Microsclerotherapy
Introduction
Sclerotherapy has been used for medical and cosmetic reasons for over 150 years and can be used to treat small to medium sized veins on the legs. This non-invasive treatment involves a superficial injection to the targeted vein which causes it to shrink and dissolve.
What is Microsclerotherapy?
Micro sclerotherapy is the procedure of injections of a sterile chemical into blood vessels,
using small needles. This causes inflammation and irritation which leads to the scarring of
the inner liner of the vessel. In turn the vessel will collapse, shrink, close up or harden and
eventually fade away which resolves the cosmetic problem. Multi sessions may be
required to obtain maximum results.
What are thread veins?
Another word for these is telangiectasia, they are more commonly known as spider/thread
veins. They are broken capillaries (small superficial veins) most commonly found in the legs.
Caused by weak vascular walls and insufficient circulation (hence the prevents of movement
and pressure). Whilst they are not damaging to the client’s health, they are unsightly and
can cause some discomfort and aching.
They can appear in 3 forms:
A group of veins radiating from a central point (appearing in the shape of a spider)
Treatment areas
Microsclerotherapy can be used to treat small to medium sized veins on the legs. It cannot be used to treat varicose veins or thread/spider veins on the face.
Who is suitable?
The suitability of this treatment is varied and can be for anyone suffering from spider
or thread veins. 
People predominantly between the ages of 30-60 years, although it
maybe younger depending on a person’s lifestyle, for example flight attendants
suffer from these veins due to the pressure and length of time they stand, and others
who have to sit in the same position for long periods of time (especially if they are
cross legged). It is not suitable for anyone who has suffered from blood clots
previously, is bed ridden, who has been pregnant or given birth in the last 3 months.
Contraindications may include;
Clients unable to walk (as this is crucial for aftercare)
Allergy to sclerant
Significantly overweight/obese
Cardiac failure
Pulmonary oedema
Local or systemic infection
Use of oestrogen contraception
Significant valvular incompetence
Varicosities caused by pelvis or abdominal tumours
Acute thrombosis
Covid Vaccination within the last 8 weeks
Treatment Effectiveness
Sclerotherapy can eliminate anything between 15-80% of any injected vein, however it
doesn’t work for all and around 10% may not respond to the treatment at all.
Results are not guaranteed and while some veins will respond within 3-6 weeks, larger veins often take up to 6 months.
The outcome is also determined by the aftercare, which is why it is so important that compression stockings/dressings are worn for at least 2 weeks after the treatment. Also, regular exercise daily such as a 20-minute walk, it doesn’t have to be much, just a little.
Number of treatments recommended;
This will depend on the depth, number and size of the veins being treated, it could take one
treatment of a number (this will also depend on the client’s satisfaction after one
treatment)
Consultation
As with any aesthetic procedure, it is absolutely essential that a full and comprehensive consultation is performed prior to any treatment. The consultation will always include your past medical and surgical history, lifestyle, allergies and medications.
Microsclerotherapy in the UK
In the UK, the sclerosant that is injected is a prescription only medicine, which means that it must be prescribed and given to a patient by a qualified prescriber. If you are not having the treatment done by a qualified prescriber, they should still refer you to a medical professional (the person who prescribes for them) to check that you are fit for the treatment. By law, the person prescribing should be a doctor, nurse, dentist or prescribing pharmacist. Guidelines from the General Medical Council (GMC) state that they should meet you face to face and must be present at the client consultation. When the prescriber is happy, you can then be treated.
The prescriber also has responsibility for the outcome of the treatment. Many doctors and nurses are unlikely to want to take responsibility for a non-medical person’s injecting work, so be sure to check that you are happy with the person you have chosen for your treatment.
Important note re Microsclerotherapy
The drug used in microsclerotherapy is a Prescription Only Medication (POM) and as discussed must, by law, be prescribed by a qualified prescriber. An experienced injector and prescriber will always ensure that a thorough consultation is performed and should be happy to answer any questions you may have. Consider asking the following;
- What is your level of experience and qualifications?
- Are there any risks or side effects I could experience?
- What will happen if anything goes wrong?
- What insurance cover do you have for microscleropathy treatments?
Pricing
1 treatment – £200
Every treatment thereafter – £150