What are Thread Veins?

Thread varicose veins (also known as spider veins) are tiny blood vessels just below the surface of the skin that commonly appear on the face and legs. They can be blue, purple, or slightly red. They are extremely common, with approximately 20 per cent of 20 year olds and 50 per cent of 50 year olds having thread veins, and both men and woman affected.

What causes Thread veins?

The exact causes are unknown although factors such as smoking, hormonal changes, alcohol and prolonged standing are thought to contribute. Thread vein commonly run in families.

What is Thread vein removal?

Thread vein removal is also known as Sclerotherapy/Microsclerotherapy. It is a simple procedure performed by a qualified medical doctor.

It involves injecting a solution into the vein using a fine needle, which irritates the vein, causing the vein to collapse and fade. Over time the body slowly absorbs the damaged vein, and in most cases the vein disappears completely. It is a virtually painless treatment which has been shown to be the most successful treatment available today for these tiny blood vessels.

How successful is Thread vein removal?

It is a permanent treatment and most patients are pleased with the results, usually noticing a 90% improvement following treatment. It does not however prevent new thread veins from developing and it may be necessary for touch-up treatments when new leg veins surface.

How many treatment sessions will I need?

This can vary and depends on the patient and the extent of the area needing treatment. On average 3-4 treatments are recommended.

How long does the treatment take?

There is an initial brief free consultation to assess suitability. This is done with a Doppler ultrasound assessment of the leg veins. This will determine whether this treatment is suitable for you. The actual treatment will take between 30-60 minutes.

Are there any complications?

Thread vein removal is a safe procedure. As with any treatment, it is not entirely risk free. The most common side effect is pigmentation. Approximately 12% will experience pigmentation, although this is less noticeable than the initial thread veins. This fades with time, with only 1% persisting past a year. A topical steroid can help reduce this risk. Matting can also occur when a small vessel is damaged during the injection, and appears as a small “blush” or bruise next to the site of injection, but usually only lasts for 6-12 months. It is minimized by using very small volumes of the irritating solution during the procedure.

Any pre/post treatment advice?

Please avoid vitamin E and Aloe Vera preparations for at least 10 days pre-treatment to reduce risk of bruising. Following the procedure you will be given a pair of support stockings (which look like normal hosiery) which should be worn for three days and nights. A brief 10 minute walk afterwards is also advised and you are able to do normal activities immediately after. Hot baths, vigorous physical activity, saunas and sunbeds are discouraged for 2 weeks and no waxing for 4 weeks.

How much is the treatment?

Treatments cost £225 per session. This includes an initial assessment and consultation with further follow up and assessment. Please ring Wimborne Clinic or email for further information.