Vasular Consultation and Treatments

What are thread veins?

Thread veins or telangiectasias are enlarged bluish blood vessels in the skin surface. They are very common, vary in size and extend and usually affect the outer thigh and inner knee areas, although they can arise anywhere.

Thread veins are an inherited condition but can also follow deep bruising after trauma or surgery. They can start in pregnancy and may disappear afterwards. They are often associated with varicose veins which will need treating first.

How are they treated?

Sclerotherapy of these tiny vessels has been shown to be the most successful treatment. A dilute irritant solution is injected using a very fine needle. This damages the vessel lining causing it to close off. The body treats this as damaged tissue which is slowly absorbed over about 3 months.

How succesful is Sclerotherapy?

Sometimes all the thread veins disappear. An improvement on 80-90% is more usual.

Thread veins look worse to begin with and large vessels may go black. Fading starts after 3 weeks and it will be 3 months before the main benefit is seen. For this reason it is a good idea to plan treatment some time before your holiday.

The treatment will last for several years but other thread veins will often develop over time.

                                     Before and AfterTreatment

Are there any complications?

Great care is needed when injecting, especially very small veins as the sclerosing solution can damage the overlying skin.

Large veins may leave a faint browm mark which will fade over the year but is easily concealed with a light tan or stockings.

An allergy to the solution is very rare. It can cause a drop in blood pressure as well as a general reaction.

What should I do before treatment?

Please avoid aspirin, Vitamin E and Aloe Vera preparations for at least 10 days. If you also suffer from varicose veins you will need these assessed by Doppler ultrasound before your treatment can be planned.

What happens afterwards?

Cotton wool will be taped over the injection sites but can be removed the same evening.

You will be given a pair of support stockings which should be worn for 3 days and nights. You might want to wear trousers to cover these. For this reason, sclerotherapy is best avoided in hot weather.

You will be able to drive and return to normal activities immediately afterwards. However, please avoid hot baths or vigorous physical activity for about 1 week to allow the thread veins to close off.

Consultation with Mr Rose (includes Doppler Ultrasound): £50

Sclerotherapy for leg thread veins: £195 per treatment

Sclerotherapy for varicose veins: 295 per treatment

Please note that there is a charge for post-treatment stockings.