Thread Veins

We usually recommend four to six treatments at four to six weekly intervals, but the overall number needed will depend on the type, size and quality of the veins. Between the fourth and sixth treatment, our clients report seeing a 60-80% improvement in the cosmetic appearance of the vein. Note that some veins and areas may need to be retreated.

The entire procedure takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on the number of thread veins being treated.

While cosmetic medicine is not without complications or unwanted side effects, we do take every precaution to minimise and limit any complications to offer a safe and comfortable service. Reported side effects include but are not limited to the following: hyperpigmentation, redness, swelling, blistering, bleeding, allergic reaction.

Though safe, sclerotherapy is not entirely without risk. The two most common side effects are called Haemosiderin deposition (occurring when the vein is not entirely closed, blood is trapped and clots. In some patients iron pigment leaks from the clot and stain the skin over the vessel brown. These brown marks are usually not permanent and take 6-18 months to fade) and Telengiectatic matting (occurs if the fragile vessel is injured during the injection, leaving a mat of tiny veins that look like a blush or a red bruise. Matting usually disappears after 6-12 months).

Other risks are extremely rare but include: DVT, Phlebitis, Allergic reaction, itching, ulcers at site of injection.

While cosmetic medicine is not without complications or unwanted side effects, we do take every precaution to minimise and limit any complications to offer a safe and comfortable service. Clients may experience mild swelling and redness post treatment. The application of a cool pack during the first few hours after treatment should reduce any discomfort.

Please avoid laser treatments, skin peels and waxing on the area for two weeks before or after treatment.

Avoid creams, moisturisers and having for 24 hours prior to your appointment.

We recommend avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs for 48-72 hours prior to treatment.

We recommend that you bring a pair of shorts to wear during the procedure. If you have compression hosiery (support stockings) from previous treatments, please bring them with you so we can make sure they will provide adequate support after the procedure.

For all thread vein removal treatments, we highly recommend using sunscreen SPF30+ at all times.

To support the recovery process from the diathermy treatment, please avoid sun exposure, sun beds, excess alcohol, exfoliation, scrubs, waxing and extreme temperatures such as saunas for two weeks after treatment. If sun exposure is anticipated we strongly recommend sunscreen SPF30+ at all times throughout the course of treatment to avoid pigmentation.
Should a scab form, take care not to pick or remove it.

For larger treatment areas please invest in a pair of medical grade compression stockings, which can be purchased on-line at www.daylong.co.uk. These stockings should be worn day and night
for 72 hours after treatment, then just during the daytime for seven days. Immediately after the treatment you should walk around for ten minutes to disperse the solution and if your drive home is longer than an hour, we recommend stopping frequently to stretch your legs and elevating your legs whenever possible.

Long haul flights (more than four hours) and high impact activities should be avoided for two weeks after treatment.

For Harmony Dye-VL treatments, please avoid sun exposure in the treatment area for 24 – 48 hours to reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation or darker pigmentation. Please note that areas of pigmentation will become darker for three to seven days following the treatment and then scabbing can occur. This is a normal part of the treatment process. During this period you should also avoid hot baths or showers and aerobic exercise. Please take care not to scrape or exfoliate the treated area while it is healing.