Sclerotherapy Leg Vein Treatment

Sclerotherapy is the gold standard treatment for thread veins and small varicose veins on the legs — a well-established injection procedure performed by our nurse prescribers within a medically supervised environment at our Clifton, Bristol clinic.

Sclerotherapy is the gold standard treatment for thread veins and small varicose veins on the legs. A very fine needle is used to inject a sclerosant solution directly into the affected vessel. The solution irritates and closes the vessel wall, which the body then gradually breaks down and reabsorbs over the following weeks. The treated veins fade from view as this process takes place.

It is a well-established, straightforward procedure that has been used for decades. At our Clifton, Bristol clinic, we assess each patient carefully before treatment, including a brief check for underlying venous incompetence, which can affect results if not identified. Sclerotherapy is performed by our nurse prescribers within a medically supervised environment.

What Sclerotherapy Treats

Thread veins on the legs (also called spider veins or telangiectasia), small reticular veins, and minor varicosities. It is not appropriate for large varicose veins, which require surgical or endovenous treatment.

What to Expect

A course of two to four sessions is typically recommended, depending on the extent and distribution of the veins. Sessions are spaced four to six weeks apart. You will be asked to wear compression stockings for a few days after each treatment. The treated area may look slightly worse before it looks better, as the vessels darken before fading — a realistic timeframe of three to four months to see the final result is sensible.

What to expect after treatment

The results are not immediate. The veins look worse before they get better and the treatment may need to be repeated at 4-12 week intervals. Compression hosiery is recommended to support the veins whilst they heal and to minimise side effects, for the first 7 days. This hosiery does not look medical and is designed to be comfortable and attractive! High impact exercise and extremes of heat should be avoided for 10 days, no long haul flights for 6 weeks, but otherwise normal activities can be resumed immediately.

What results can be expected?

Most patients see a 60-80% improvement in the appearance of the veins some between one and four treatments. The veins that are successfully treated will not recover but this is a treatment for the symptoms not a cure for the underlying causes so new veins may develop over time.

Frequently Asked Questions — Sclerotherapy

  • Is sclerotherapy painful?

    The injections involve multiple small needle insertions, which most patients describe as mild discomfort rather than pain. Sessions are short and well tolerated.

  • How many sessions will I need?

    Most patients require two to four sessions for a good result. The number depends on the extent of the veins and how they respond to treatment. We give a realistic expectation at your initial consultation.

  • Can sclerotherapy be used on facial veins?

    No. Sclerotherapy is only used for leg veins. Facial thread veins are better treated with endovenous short-wave diathermy or IPL. We offer all three at our Bristol clinic.

  • How much does sclerotherapy cost in Bristol?

    Please contact our Clifton, Bristol clinic for current pricing.