Microsclerotherapy is a specialized minimally invasive treatment for very small spider veins, thread veins and tiny varicose veins, typically less than 1-3mm in diameter. The procedure involves injecting a sclerosing solution directly into the tiny veins using very fine needles, even finer than those used in standard sclerotherapy. The sclerosing agent, usually a diluted solution of sodium tetradecyl sulfate or polidocanol, irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to collapse, stick together and eventually be absorbed by the body over several weeks. Microsclerotherapy is particularly effective for treating superficial cosmetic concerns including spider veins on the legs, ankles and thighs; small thread veins that are too fine for laser treatment; reticular veins (small blue veins feeding spider veins); and facial thread veins in some cases, though laser is often preferred for the face. The treatment is performed in a clinical setting without anaesthesia, takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the number of veins treated, causes minimal discomfort with brief stinging sensations, and requires no downtime, allowing immediate return to normal activities with some restrictions. Multiple sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart are typically needed for optimal clearance, usually 2 to 4 treatments. After injection, compression stockings are often recommended for several days to improve results. The treated veins gradually fade over 6 to 12 weeks as the body absorbs them, with most people achieving 50% to 90% improvement after completing a treatment course.

Costs for Microsclerotherapy vary between clinics and depend on factors such as the treatment area, complexity of the veins and the number of sessions required. The price of Microsclerotherapy in the UK typically ranges from around £175 to £450, so it’s worth getting a personalised quote to understand how much Microsclerotherapy costs for your situation. Other cost drivers include the type of sclerosant used, any follow-up care, and the practitioner’s experience and clinic location, which all affect the cost of Microsclerotherapy overall. You can find the exact, up-to-date price for this treatment in the catalogue

Microsclerotherapy is actually a type of sclerotherapy, specifically designed for treating the smallest veins. The main differences relate to the size of veins treated, needle size and technique refinement. Standard sclerotherapy treats larger spider veins, reticular veins and small varicose veins, typically 3mm or larger, using slightly larger needles and sometimes higher concentrations of sclerosing solution. It may also include ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy for deeper or larger veins not visible on the surface. Microsclerotherapy specifically targets very fine spider veins and thread veins, usually under 1-3mm in diameter, uses extremely fine needles, similar to acupuncture needles, for precise injection into tiny vessels, employs more diluted sclerosing solutions appropriate for delicate veins, and requires greater precision and expertise due to the minute size of target veins. The technique differences include microsclerotherapy typically using a very steady hand and magnification for accuracy, treating more veins in a single session due to their small size, causing less discomfort due to finer needles, and producing less bruising generally. Standard sclerotherapy may involve treating fewer but larger veins, slightly more discomfort from larger needles, more potential for bruising or trapped blood, and sometimes requires ultrasound guidance for non-visible veins. Both procedures use the same basic principle of chemical vein closure, have similar contraindications and safety profiles, require compression hosiery after treatment, and may need multiple sessions for complete clearance. The choice between standard sclerotherapy and microsclerotherapy depends on the size, depth and type of veins being treated, with many patients requiring a combination approach where larger feeding veins are treated with standard sclerotherapy and the finest surface veins with microsclerotherapy. Your vascular specialist will assess your veins and determine the most appropriate technique or combination of techniques for your specific concerns.

Yes, microsclerotherapy is highly effective for treating small spider veins and thread veins when performed correctly by experienced practitioners. Clinical evidence and patient outcomes show success rates of 50% to 90% clearance of treated veins after completing a full course of treatments. The procedure has been used for decades with consistently good results for appropriate vein types. Microsclerotherapy works by chemically irritating and collapsing tiny blood vessels, which are then gradually absorbed by the body over 6 to 12 weeks, with the blood being rerouted through healthier vessels. Effectiveness depends on several factors including the size and type of veins being treated, with very fine spider veins (under 1mm) responding particularly well; the skill and experience of the practitioner performing the injections; the sclerosing agent and concentration used; the number of treatment sessions completed, typically 2 to 4 sessions needed for optimal results; adherence to aftercare instructions including wearing compression stockings; and whether underlying venous insufficiency is present and has been addressed. Microsclerotherapy works best for superficial cosmetic spider veins and thread veins on the legs; small blue reticular veins; isolated vein clusters; and people with realistic expectations about gradual improvement. It is less effective for very deep veins not accessible from the surface; larger varicose veins requiring standard sclerotherapy or other treatments; veins caused by significant underlying venous insufficiency that has not been treated; and people expecting 100% perfection, as some stubborn veins may remain. Most people achieve substantial improvement with 60% to 80% clearance being typical after a full treatment course, with some areas responding better than others. New spider veins may develop over time due to genetic predisposition, hormonal factors or lifestyle, but successfully treated veins do not return. Regular maintenance treatments every few years may be needed as new veins appear, but this represents new vein formation rather than treatment failure.

