Micro Injection, also known as sclerotherapy, is a minimally invasive procedure designed to address blood vessels, commonly referred to as “spider veins,” on the legs. During this treatment, a medication called Fibrovein is carefully injected into the affected veins. This medication works by causing the veins to shrink, ultimately improving their appearance and reducing their visibility.
During spider vein treatment with Microsclerotherapy (Vein Injection) at Belle Clinic, clients will find the process simple and pretty quick, depending on how many areas they want to treat. We use a fine needle to inject tiny amounts of Fibrovein solution into the spider veins on the legs.
The solution is an irritant that makes the veins collapse and eventually fade out of sight. You will need to wear compression stockings initially to help the veins collapse properly. Walking is a good thing, so plan to do that daily. Microsclerotherapy is great for treating spider veins on the legs, not the larger, bulgy ones called varicose veins.
What should you do before microsclerotherapy?
- If possible, please do not take aspirin for 7 days before treatment. You can resume the treatment one day after the treatment.
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning for 1-2 weeks before and after treatment to avoid pigmentation problems
- Do not apply creams, oils, lotions, or shave or wax your legs 24 hours before the treatment.
- Wear loose fitting clothing and sandals or loose shoes to allow for the thickness of the stockings applied after treatment.
- Treatment should not be considered if you intend to fly overseas or go to sunny places within the following two weeks.
What happens during microsclerotherapy session?
A microsclerotherapy session at our clinic takes between 30 and 45 minutes.
While you are lying down on a treatment couch, very fine needles are used to inject a solution into the spider veins in the treatment area. The solution irritates the lining of the vein, causing the two opposing sides to seal together. The total number of injections during one session varies from 1-2 to 30 depending on the response of the veins to the therapy and the number of veins requiring treatment.
During the treatment, you may listen to music, read, or talk to the practitioner.
The compression stockings are applied immediately after the treatment and you will take a brisk 10 min walk immediately after the treatment.
Compression stockings are an essential part of treatment, as they:
- Reduce pigmentation
- Reduce the number of treatment sessions needed
- Reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis
- Reduce the frequency of recurrence
What can be expected following microsclerotherapy?
Usually the veins look worse for a period of time before they start to look better and improvement is usually seen in a couple of weeks. Mostly 6 – 12 weeks may be needed to show the maximum effect.
The following symptoms are expected, they are not a cause for concern although they should be reported at review:
Mild pain or discomfort may persist for several days, it means that the injections are working. The degree of discomfort is mostly related to the size of the treated veins and can be relieved by walking or by taking Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Rubbing from the stocking can create soreness behind the knee.
Tender lumps and discolorations are usually experienced early on and resolve with the time.
Red raised areas over treated veins are due to “trapped blood” and usually disappear within four to six weeks. At the first review (two weeks after the treatment) these areas may be pricked to release the trapped blood. It is a common symptom that happens as part of treatment, however doesn’t occur in every patient and is a sign that treatment has been successful.
Phlebitis, or inflammation of the treated veins, can occur due to reaction to the injected solution. It is treated by further compression, anti-inflammatory medication and regular walking. It does not represent infection and does not require treatment with antibiotics.
Migraines may be provoked by the injection solution in patients who are known migraine sufferers. These patients should take their usual migraine treatment an hour or so prior to treatment in order to prevent the onset of a migraine.
