Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a procedure to treat varicose and spider veins. It involves injecting a chemical solution into the vein to improve appearance and relieve symptoms. It’s carried out as an outpatient procedure with minimal discomfort and little impact on your daily routine.
What is sclerotherapy?
Varicose and spider veins, wherever they are on your body, can cause problems with body image and self-esteem. In some cases, they can also be uncomfortable and itchy and can cause swelling and cramping when they affect areas like the legs.
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a chemical solution (called a sclerosant) is injected into abnormal veins. The solution causes the vein wall to swell, stick together and seal shut. Over time, the treated vein is absorbed by the body. This treatment is effective for spider veins, small varicose veins, and symptomatic superficial veins.
At Welbeck, our dermatologists are experts in diagnosing and treating a wide range of vein conditions and will carefully assess whether sclerotherapy is the right option for you. You’ll receive care in an outpatient clinic within our state-of-the-art Skin Health & Allergy centre, where your treatment will safely reduce both the appearance of and discomfort caused by problem veins — helping to restore your comfort and confidence.
More information
You’ll have your sclerotherapy treatment in our outpatient clinic, where you’ll be asked to lie down on a comfortable examination bed. Your consultant will gently stretch the skin around the vein before carefully injecting a small amount of a special liquid or foam solution using a very fine needle. This solution causes the vein walls to close and seal off, allowing blood to naturally reroute through healthier veins. Over time, the treated vein will fade and disappear.
The procedure is usually well tolerated and many people find it almost painless, especially if a local anaesthetic is used. If you don’t have an anaesthetic, you may feel a tiny scratch from the needle and, in some cases, a mild stinging or warming sensation as the solution enters the vein. When treating larger veins, a brief feeling of tightness or cramping can occur, but it quickly passes.
Sclerotherapy typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many veins are treated. Afterwards, you’ll be able to leave straight away and continue with most of your usual activities.
The number of sclerotherapy sessions you’ll need depends on how many veins are being treated and the results you’d like to achieve. Some people see a noticeable improvement after just one session, while others may need several treatments for the best outcome. Your consultant will explain what to expect and create a personalised treatment plan during your initial consultation.
Sclerotherapy is a safe procedure with minimal risks and side effects.
Common side effects may include:
temporary redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site
aching or discomfort in the treated area
temporary darkening or discolouration of the treated vein
In rare cases, more severe complications may occur, such as allergic reactions or blood clots. Your consultant will talk you through all the possible side effects and your personal risk level before you have any treatment.
There’s very little preparation for sclerotherapy, but it’s important to avoid certain medications before the treatment, including some antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. Your consultant will talk you through how to prepare at your initial consultation.
If you’re having sclerotherapy on your legs, it can be helpful to bring a pair of shorts to wear for the treatment. It’s also important not to use any lotion or moisturiser on your skin before your treatment.
You can return to work and your normal activities straight after sclerotherapy, as there’s no recovery time. You should not put any lotion or moisturiser on your skin for 24 hours.
If you’ve had treatment on your legs, you may be advised to wear compression stockings and to avoid standing for long periods. Your consultant will explain this to you before your treatment.
Full results appear over weeks as treated veins fade and are usually long-lasting. New veins may still develop in the future, and further treatments may be needed.
Please contact the Skin Health & Allergy centre for pricing.
At Welbeck, our dermatologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
To book sclerotherapy, you must be referred by either your GP or a dermatologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
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Frequently asked questions
While sclerotherapy is the most commonly used treatment for varicose and spider veins, it’s not an appropriate solution for everyone. At your initial consultation, your Welbeck dermatologist will take your medical history and examine the area affected. They’ll then be able to confirm whether or not sclerotherapy is a suitable treatment for you.
Sclerotherapy is not suitable if you:
have an active deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
have a superficial vein thrombosis (blood clot)
are pregnant or less than 3 months postpartum
are breastfeeding
are bedbound
You can return to most normal activities immediately, but it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and hot baths or saunas for a few days. These can increase blood flow and pressure in the treated veins, slowing down healing. Gentle walking, however, is encouraged and helps recovery.
The veins that are successfully treated will not return, as they are permanently closed and absorbed by your body. However, new veins can develop over time if you are prone to varicose or spider veins. Maintaining good leg health — by staying active, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, and wearing compression stockings when advised — can help prevent new veins from forming.
Yes, sclerotherapy is often used alongside other treatments to achieve the best results. For example, if you have larger varicose veins, your consultant may recommend endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) first to treat the underlying vein, followed by sclerotherapy to remove smaller surface veins. Combining treatments in this way ensures both the visible veins and their underlying causes are effectively addressed. Our specialists are experts in the treatment of veins and will explain the most suitable combination of treatments based on your vein pattern and overall circulation.