Foam Sclerotherapy Injections
Sclerotherapy
Foam or Injection Sclerotherapy
Foam injections or sclerotherapy are ideal for smaller varicose veins or unsightly blue veins on the legs. It is a simple quick procedure that only has a tiny injection at the beginning that then seals off the veins and takes less than 20 minutes in most cases.
After the treatment patients are advised to wear support stockings or tights for up to a week afterwards but can carry on with normal daily activities.
Complete removal of the veins may take a few sessions a few weeks apart.
Large and Bulging Varicose Veins
For larger varicose veins, laser varicose vein removal may be more appropriate.
Thread Veins
Thread veins (or spider veins) are thin veins on the surface of the skin that rarely cause any problems other than being cosmetically unsightly. These are treated by microinjections that you can hardly feel.
The Foam Sclerotherapy Procedure
Firstly, a local anaesthetic is carefully administered to ensure that the procedure is pain-free and comfortable throughout.
Then, a special solution is mixed with air creating a foam which the surgeon will inject very carefully and precisely into the affected vein. If the vein is very deep, then the surgeon may use the ultrasound scanner in order to check that the injection is being placed in exactly the right area.
The foam will immediately start to react. Any blood within the vein will be pushed out. The vein wall itself will become inflamed and ‘sticky’, eventually closing off the vein.
Following the procedure, the varicose vein will shrink and disappear.
The procedure can be done on the same day as the consultation and takes less than 30 minutes. It is carried out under local anaesthesia, so patients do not feel any pain during treatment.
After treatment, a review appointment will be scheduled to check whether further treatment is necessary, as on occasion it might take up to 3 sessions to achieve complete closure of the veins.
Aftercare
Dressings In Clinic
After the procedure, a pressure bandage or dressing will be applied to the leg(s) to ensure that blood cannot seep back in and the walls are compressed together.
This must be worn for 12-24 hours after the injections during which time showering/bathing must be avoided.
Dressings At Home
After the initial dressing is removed, you will need to wear compression stockings for 3-4 weeks for optimum healing and best results.
What to Expect
Expect to feel a bit sore for a few days where the vein has been treated.
It is important to remain mobile with gentle activity. Don’t be tempted to rest too much – a regular walk is helpful to promote good circulation.
You will need to avoid prolonged standing, kneeling, squatting, bending or strenuous exercise for 4-6 weeks.
Elevate your leg when sitting for any length of time.
Exclusive Tumescent Foam Sclerotherapy
Procedure
Tumescent Foam Sclerotherapy is a procedure which was developed by Vascular Surgeon Mr Parameswaran Sridhar.
This is a brand new ‘all in one’ treatment protocol which was designed to tackle not only the most obvious varicose veins but also those smaller ones too plus larger thread veins.
Previously this thoroughness of treatment would require two treatment sessions rather than one and the use of a couple of different techniques. In one single treatment, Tumescent Foam Sclerotherapy carries out both:
- Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) – laser treatment for the larger varicose veins
- Foam sclerotherapy – a chemical treatment to treat large thread veins and smaller varicose veins
Tumescent Foam Sclerotherapy is exclusively available at Cosmedics’ London Vein Centres.
Tumescent Foam Sclerotherapy Advantages
Advantages of this approach are numerous:
- One single treatment session is more convenient
- Treatment is faster when combined – takes around an hour per leg
- Tumescent Foam Sclerotherapy provides a more thorough result than either of the procedures alone
- Less painful, as only one incision required and a smaller amount of foam solution is used
- Targeted and accurate treatment
- Less inflammation and discomfort
- Quicker healing
- Day case procedure
Contact Our Dedicated Veins Advisor
Email veinclinic@cosmedics.co.uk or telephone 020 7386 0464.
Treatment Time
30 minutes
Recovery Time
Most patients see a difference straightaway, but it can take about 6 weeks to see the finished result
Results
Acts like a glue and seals off the vein with no discomfort
Results Duration
Permanent
Foam Sclerotherapy Costs
| Foam Sclerotherapy Treatment Cost | |
|---|---|
| Treatment | Cost |
| Foam sclerotherapy injections alone | from £500 |
| Other Varicose Vein Treatment Options | |
| Treatment | Cost |
| EVLA alone – 1 leg, 1 vein | £1,650 |
| EVLA alone – 1 leg, multiple veins | £1,750 |
| EVLA alone – Both legs, 1 vein | £2,250 |
| EVLA alone – Both legs, multiple veins | £3,150 |
| ClariVein varicose vein treatment | from £1,895 |
Costs for tumescent foam sclerotherapy, including EVLA laser treatment as well as foam sclerotherapy, will depend on the number of legs, the extent of veins and treatment chosen.
For comparison, the costs of having EVLA and foam sclerotherapy are included in the table. Prices are confirmed at the consultation.
Varicose Vein Consultation Fee
Meet your medical team
MBBS, FRCS
Vascular Surgeon
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One of our dedicated Cosmedics advisors will call you back at a convenient time. You can trust our expertise with:
- Over 17 years of medical excellence;
- Affordable pricing & same day treatments;
- Optimal Covid-19 health & safety;
Always found the Cosmedics team to be genuine, trustworthy and professional. I can honestly say that I have never felt in safer hands and would highly recommend them.
Hilary B
Your Foam Sclerotherapy questions answered
Where can I get this treatment?
This treatment protocol is exclusive to our Vascular Surgeon, Mr Parameswaran. It is available for private clients at our Putney Vein Treatment Centre.
Does Foam Sclerotherapy Hurt?
The procedure sounds uncomfortable, but as it is done under local anaesthetic so you won’t feel any pain after the initial ‘pin prick’ of the injection itself.
After the procedure, when the anaesthetic has worn off, you may feel some soreness or discomfort. Paracetamol will relieve this.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
The foam sclerotherapy injections take around 30 minutes.
How Will They Look?
Do I have to wear special stockings?
Yes, we will provide dressings/stockings and advise how long they need to be worn for. Normally bandages are worn for a couple of days, then surgical support/compression stockings for a week after that. These are easily hidden with clothing (i.e. wear trousers).
Do I take time off work?
This is carried out as a day case procedure and there is no need for an overnight stay. You can return straight home to put your feet up. Most of our patients do return straight to normal activities the next day, but others may prefer an extra day or so to recover just in case. This is a personal choice.
Will it Last?
Yes, the procedure has an excellent success rate with permanent results.
How Soon Will I See the Results?
You will see straight away that the blue and lumpy veins have been removed. It will take a while for bruising to clear and we suggest the full results are to be expected after 4-6 weeks.
