Sclerotherapy does not require anaesthesia and is typically performed in clinic/office. During the procedure, you'll lie on your back with your legs slightly elevated. Your practitioner will cleanse the area to be treated before inserting a solution into the targeted vein with a fine needle. You may experience some minor stinging or cramps when the needle is inserted.

Veins that respond to sclerotherapy injection treatment usually will not reappear. However, new veins may appear over time as blood flow shifts occur in the tissues. If clinically indicated, these veins may also be treated by injection sclerotherapy.

After sclerotherapy, treated veins tend to fade within a few weeks, although they might not disappear completely. It can take a month or more for full results. Some veins need more than one sclerotherapy treatment. It usually takes one to six sessions to get rid of targeted veins.

We allow for an hour for your appointment time, including consultation, the sclerotherapy itself usually takes an average of 45 minutes.

After the procedure, it is important to walk around to prevent the formation of blood clots in your legs. Most people return to their normal activities on the same day.

Sclerotherapy generally has few serious complications.

Side effects that can occur where the needle goes into the skin include:

• Bruising.

• Raised red areas, called hives.

• Small skin sores.

• Darkened skin.

• A number of tiny red blood vessels forming (these tend to dissappear in time)

These side effects usually go away within days to weeks. Some side effects may take months or longer to go away completely.

Less-common side effects of sclerotherapy that might need treatment include

• Inflammation. This is usually mild but may cause swelling, warmth and discomfort around the site where the needle went into the skin. Taking a pain reliever you can get without a prescription might help. These include aspirin and ibuprofen.

• Blood clot. Rarely, a blood clot can travel to a deeper vein in the leg, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis.

• Air bubbles. Tiny air bubbles can rise in the blood. This might not cause symptoms. But symptoms might include seeing light flashes, having headaches, fainting and having nausea.

These symptoms usually go away. But call your health care provider for problems with moving or feelings in arms or legs after the procedure.

Allergic reaction. An allergic reaction to the solution used for treatment is possible, but very uncommon.