What are thread veins?

Thread veins are very fine dilated veins situated just beneath the surface of the skin.

What causes thread veins?

They can be related to varicose veins and high underlying venous pressure or they can be an incidental finding due to fine or translucent skin.

Can thread veins be painful?

They can be painful and related to the menstrual cycle.

How can thread veins be treated?

It is necessary to have a consultation with a specially trained nurse who will formally assess your leg veins and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

What treatments are available for thread veins?

There are several treatments available including electrolysis, laser and microsclerotherapy. If an underlying deep venous problem is identified then a referral to a Consultant Vascular Surgeon will be made and your GP notified.

Which form of treatment for thread veins is best?

The most successful form of treatment for thread veins is microsclerotherapy. Laser treatment can be used if the veins are too small to inject.

What is Microsclerotherapy?

A sclerosant is injected into the thread veins expelling the blood from the lumen and collapsing the wall. The collapsed vein is then broken down and removed by the body’s defence mechanisms. In some people the result can be instant in others it can take longer for the effect to fully occur.

Is Microsclerotherapy safe?

The sclerosant does not enter your circulation. It is possible to develop a blister, or skin discoloration at the injection site both of which usually clear on their own. In excess of 50,000 treatments have been performed without problem.

How often do I need to have this done?

This will depend upon the site and the pattern of your thread veins, and the amount of sclerosant that can be safely injected in one session. A session usually lasts 20-25 minutes. The frequency of sessions will depend upon how effective the sclerosant has cleared the area. We usually re-inject at 2-3 week intervals although it is possible to compress this protocol. The treatments continue until you are entirely satisfied.

Do Thread Veins return?

If you have underlying venous disease and this is treated appropriately, then thread vein treatment is extremely successful. If there is no underlying venous disease then new crops of thread veins can occur throughout your life. Further treatments may therefore be necessary. It is possible to repeat treatments as often as necessary to achieve very good results.

Is the treatment always successful?

The treatment is highly successful with high patient satisfaction. There are patients who do not achieve good improvement but these are very few.

Who does the treatment?

The treatments are carried out by a specially trained nurse with extensive experience in delivering and teaching the technique of microsclerotherapy

What does it cost?

Consultation and patch test £50

Treatment £190