Sclerotherapy

Non-invasive spider vein removal — give your skin a better look TESTMARKER

Sclerotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for spider veins and small varicose veins on the legs. A very fine needle injects a sclerosing solution into the vein, irritating its lining so the walls stick together — blood stops flowing through the vein, which is gradually absorbed by the body over a few weeks. Dr Sofia is a member of the British Association of Sclerotherapists.

Microsclerotherapy — a treatment option for selected thread veins

What Is Sclerotherapy?

The sclerotherapy procedure obliterates and destroys varicose veins by injecting them with a solution called a sclerosant. The sclerosant scars the vein and makes it collapse, rerouting blood to more advantageous veins nearby — your body gradually destroys and absorbs the treated vein until it vanishes. The solution used is sodium tetradecyl sulfate, and this technique typically treats small varicose veins found near the surface of the skin, known as "bug veins", while also improving the overall appearance of the leg.

For bigger veins, foam sclerotherapy is used instead — the sclerosant is transformed into a foam before being injected, since foam covers a larger surface area than fluid.

Sclerotherapy injection being administered to the leg

What Happens During a Microsclerotherapy Treatment?

At your first visit, a detailed discussion with the practitioner will clearly highlight your expectations of the cosmetic effects of treatment, followed by a medical history review to confirm there's no reason you're not suited to Microsclerotherapy. You'll then be asked to sign a consent form confirming you understand the procedure and its potential side effects.

The injections are performed while you're lying down. A solution is injected with a very fine needle, superficially into the veins, causing the lining to become sticky and swell. Compression is then applied to close the veins — over time, the vein heals closed, is absorbed into the body, and fades away.

Suitable For

Self-care treatment has not been successful
The appearance of your leg is causing you distress
You experience pain or cramping
Blood clots form frequently
Phlebitis occurs
Ulcers or sores form
The fatty tissue under your skin hardens due to blood pressure from the vein (lipodermatosclerosis)

Key Facts

Results

Visible improvement from 4 weeks, true effect at 2–3 months

Starting From

£350 per session (up to 4–5 veins)

Location

2 Wimpole Street, London W1G 0EB

Book a Consultation

Begin with a personal consultation with Sofia to discuss your goals and confirm suitability.

Call 0207 225 3582 Send an Enquiry

Key Benefits

Effectively removes spider veins and small varicose veins
Quick, non-surgical treatment
Foam sclerotherapy available for larger veins
Treats the legs and other areas of the body
Progressive fading as vessels are absorbed by the body
Dr Sofia is a member of the British Association of Sclerotherapists
Minimal downtime — normal exercise resumes after 24 hours

Important

Recovery & Aftercare

Recommendations After the Procedure

Take a 10-minute walk immediately after treatment
Wear your graduated medical compression stockings as advised — worn during the day for up to 3 weeks helps achieve the best outcome
Stockings may be taken off at night and for showers or baths
Don't be alarmed if the thread veins look worse at first — this is normal at this stage and will improve with time
Avoid sun exposure on the treated area for the first few weeks, as suntanning can extend how long the dark colour takes to fade

As You Heal

Marks from the needle or bruising are normal, and veins may change colour from red/blue to black/brown over a few weeks — Arnica can help improve bruising
Legs may feel slightly tender for the first few days; an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen and walking can help
Improvement is often visible after about 4 weeks, with the true effect seen between 2–3 months; larger, darker flares may take up to 6 months to fade

Preventing Further Veins

Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid standing or sitting for long periods — active muscles help squeeze blood through the veins
Wear compression hosiery to improve circulation and manage aches or swelling
Give up smoking

Diagram showing the sclerotherapy injection technique and vein collapse

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about sclerotherapy at YourHealthFirst Clinic.

Some mild side effects of sclerotherapy include itching for a day or two after the procedure, raised red areas at the injection site, and bruising around the injection site that can last several days to weeks.

They are usually inherited. Hormonal changes — for example with pregnancy and HRT — may increase their likelihood, and trauma or surgery to the legs can cause an eruption of thread veins. They also become more prominent and numerous with increasing age.

Spider veins are twisted, swollen veins that load and fill with blood, mostly developing in the legs and easily visible through the skin. They aren't life-threatening but can cause discomfort and self-consciousness. Modern minimally invasive techniques like sclerotherapy have replaced older surgical vein stripping, using only small, superficial injections rather than incisions.

Most patients require 2–4 sessions, depending on the number and extent of the veins being treated, with a two-week gap recommended between treatments on the same area.

The total treatment cost and number of sessions required depend on the extent and number of veins treated — normally around 80% disappearance is expected as the veins are progressively absorbed by the body.

Sclerotherapy is not painful, though depending on the solution used you may occasionally feel some discomfort in areas of the leg — this varies from person to person.

Yes — while most commonly used on the legs, sclerotherapy can also be used to treat visible veins on other areas of the body.

Adults with visible spider veins, thread veins or small varicose veins seeking a non-surgical removal option. Dr Sofia is a member of the British Association of Sclerotherapists.