When we first read ‘microsclerotherapy’ aloud, we came into some trouble wondering how to pronounce this tongue twister of a word! More commonly known as thread veins treatment (a means of removing thread veins – also called spider veins) microsclerotherpy is popular in Europe but less well-known over here in blighty. We were eager and inquisitive to learn a little more about it and put together this piece to share what we discovered…
What exactly are thread veins?
The medical term for thread veins is telangiectasia (but to keep things simple, we’re going to go with thread veins for the rest of the article!).
They often develop over the leg area but can affect other parts of the body. These tiny spider-like lines are dilated blood vessels and exist in the dermis. As they grow, it’s common for them to change to colours like red, purple and eventually, to green.
Thread veins are often most associated with the older generation, who tend to have them most prevalently, though believe it or not, they can develop at any age depending on family history. Other factors thought to determine the emergence of thread veins include crossing your legs often and wearing tight clothing.
How does microsclerotherapy address thread veins?
So we’ve established what thread veins are, but how does microsclerotherapy help? This injectable treatment is considered to be straightforward and can completely destroy thread veins and induce them to disappear over time.
It makes use of the same chemical that’s used for foam sclerotherapy (treatment for varicose veins) but in a more dilute form.
Treatment works by irritating the lining of the veins and inducing them to stick together. As a result, the veins slowly die due to lack of blood flow and are absorbed back into the body.
What else should you know about microsclerotherapy?
Before treatment goes ahead, you can expect to have a venous duplex ultrasound scan, which identifies if there are any hidden underlying varicose veins at play, feeding blood into the thread veins and keeping them open. If this happens to be the cause of your thread veins, microsclerotherapy is often ineffective.
Microsclerotherpy is a walk-in, walk-out procedure that doesn’t require you to undergo a general anaesthetic. Treatment takes 20-40 minutes under local anesthetic and patients can go back to normal activities on the same day.
It’s recommended that 2-3 sessions will do the trick to remove thread veins for good, though it’s important to remember that this won’t stop the development of new thread veins.
Other Helpful Treatments
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a widely used treatment for thread veins, particularly on the legs. It involves injecting a solution directly into the veins, causing them to collapse and eventually be reabsorbed by the body. This minimally invasive procedure typically takes about 30 minutes per session and is performed on an outpatient basis. Multiple sessions may be required for optimal results, and the treated veins may take a few weeks to disappear permanently.
Thermocoagulation (ThermaVein)
Thermocoagulation is a technique that uses microwave energy to heat and close off thread veins. This method is particularly effective for facial veins and offers immediate visible results with minimal aftercare required. The procedure is safe and carries no risk of skin staining, making it a preferred choice for treating facial thread veins
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment, including Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, is commonly used for facial thread veins. The laser targets the blood vessels, heating them quickly and causing them to break down and collapse. This non-invasive treatment is highly effective for smaller veins and can be completed in a series of sessions. Laser treatments can also be used on other body parts but are most effective for facial veins.
Why get thread veins removed?
As they’re no threat to your health, there are no health benefits to getting thread veins removed. However, many people feel their confidence grows post-treatment, and that they become more relaxed with showing off parts of their bodies that were previously affected by thread veins.
If you’re looking to have thread veins removed, make sure you do your research to find a reputable clinic that can perform microsclerotherapy safely.
