Thread Veins

Thread veins are most common on the leg. They can easily and simply removed by MIST (micro injection Sclero therapy). You don’t have to put up with them any more, and it may help aching and restless legs too.

What is MICROSCLEROTHERAPY?

MICROSCLEROTHERAPY (or MIST) is a specialist technique to remove bothersome veins – SPIDER VEINS, THREAD VEINS or VARICOSE VEINS

I use tiny injections of specialised local anaesthetic as a liquid or FOAM. This causes the lining of the veins to become irritated and sticky so blood no longer flows through them. The body then resorbs the veins over a period of days or weeks. Blood is directed to the deeper veins where it should be.

What should I expect during treatment?

The injections are done with a tiny needle making it feel like a nettle sting. The area will become red (erythematous) and raised (weal) which fades over an hour or so. Itchiness settles over a few hours.

What should I expect after treatment?

It sometimes looks worse before it improves but be patient and the results will speak for themselves. There will be some bruising lasting 2-3 weeks but may last longer if large veins have been treated, occasionally a year (skin staining). The larger treated veins may feel warm, hard and tender for a short period before disappearing over a few weeks. Depending on what has been treated I may ask you to wear compression stockings for a while

When is the best time to get treatment?

Any time of year is good but avoiding the heat of the summer is advisable if compression stockings are needed.

How many treatments will I need?

60-70% of veins will be removed on average per treatment session of MIST. By the end of a course (2-3 sessions usually) most or all of the veins will be gone. I advise leaving 4-6 weeks between treatments. The time and number of sessions to get the desired result is difficult to predict.
A repeat course of treatment may be needed after a year or two if you develop new veins.

Accreditations & Qualifications

MBChB, MRCP Ed, FRCA, DICM, FFICM, MD

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