Sclerotherapy

frequently asked questions

1. Why should I have treatment?

   Thread veins aren’t harmful but some people don’t like their appearance. They may also cause you discomfort, such as itching or burning. In some cases, thread veins can develop into varicose veins, which in turn could make you more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot).

2. How long do results take?

   It depends on the extent of treatment needed, such as how many vessels you’re targeting, or how large the area is. We can give you an idea of this during your consultation.

   Treatments are needed 8 weeks apart, to ensure the veins have faded. A treatment typically lasts up to 45mins.

3. Are there any risks related to treatment?

   Neither sclerotherapy nor laser treatment are considered painful, however you may feel a tingling or pinprick sensation during treatment.

   As with many of our treatments, minimal-to-no downtime is usually experienced. However, we recommend the use of compression stockings, which can help support the legs by easing any swelling and encouraging good blood circulation.

4. Am I suitable for treatment?

   Suitability is reviewed at the consultation. A hand held doppler is performed to exclude various veins.

5. What happens during treatment?

   A solution is injected into the affected capillaries, which causes them to collapse, they are then reabsorbed by the body. This in turn causes any thread veins to fade.

   Laser therapy can also be an option, it causes the wall of the capillaries to collapse.

6. What are the side-effects and downtime like?

   You may notice some swelling, bruising and general discomfort, which is normal following an injection. It’s also possible to develop itching where you were injected. This should pass in time. There’s minimal-to-no downtime expected for this procedure, but we do ask that you avoid flights for 2 weeks after treatment, and you take a 10-minute walk afterwards. We also ask that you attend your appointment with compression hosiery (18-21 MMHG).

7. Can you prevent thread veins from forming?

   Because risk factors include things like weight gain and a sedentary lifestyle, it’s important to keep to a healthy weight and to exercise as directed by your doctor.

8. What about varicose veins?

   These are rope-like, twisted veins that appear swollen and raised. They form when there’s a problem with the valves in the veins. Risk factors are the same, however they can cause more discomfort than thread veins, with aching, numbness, heaviness and swelling common, as well as itching and burning. If you develop varicose veins, we will refer you for treatment.

9. What else should I know?

   Spider veins won’t improve on their own. In fact, they may worsen over time. It’s also more common for women to develop spider veins than men, and usually occurs later in life.

   We treat the upper ankles area and any vessels on the  legs; for vessels elsewhere, we may recommend laser treatment or electrolysis.

10. Why choose Adonia?

    Founded by Dr Ejikeme in 2017, our ethos focuses on the 5 pillars of healthy skin – a holistic approach that looks at diet, exercise, sleep, stress and emotional wellbeing to optimise your results from the inside out. All our treatments are scientifically-led, evidence-based and, crucially, suitable for all skin and hair types – including Black, Caucasian, Asian and Mixed heritage. It’s this focus on skin health, not age, that helps elevate and enhance the natural you. With Adonia, you can be the best version of you, every day.