This is a very typical email enquiry that I often receive :

I am enquiring about sclerotherapy. I have spider veins on my lower and upper legs. They are fine but visible (red-blue in colour)

1. How much do the sessions cost and how many would I need?

Every patient is unique. We charge according to the amount of veins needed to treat. You will undergo a thorough examination and scan and will then be presented with a treatment plan and costs involved. On average, patients spend R2000 – R5000 on sclerotherapy to achieve desired results.

2. I have sensitive skin and am rather needle phobic – would you be able to give me something to dull the pain during the procedure?

We don’t routinely do this. Sclerotherapy injections are done using an ultra fine needle. There is a burning sensation afterwards. EMLA (R) cream may be used at times in selected cases.

3. Could you explain what the procedure would involve eg. would I have to wear stockings after the procedure and would I be able to drive?

Compression is sometimes indicated.
There is no restriction on driving afterwards.
4. What about exercise and sun exposure? How long should I wait before returning to gym and how long do I need to be careful of the sun?

Avoid exercising on the same day and having a hot bath. This will cause the burning sensation to return. ALWAYS wear the maximum protection for your skin when out in the sun.

5. How long does the bruising and swelling last after a session of sclerotherapy?

The acute reaction that involves redness and tenderness will last 2-3 days. There after you might have some staining (Caramel coloured fine lines), which is the iron that leaks from the blood in the vessel, this is temporary and may take months to fade completely.

6. How do I know that the veins won’t reoccur or what do I do to minimise their recurrence?

The same veins would not return. It is important to always have your veins treated by a medical professional that specialises in vein treatments. All vein patients always require a complete medical workup of their vein problem, prior to any treatment. Often patients would attend salons and have treatments for their veins. These patients are often disappointed with the results.

The usual story is “I had my veins treated at XXX and now they are worse!” The problem here is the presence of venous reflux in the larger veins, that require treatment first, before the spider veins are treated.

If you are prone to develop spider veins, and you don’t have an underlying cause for it, then it is best to have them treated once a year at the beginning of fall/winter.