Thread & Spider Vein Removal

Thread and Spider Veins
Schlerotherapy Before & After
What are thread and spider veins?

It is estimated that one in four women, and an unknown number of men, suffer from thread veins of the legs. Thread veins of the legs are often called “spider veins”, “broken capillaries”, “broken veins” or “venous flares”.

On smaller finer veins on the face and legs, at Hemel Cosmetic Clinic, we use the latest technology known as Veinwave. The medical method used to treat larger thread and spider veins on the legs at Hemel Cosmetic Clinic is known as Sclerotherapy.

GMTV Video of Veinwave in action Click Here
Veinwave Treatment
How does Sclerotherapy work?

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to treat varicose veins and spider veins. During sclerotherapy, the medical cosmetic practitioner injects a solution directly into the affected vein. The solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to swell and stick together. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view. Sclerotherapy is a well-proven procedure and has been used since the 1930s.

Before hand the treatment area is cleansed. The small injections deliver the sclerotherapy solution directly into the vein vessel, using very fine needles. The number of veins injected in one session is variable, depending on the number, size and location of the veins.
Where can Sclerotherapy be used and what are the benefits?

At Hemel Cosmetic Clinic Sclerotherapy is used to remove spider and thread veins from the legs only.

Before the procedure, you will have an initial consultation with a medical cosmetic practitioner who will evaluate your suitability for sclerotherapy.

Sclerotherapy works well for most patients. It is estimated that as many as 50 percent to 80 percent of injected veins may be eliminated with each injection session. A few (less than 10 percent) of the people who have sclerotherapy do not respond to the injections at all. In these instances, different solutions or a different method, such as laser therapy, may be tried.

You are not eligible for sclerotherapy if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are bedridden. You must wait at least three months after delivery before you can be considered for this procedure. You can have sclerotherapy if you take birth control pills. If you have had a blood clot in the past, your eligibility will be determined on an individual basis, and will depend on the extremity and the cause of the clot.

In general, spider veins respond to treatment in 4 to 12 weeks, and larger veins respond in 3 to 4 months. If the veins respond to the treatment, usually they will not reappear. However, new veins may appear over time. If needed, you may return for further injections.

The treatment will be carried out by Kevin Loughlin D.C., BSc (Hons), BSc (Chiro), RGN, a Medically Certified Cosmetic Practitioner. He has over 22 years experience working in both the NHS and Private Practice.

Kevin has the relevant training and experience required to ensure that you receive the very best of care and attention. As well as administering treatments, he is also highly qualified to advise on what is the most appropriate treatment plan for each of his patients.

We offer free, no obligation consultations. This is an opportunity for us to learn more about what you want to achieve and for you to ask any questions you may have. As well as talking you through your treatment options, we will give you more information on the treatment process and what you can expect as a patient of the Hemel Cosmetic Clinic.

Treatment may last from 20-60 minutes, depending on the number and extent of veins to be treated. For an initial consultation extra time will be added in order to conduct a full medical history and examination.

Sclerotherapy works well for most patients. It is estimated that as many as 50 percent to 80 percent of injected veins may be eliminated with each injection session. A few (less than 10 percent) of the people who have sclerotherapy do not respond to the injections at all. In these instances, different solutions or a different method, such as laser therapy, may be tried.

In general, spider veins respond to treatment in 4 to 12 weeks, and larger veins respond in 3 to 4 months. If the veins respond to the treatment, usually they will not reappear. However, new veins may appear over time. If needed, you may return for injections.

After the treatment you will be able to drive yourself home. You may resume your regular activities and are encouraged to walk.

You will be instructed to wear support hosiery or compression wraps to ¡§compress¡¨ the treated vessels.

For 48 hours after the procedure, please follow these guidelines:

• Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications.
• Do not take hot baths or sit in a whirlpool or sauna. You may take showers, but the water should be cooler than usual.
• Wash the injection sites with a mild soap and lukewarm water.
• Do not apply hot compresses or any form of heat to the injected areas.
• Avoid direct exposure to sunlight (including sun tanning and tanning beds).

Mild discomfort may occur when the veins are injected.

You are not eligible for sclerotherapy treatment if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are bedridden. You must wait at least three months after delivery before you can be considered for this procedure. You can have sclerotherapy if you take birth control pills. If you have had a blood clot in the past, your eligibility will be determined on an individual basis, and will depend on the extremity and the cause of the clot.

Side effects of sclerotherapy may include:

• Larger injected veins may become lumpy or hard for several months before resolving.
• Raised, red areas may appear at the injection sites and should disappear within a few days.
• Brown lines or spots on the skin may be noted at the site of the injection, possibly caused by a form of iron that escapes from the blood in the injected veins. In most cases, they disappear within 3 to 6 months, but can be permanent about 5 percent of the time.
• Bruising may occur around the injection site and can last several days or weeks.
• Temporary tiny blood vessels may develop at the treated area. This is called revascularization, flares, mats or blushing. They may appear days or weeks
  after the procedure but should fade within a few months and usually do not require further treatment.
• Allergic reactions to the sclerosing agent may occur at the time of the injection and are rarely serious. Symptoms include itching and swelling.
• Other side effects rarely develop after sclerotherapy.

If you have any of these rare side effects, please contact your physician immediately:

• Inflammation within five inches of the groin
• Sudden onset of a swollen leg
• Rarely formation of small ulcers at the injection site
• Red streaking, especially in the groin area