Micro- & Echo-Foam Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy — Spider Vein & Reticular Vein Removal
A sclerosant solution is injected into the vein through an ultra-fine needle, causing the vein walls to seal together; the vessel gradually dissolves and fades from the skin surface. I work across all levels: microsclerotherapy for spider veins using magnification optics, and Echo-Foam ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for larger vessels.
20–40
minutes per session
1–4
sessions depending on the extent of treatment
0
anesthesia or incisions — just a fine needle
right away
back to your normal routine after the session
Who Is This Procedure For
- Spider veins (telangiectasias) on the legs
- Reticular — mesh-like — veins up to 1–3 mm in diameter
- Varicose tributaries: as a complement to EVLA/RFA or as a standalone treatment
- Residual veins following prior treatment
- Veins not suitable for laser or mini-phlebectomy, based on duplex ultrasound findings
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Known allergy to sclerosant agents
- Acute deep vein thrombosis
- Untreated reflux in the main trunk veins — the source must be addressed first (EVLA/RFA)
- Active skin infection or inflammation in the treatment area
The precise list of indications and contraindications is determined during your consultation based on vein ultrasound results.
How the Procedure Works
- 1
Examination & Vein Duplex Ultrasound
I check for underlying feeding veins that may be supplying the spider veins — without addressing these, results tend to be short-lived.
- 2
Sclerosant Injections
The agent is delivered through a fine needle: liquid form under magnification for spider veins, and Echo-Foam under ultrasound guidance for larger vessels.
- 3
Compression
Immediately after the session, compression stockings are applied — they keep the treated veins closed and help consolidate the result.
- 4
A Short Walk
30–40 minutes of walking, and you're free to go — no in-clinic observation required.
Benefits of the Method
Visible Aesthetic Results
Spider veins fade and disappear without scarring — this method was developed specifically for aesthetic phlebology.
Echo-Foam Under Ultrasound
The foam form of the sclerosant maintains longer contact with the vein wall, making it possible to close larger veins without surgery.
No Anesthesia, No Downtime
A session is as straightforward as a visit to a cosmetic clinic: come in, get treated, and carry on with your day within the hour.
Diagnostics First
Vein duplex ultrasound always comes before treatment. If spider veins are being fed by a diseased trunk vein, I'll be upfront: that's where we need to start.
Recovery: What You Need to Know
- Compression stockings as prescribed — typically 3 to 14 days depending on the volume treated
- Walk immediately and daily; avoid hot baths, saunas, and sun exposure for 2–4 weeks
- Temporary pigmentation along the treated vein is possible — it usually fades within weeks, occasionally a few months
- Small bruises at injection sites are normal and resolve within 1–2 weeks
- Final results are assessed at 3–8 weeks; a follow-up session can be arranged if needed
Why duplex ultrasound first — and not just a quick injection?
If the source of your spider veins is reflux in a main trunk or perforating vein, sclerotherapy alone will only provide short-term relief — new spider veins will soon reappear nearby. That's why I always begin with a duplex scan, and if a source vein is found, we close it first.
Pricing
Pricing is calculated per session and depends on the surface area and number of veins treated. I'll give you an honest estimate of the sessions needed after your examination.
Sclerotherapy (micro- and Echo-Foam ultrasound-guided foam)
per estimate after ultrasound- The initial consultation includes a vein ultrasound and a personalised treatment plan
- Your cost estimate is confirmed in writing before the procedure and will not change
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sclerotherapy painful?
A very fine needle is used, so the sensation is comparable to a standard injection. You may feel a brief burning feeling for a few seconds as the solution is introduced. No anesthesia is needed.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the area involved: isolated spider veins can clear in a single session, while more widespread networks may need 2–4. Sessions are spaced 2–4 weeks apart. I'll give you a realistic plan after your examination.
When will I see results?
Spider veins fade gradually: noticeable improvement usually appears within 3–8 weeks, while final results for larger veins can take 2–3 months. Right after the session the skin may look slightly irritated — this settles within a few days.
Is foam sclerotherapy safe?
Echo-Foam is the international standard for vein treatment: the dose and distribution of foam are monitored in real time via ultrasound. Complications are rare when the technique is performed correctly — and I carry out every procedure personally.
Can spider veins come back?
Treated veins are gone for good, but the underlying tendency to develop new ones remains — this is a characteristic of the vessels themselves, not a limitation of the method. Prevention: wear compression during physical activity, maintain a healthy weight, and come in for a check-up once a year.
Can sclerotherapy be done in summer?
Yes — the key is to wear compression and protect the skin from sun exposure (SPF 50) in the first few weeks. Larger treatment volumes are more conveniently planned outside beach season.
Related reading
EVLA
Laser sealing of a diseased vein through a tiny needle puncture — the leading non-surgical treatment for varicose veins.
CLaCS
A transdermal laser plus a sclerosant in the feeding vein, with skin cooling — for stubborn spider veins.
Miniphlebectomy
Removal of varicose nodes through 1–2 mm micro-incisions — no stitches, no visible marks.
Vein Duplex Ultrasound
Duplex ultrasound of both legs with a full report and treatment plan — all at your very first appointment.
This material is for information purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. An exact diagnosis and treatment plan are established at an in-person consultation with a vein ultrasound.
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