Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins in London
Varicose veins in the legs are a fairly common health problem, but this does not mean they should be ignored. Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic issue; they are primarily a sign of vascular insufficiency, which indicates blood circulation disorders. Varicose veins and spider veins in the lower limbs cause discomfort and can pose health risks. Therefore, if they appear on your legs, it is important not to wait for the condition to worsen but to schedule a medical consultation as soon as possible.
At the Fast Medica clinic, we provide comprehensive diagnostics for venous system diseases using modern diagnostic methods. After thorough consultations and examinations, we determine the appropriate treatment method for venous conditions and the procedure approach.
Price List for Sclerotherapy Services
| SERVICE | Price |
| Consultation | £105 |
| Consultation + Doppler Ultrasound of Lower Limb Veins (+ report in English) | £180 – one leg £230 – both legs |
| Sclerotherapy (injection/closure) of venules (spider veins) – one session | from £230 |
| Sclerotherapy – follow-up session | £130-£150 |
| Foam sclerotherapy for varicose veins (treatment for local primary and recurrent varicose veins, including previously operated ones) | £300 |
| Foam sclerotherapy under Doppler ultrasound guidance (treatment for varicose veins located on major venous trunks – branches of the saphenous and peroneal veins) | £400 |
Treatment of Venous Disorders
The method of treating venous insufficiency depends on several factors, including the patient’s lifestyle and any coexisting health conditions such as obesity or lymphedema. The severity of the venous disease also plays a crucial role in determining the treatment approach.
In medicine, venous insufficiency is classified into six stages. The first stage is marked by spider veins, which, while often considered a cosmetic issue, can cause pain, warmth in the limb, and swelling. The second stage involves varicose veins—permanently dilated, elongated veins with a tortuous path. Varicose veins affect superficial veins and not deep veins, as deep veins are protected by their anatomical location within tight spaces filled with muscles, tendons, and tissues.
Symptoms of varicose veins include calf heaviness, ankle swelling in the morning and evening, nighttime cramps, and restless legs. In the third stage, persistent, painful swelling in the lower limbs occurs. The fourth stage brings trophic changes such as skin discoloration, eczema, and skin hardening. The fifth stage involves healed leg ulcers, while the sixth stage includes active venous ulcers.
Methods for Treating Varicose Veins
Varicose vein treatment is most effective when started early, ideally before the veins enlarge, and the condition progresses. At this stage, sclerotherapy is the most effective treatment. However, patients with more advanced stages of the disease can also benefit from appropriate treatment.
Weakened blood vessels, spider veins, varicose veins, and impaired blood flow can be treated using various methods. Compression therapy, involving specialized stockings or tights, is commonly used. Pharmacological treatment may also be prescribed to support inflammation reduction and improve vessel wall tension but does not directly address enlarged, often painful veins.
More advanced cases may require thermal or mechanical methods, and surgery is primarily reserved for severe venous trunk insufficiencies. For less severe cases, minimally invasive treatments like sclerotherapy are highly effective.
Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins
Sclerotherapy is one of the most widely used methods for treating varicose veins and involves injecting a special medication into the affected veins. This causes the blood vessels to contract, triggering an inflammatory process that leads to fibrotic sealing and permanent closure of the veins. This process reduces the vein’s diameter, lightens its color, and makes it less visible.
Traditional sclerotherapy is performed under visual guidance, while ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (echo-sclerotherapy) is used for treating large venous trunks. The procedure is minimally invasive, fast, and does not require hospital stays.
Sclerotherapy Procedure at Fast Medica
Before the sclerotherapy procedure, a Doppler ultrasound examination is performed to precisely assess the venous structure, the severity of changes, and venous functionality. This examination is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment approach.
The sclerotherapy needle is so thin that the injections cause minimal discomfort. The procedure typically lasts 20–30 minutes, but depending on the extent of the condition, it may need to be repeated up to three times. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to resume normal activities, including driving, immediately afterward.
Post-Sclerotherapy Care
For optimal results, it is essential to follow post-procedure care guidelines. Immediately after the procedure, patients must wear a specialized compression stocking (usually class 2 compression) and walk for about 15 minutes. The stocking should be worn during the day for approximately 2–3 weeks.
For about three weeks after the procedure, patients should avoid prolonged standing or sitting and refrain from saunas, hot baths, and sun exposure. Sclerotherapy may cause minor bruising or discoloration, which typically fades within a month to six months, depending on the intensity of the treatment.
Contraindications to Sclerotherapy
Although sclerotherapy is minimally invasive and safe, there are some contraindications. These include pregnancy, breastfeeding, recent tanning, skin inflammation, thrombophlebitis, and allergies to the sclerosing agent.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if you are taking anticoagulants or aspirin.
In cases of extensive varicose veins, surgical treatment may be required. However, sclerotherapy can complement surgical methods in such situations.