Frequently asked questions FAQ

Yes. We use ultrasound imaging to check all the veins before we start. This shows where varicose veins are coming from. This examination is included in our initial consultation.

We suggest that you should avoid vigorous exercise after treatment for large varicose veins until the bandages have been removed after one week. You may walk as far as you like while the bandages are in place.

No, elevating the legs is not necessary. We suggest that you continue with normal activities, but avoid vigorous exercise until the bandages are removed.

We normally treat the legs one at a time for people with large varicose veins on both legs. The reasons are related to the maximum permissible amount of foam sclerosant, which we are allowed to inject on any one day. In addition, bandaging both legs at once is very restricting.

We suggest that you apply a waterproof sleeve ('Limbo', Limboproducts.co.uk) when taking a bath or shower to keep the bandage dry.

Foam sclerotherapy is one of the safest ways of treating varicose veins. Our patients develop some bruises and lumpiness of the treated veins afterwards. Sometimes this gives rise to inflammation. Very rare risks of any vein treatment include deep vein thrombosis and an allergic reaction to the injected foam.

No treatment can guarantee lifelong freedom from varicose veins. We have found that after 5 years about 10% of our patients have a few veins reappearing. These are readily treated in a further session of foam sclerotherapy, if required.

We would like you to wear a bandage for one week after your treatment.

It usually takes one treatment session plus one follow-up session to complete the treatment for one leg. Where both legs are being treated, we commence the second leg at the second appointment and check both legs at the third appointment. Finally, we would like to see you to check that we are both happy with the outcome after six months or so.

The usual interval between treatments is two weeks, so one leg will take two weeks to treat and both legs need about 4 weeks. We sometimes speed this up a little for people who have a time schedule in mind.

The thread veins usually improve following treatment of the large varicose veins. However, additional sessions of microsclerotherapy is required to complete removal of these veins.

Yes. We use ultrasound imaging to check all the veins before we start. This shows where varicose veins are coming from and ensures that thread vein treatment will be effective. This examination is included in our initial consultation.

We suggest that continue your normal activities and exercises after thread vein treatment.

No, elevating the legs is not necessary after microsclerotherapy.

Yes, we try to treat as many veins as possible in both legs during a session of microsclerotherapy.

You may remove the compression stockings and take a bath or shower after your treatment. The holes made by our fine needles are very small and heal up within a few minutes after the injection treatment.

We would like you to wear the stockings for three days after treatment, but you may take them off at night and for baths and showers.

Microsclerotherapy one of the safest ways of treating thread veins. Our patients develop some bruises which resolve in a week or two. Very rare risks of thread vein treatment are injection ulcers and an allergic reaction to the injected solution.

We find that new thread veins often develop despite our treatment although this may take a year or a few years. Many of our patients return from time to time for additional treatments.

It usually takes a minimum of four treatments to make good progress with thread veins. In some patients, further sessions are required to get an excellent outcome.

The usual interval between treatments is two weeks, so it can take two or three months to complete a course of treatment.