Reticular Veins

Treatment of reticular (blue or green) superficial veins at the Vein and Skin Clinic. These veins are usually seen on legs and arms and normally act as heat regulators. However reticular veins can grow to cosmetically disturbing sizes. These veins may be associated with varicose veins and/or spider veins.

Treatment Options

Microsclerotherapy.

Microsclerotherapy is considered by most Phlebologists (vein experts) to be the best form of treatment of reticular veins and spider veins of the legs, and in some instances, the face and trunk.

Microsclerotherapy makes use of a chemical agent called a sclerosant, to destroy the vein wall, thereby causing the veins to shut down. A very fine needle is inserted into the vessels and small amounts of solution are injected at several sites. Once the veins have shut down, blood no longer flows through them and they become firm and discoloured. The body’s defence mechanism treats them as a bruise. Gradual re-absorption takes place and over time the veins fade away.

Sclerosants used are Sclerovein (Aethoxy-Sclerol) (Polidocanol) and Fibrovein (Sodium Tetradecyl Sulphate)(STS)
Usually more than one treatment is required
Sponge padding is applied for a few days
Special compression stockings are worn for 1 – 2 weeks

IPL and Vascular Lasers.

IPL (intense pulsed light) and vascular lasers use light energy to destroy spider veins. This is an alternative to microsclerotherapy. IPL is very effective on tiny spider veins, blush areas, spider naevi and hereditary telangiectatic matting (sock likek distribution of masses of tiny vessels over ankle and foot).

Laser Side Effects.
These are usually minimal and of a limited nature. The majority will settle with time. They include:

Bruising.
Most patients will get at least a mild degree of bruising. This will usually disappear at the same rate as other bruising.

Hyperpigmentation (Brown Staining).
Usually due to iron deposits from old blood leaching out into surrounding tissues. This staining may take some months to fade, (rarely more than a year). Draining the pockets of old blood can significantly reduce the incidence of hyperpigmentation.

Phlebitis.
Probably the most common side effect. This is a localised painful inflammation of the treated vein that settles with anti–inflammatories and compression stockings.

Itching.
Occasionally mild transient itching may occur following treatment.

Migraine.
Occasionally treatment can precipitate a transient migraine like reaction – usually only in those individuals prone to migraine attacks.

Ulceration.

Allergic Reaction.

DVT.

Infection.

Arterial Injection.

Book A Consultation

The cost of this procedure varies according to the areas that require treatment and whether the area is treated alone or in conjunction with other areas. (This is most common).

To book a consultation with one of our doctors (fees apply) please Contact Us through our enquiry form or by phoning Vein & Skin Clinic on 0800 639 968.