Thread Veins

At The Clinic we use a technique called microsclerotherapy to remove thread veins below the level of the heart. For thread veins on the face, please visit our Facial Thread Veins treatment page. Please note that microsclerotherapy is NOT suitable for large tortuous varicose veins, which require surgical treatment. Dr Mayoni can refer you to a vascular surgeon instead if this is the case.

Microsclerotherapy uses a very fine needle to inject a drug into the thread veins, which irritates their lining. This causes the walls of the veins to stick together and means that blood can no longer flow through them. They are no longer visible.

The technique can be used on areas of the skin below the level of the heart. We most often treat the thighs, as this is where thread veins commonly appear.

Microsclerotherapy is not suitable for thread veins on the face. Please make an appointment with Dr Mayoni to talk through more appropriate treatment options.

The level of pain has been described as similar to a nettle sting. There is some discomfort as you would expect with an injectable treatment, but this is short-lived. You may find that a small bump or welt appears at the site of the injection, but this settles within a day or so.

The first step is to book in for a Microsclerotherapy Consultation with Dr Mayoni. Please note that treatment can only take place after you have had a consultation, and that the treatment will take place on a different day to the consultation. The consultation will last for around 30 minutes, and will give Dr Mayoni a chance to check all your relevant medical history to make sure that this is the right treatment for you. It is also your chance to ask any questions you may have about the treatment and the results you can expect. The price of the consultation is fully redeemable against the cost of the treatment should you decide to go ahead. You can book in using our online booking tool, or by contacting us.

The length of treatment depends on the size of the area of skin being treated. As an approximate guide, an area the size of the palm of your hand would take around 15 to 20 minutes. The largest area we would treat in one session would be around three palm sizes and would take around 45 minutes. If there is more skin to be treated, this would be done in a separate appointment.

You can get straight back to normal life but there are some precautions you should take to aid your recovery:

For three days following treatment you must wear compression stockings. Clients must supply their own stockings and bring them along to their treatment appointment – we can advise you on where to purchase these.

For 24 hours following treatment you should not take part in any activities that boost blood supply to the skin, such as a sauna or hot bath or intensive exercise. However, it’s important to keep mobile, so we encourage gentle exercise such as walking to aid your recovery.

For a few weeks following treatment you should avoid sunlight on your legs. You may also experience some bruising, pigmentation or staining afterwards: this usually lasts for a couple of weeks, depending on the size of the blood vessels that were treated.

A few weeks after your treatment you will be invited to a follow-up appointment with Dr Mayoni to check on your progress.

The cost depends on the area of skin to be treated, and this would be discussed in full at your initial consultation with Dr Mayoni. If you have any further questions or would like to book in for a Microsclerotherapy Consultation, please contact us.