LEG VEINS-MICROSCLEROTHERAPY

Fine red or purple blood vessels lying in the surface layers of the skin are often referred to as thread veins or spider veins this is a misnomer as they are not veins but dilated capillaries, the finest blood vessels in the body. These vessels are normally so fine that they are not visible to the naked eye and only become apparent when they dilate to 2 or 3 times their normal size. The cause of the dilation is not known but is commoner in women, often runs in families and is made worse in pregnancy.

It is not possible to prevent thread veins from appearing but they can be removed. If Varicose Veins are also present they should be treated first with either injection sclerotherapy or surgery.

Thread veins on the legs are usually best treated by injection using a very fine needle this is called microsclerotherapy. Very fine spider veins on the legs may sometimes be amenable to laser treatment as are spider veins on the face (see Vascular Laser).

Here are some of the important facts you need to know regarding treatment

No specific preparation is required but you should not take Aspirin for 24 hours prior to treatment

Anticoagulant medication is also contraindicated and you should advise the doctor or nurse about any medication you may be taking.

Allergic reactions can occur with any medication but are relatively rare with microsclerotherapy. Please inform the doctor or nurse about any known allergies you may have

Treatment should not be undertaken during pregnancy

Your legs will look worse for about 3-4 weeks after the treatment so don't do it just before you go on holiday!

Treatment is performed as an outpatient and is surprisingly painless. It normally takes about 30 minutes but does depend on how many injections are required

A single treatment will normally remove 60% of vessels injected and therefore a course of treatments is usually required i.e. between 3-5 at 4 weekly intervals.

No guarantee can be given that all vessels will be removed and you will be given a realistic expectation of what can be achieved at your initial consultation

Microsclerotherapy can result in small areas of ulceration around the injection site, which can result in a small scar, every effort is made to minimise this risk.

Brown staining can occur from the iron contained in the red blood cells, this is usually temporary lasting up to 6 months but in rare cases can be permanent.

No bandages are needed after treatment, but small cotton wool balls will be stuck on for 24 hours to prevent bleeding and excessive bruising.

You should not exercise vigorously after treatment for 24 hours but otherwise can continue a normal lifestyle

Treatment will remove existing vessels but will have no effect on the appearance of new ones

The effectiveness of this treatment whether undertaken by a doctor or a nurse is very dependant on the skill of the practitioner therefore choose wisely