, very neatly.

Cosmetic Doctor use only the most up-to-date treatment methods and equipment, including a Doppler radar to accurately assess your vein depth and location, as well as Veinlite, a tool to assist with accurate, painless injecting.

You’ll probably need a couple of treatments; sometimes up to four on a stubborn set of veins. The procedure is quick and painless, using very fine needles, and it’s a ‘lunchtime procedure’ meaning it’s fast and leaves no ill effects.

To maximise the efficacy of the treatment, you should adhere to the post-treatment guidelines. Don’t use any creams or moisturisers on your legs for 24 hours before treatment. You’ll be leaving the clinic wearing support stockings which are less than glamorous, so dress in loose clothing on the day of treatment.

What to Expect

You must wear the unlovely support stockings for 72 hours, day and night, after treatment, and don’t be concerned as the thread veins will look worse at this stage.

After the first 72 hours, wear the stockings all day for seven days.

You need to avoid any extreme temperatures or aggressive exercise for the first two weeks as your thread veins heal, and after that avoid sun exposure or waxing for a month.

If you’re planning on any air travel, you must discuss it at your consultation as flying isn’t advised for a certain time period after treatment.

What are the possible side-effects?

Side effects are relatively rare; if the vein doesn’t close completely blood gets trapped and clots. The iron in the blood stains the skin, making a brown mark, but it goes away in 6-12 months.

Sun exposure means the marks take longer to fade, so winter is the ideal time to have Sclerotherapy treatment. Any allergic reactions would be very rare.

Cosmetic Doctor will have a thorough consultant with you before embarking on the course of treatment, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.

Some people are not suitable for treatment, including

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women
• If you have a history of thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary embolism
• chronic diseases such as cardiac, liver, kidney and lung disease
• Connective tissue diseases such as lupus
• On warfarin
• Recurrent skin infections or cellulitis
• If you have varicose veins.

Does Sclerotherapy work on varicose veins?

Varicose veins need to be treated by a vascular surgeon, who will strip the veins. Once this procedure has been performed you can come to Slievemore Clinic to have your thread veins addressed.

Call Cosmetic Doctor on 01 685 3100 to schedule your consultation.