The difference between thread veins, varicose veins and spider veins is often hard to define. Generally speaking spider veins and thread veins are the same thing. Small red or purplish veins very close to the surface of the skin, generally thinner than a millimetre or two. They don’t tend to cause bulges in the leg. Varicose veins can be described as larger and deeper veins that cause unsightly bulges in the leg.
The treatment for the two is very similar. Both types are treated with a treatment called sclerotherapy. For thin superficial veins it is micro-sclerotherapy and for deeper bulging veins it is ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy. Often a combination of the two forms of treatment is required as many people will have both superficial and deep veins.
There are a few reasons for having the veins treated. They may be uncomfortable and itchy, they may also cause aching at the end of a day. Veins can also be treated if they are unsightly and cause embarrassment when wearing short dresses or beachwear.
Treatments are performed after a consultation and often an ultrasound of the leg veins is performed, to identify and possible risks from performing the procedure. The treatments are performed in the clinic and typically take less than half an hour. Most people find the treatments entirely painless. After a vein treatment a compression stocking needs to be worn for one week in order to keep the veins flat and prevent them from re-filling. After one week the stocking can be taken off at night but still needs to be worn in the day time for another week.
For small areas one treatment is often sufficient, but for larger areas or bigger veins further treatments may be required. You will be advised as to the likelihood of repeat treatments at your consultation.
At Clinetix all our leg vein treatments are performed by a vascular surgeon, Mr Bryce Renwick, who has had extensive experience treating complicated varicose veins in the NHS. Read Mr Bryce’s FAQ’s on out leg vein page here
Consultations and treatments are available in our Hyndland Clinic. For more information, or to book a consultation you can phone our clinic on 01412210229, or contact us through the website here