Yes, microsclerotherapy is generally very successful for treating small spider veins and thread veins, with high patient satisfaction rates when realistic expectations are established. Success rates reported in clinical studies range from 60% to 90% improvement in treated veins, depending on various factors. The treatment is considered one of the most effective methods for addressing fine leg spider veins and is the gold standard for this concern. Success depends on proper patient selection through thorough vein assessment, ideally including duplex ultrasound to rule out underlying venous insufficiency that would require treatment first; treating appropriate vein types, as microsclerotherapy is most successful for very small superficial veins; skill and experience of the practitioner, with better results from specialists experienced in fine vein treatment; completing the recommended treatment course rather than stopping after one session; following aftercare protocols including compression therapy; and having realistic expectations about gradual improvement over weeks to months. Microsclerotherapy is most successful for people with isolated spider veins without significant underlying venous disease; fine cosmetic thread veins that bother them aesthetically; good general health and circulation; realistic understanding that multiple sessions are usually needed; and commitment to wearing compression stockings after treatment. Success is limited in people with significant underlying venous insufficiency that has not been addressed, as treating surface veins without addressing the root cause often leads to rapid recurrence; very extensive spider vein coverage requiring numerous sessions; unrealistic expectations of 100% clearance; or inability to comply with compression hosiery requirements. Most people define success as significant visible improvement in the appearance of spider veins, with 70% to 80% clearance being a realistic and satisfying outcome for most patients. Some veins may be stubborn and require additional sessions, and some very fine veins may not respond to treatment. The key to successful microsclerotherapy is choosing an experienced vascular specialist or trained practitioner who conducts proper assessment, uses appropriate techniques, manages expectations realistically, and provides comprehensive follow-up care. For appropriate candidates treated by skilled practitioners, microsclerotherapy offers excellent success rates with minimal risk and high patient satisfaction.

Before microsclerotherapy, people typically have visible spider veins, thread veins or small clusters of fine veins on the legs, ankles, thighs or calves, appearing as red, blue or purple web-like patterns or small branching lines. These veins are usually purely cosmetic concerns, though some people experience mild aching, burning or restless legs, particularly with extensive spider veins. Common complaints include self-consciousness about leg appearance, reluctance to wear shorts, skirts or swimwear, feeling that spider veins make legs look older or less attractive, and frustration that these veins do not improve with exercise or lifestyle changes. After microsclerotherapy treatment and full healing, typically assessed 6 to 12 weeks after the final treatment session once all treated veins have been absorbed, most people experience significant improvement in the appearance of treated areas. The spider veins and thread veins are substantially reduced or eliminated, creating clearer, smoother-looking skin; the web-like vein patterns are greatly diminished or gone; legs appear more even-toned and youthful; and overall leg aesthetics are significantly improved. Most people achieve 60% to 90% clearance of treated veins, with many experiencing 70% to 80% improvement being typical. The degree of improvement varies depending on the extent and severity of spider veins before treatment, with mild to moderate cases often achieving near-complete clearance; the number of treatment sessions completed; individual healing and absorption rate; adherence to compression stocking protocols; and realistic expectations. During the treatment process, there are several stages: immediately after each session, injection sites show small needle marks and may have slight redness; within days to weeks, treated veins may initially appear darker or more visible as they undergo the closure process, which can be temporarily concerning; gradual fading begins around 2 to 4 weeks after treatment; most visible improvement occurs between 6 to 12 weeks as the body fully absorbs closed veins; and some brown staining (hyperpigmentation) along treated veins may persist for several months before fading, particularly with larger veins. It is important to be patient during the fading process and not judge results too early. Some temporary side effects during healing include bruising at injection sites, small lumps or trapped blood in treated veins that gradually resolve, brown discolouration that typically fades over 6 to 12 months, and occasional matting (appearance of new tiny veins) in treated areas, which usually resolves spontaneously or with additional treatment. Successfully treated spider veins do not return, as those specific vessels have been permanently closed and absorbed. However, new spider veins commonly develop in other locations over months to years due to genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, ageing or lifestyle factors. This is separate from treatment effectiveness and represents new vein formation rather than treatment failure. Many people choose to have maintenance treatments every few years to address newly developed spider veins. Your practitioner should provide realistic before and after photos from their own work showing typical results after complete healing, across various severity levels and skin types. Most people are very satisfied with microsclerotherapy results, finding that clearer, more even-toned legs provide significant cosmetic improvement and increased confidence to wear clothing that shows their legs. The treatment is particularly successful for people with realistic expectations who understand that while substantial improvement is achievable, achieving 100% perfection may not be realistic and that maintenance may be needed over time as new veins develop.