Sclerotherapy for Leg Thread Veins in the Solihull Area
For Sclerotherapy to Leg Thread Veins in the Solihull area, Outline Skincare are the specialists.
Please read on, or call us for more information 0845 389 9586
LEG thread VEINS
Dilated blood vessels, called telangiectasia or thread veins, are red or blue or purple colour and appear on the surface of the body, particularly the legs. These vessels can be unsightly and larger ones can produce a dull aching of the legs after prolonged standing.
To improve their cosmetic appearance, they can be treated by injection of a solution that will cause them to disappear, or at least become much smaller.
The cause of leg thread veins is not known, except that in many cases they seem to run in families.
What can be done?
Wearing support stockings may prevent some dilated blood vessels from developing or worsening in some people. Maintaining a normal weight and regular exercise may also be helpful.
Avoid extreme temperatures and direct sunlight exposure. Avoid wearing high heeled shoes as these affect the proper functioning of the larger veins, and avoid prolonged standing.
What is Sclerotherapy?
A solution called a sclerosant is injected, using a very fine needle, directly into the blood vessel. This causes damage to the blood vessel and consequent reduction in the size and appearance of the thread vein. Some vessels will fade from view, eventually becoming barely or not at all visible.
Most people will require multiple treatments, with most vessels responding within a couple of sessions. There may be a possibility that larger varicose veins are “feeding” the smaller thread veins. If this is the case, you will be advised to seek a surgical opinion before treatment can commence.
After Care
After treatment we recommend patients to wear support tights for a week. We also recommend not exercising for at least a week, and any increase in blood pressure may cause the damaged vessels to reopen.
Side Effects of Treatment
These include various skin markings or injury, localised swellings and bruising or tenderness or itch. Occasionally a dark staining of the skin occurs which may take up to 12 months to resolve. This happens as the damaged blood vessels are broken down by the body's own immune system.
Laser Treatment
Following sclerotherapy, or for those who are not suitable for sclerotherapy, we may suggest a course of laser treatment. Please see our dedicated webpages for Laser Thread Vein Removal
We use a Nd:Yag laser for treatment of thread veins. Laser treatment can clear up vessels that are too small for sclerotherapy and also vessels around the ankle area, which are not suitable for sclerotherapy.
