Prices for Varicose Veins Injections

Sclerotherapy

For any unsightly vein problem, sclerotherapy is an effective option. This treatment is designed to treat blood vessels (and vessels of the lymphatic system) that have become malformed. The treatment is suitable for unsightly problems such as varicose veins, thread and spider veins and effectively allows the body to remove them. The term used for very fine veins is microsclerotherapy.

Why Veins become Unsightly

Varicose, thread, and spider veins are very common, particularly in women. There tends to be certain areas where they are more likely to occur; varicose veins commonly appear on the legs and thread veins on the legs and face. Varicose veins and thread veins are the product of the same process, with the only difference being that smaller thread veins appear closer to the skins surface. A varicose vein may be red, blue or flesh coloured and have a knotted, cord-like appearance, often swelling up to raise the surface of the skin, making it appear bumpy in places.

The role of veins is to return blood from the body to the heart. Because they often work against gravity, veins have an internal valve-like structure. These valves prevent blood flowing backwards, and combined with the pumping action of moving muscles in places like the legs, the blood squeezes along the veins. If the valves become weakened or damaged, the blood is allowed to flow backwards and pools at points along the vein, termed venous insufficiency. Where the backed-up blood collects, it causes the veins to stretch and enlarge, becoming varicose in nature. The added gravitational pressure and body weight pressure means that the legs are a common place for varicose veins to occur.

It isn't clear what causes one person to develop them whilst another person doesn't, but there are some recognised contributory factors. Age, hormones and pregnancy, obesity, sun damage, smoking and leading a sedentary lifestyle are all known to have an effect.
Varicose veins can be quite uncomfortable to live with, and on occasion are known to create serious problems such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), bleeding and sores.

The Procedure

This treatment is incredibly straightforward and involves simple injections. Ultrasound can be used by the clinician in order to accurately locate the site for the needle. The vein is injected with a special chemical, called a sclerosant, whilst a little pressure is applied to the surface of the skin. The sclerosant is designed to damage the internal structure of the vein, causing the vein to constrict and close. Any blood in the vein is also affected, being broken down. Following the treatment, the leg is usually kept in a compression bandage for up to two weeks, to allow the tissues of the vein to adhere and completely die. The remnants of the vein are removed by the body over time. A foam sclerosant can be used with the same procedure but a more effective outcome for larger veins.

Prices and Availability

Sclerotherapy is a common treatment for a common condition. The availability is widespread with most cosmetic clinicians able to offer treatments. The prices vary according to the clinic, location, and clinician used, but prices for a treatment session start at around £150. There may be more than one session required, and the clinic may add charges for consultations and ultrasound scans, so ask what is included in the price. Always use a reputable clinic with suitably qualified and experienced personnel.