Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy, Renew Medica. To book a consultation call 0800 027 2029.
The initial consultation is free. The procedure costs £200 per hour and you are likely to need two to three treatments.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy involves having a solution injected into the broken veins to make them collapse, shrink and disappear. I have a large cluster of purple veins on my leg and although the thought of needles isn’t thrilling, the idea of the veins disappearing spurs me on!
The Renew Medica clinic on Maddox Street is simple with a clinical decor which is instantly reassuring. I wouldn’t feel comfortable having this treatment in a normal beauty salon! The staff are friendly without being too jovial (again this is reassuring!) and my therapist isn’t thrown by any of my questions – she is clearly experienced.
The Consultation
During the consultation we talk about the procedure, the possible side effects, when I should notice the results and how much I can expect it to hurt! I also have to complete a questionaire about my health and medical history before the problem veins are examined. I'm now able to book my treatment for another time - but I'm far too impatient and my therapist is happy to fit me in for Sclerotherapy treatment then and there!
The Treatment
The whole procedure including the consultation takes an hour. A series of injections that are targeted directly into the problem veins are nowhere near as painful as I had anticipated. It occasionally prickles when the tiny needle goes in, but the therapist talks me through which keeps me calm.
After the Treatment
I'm advised to wear surgical stockings for five days continuously, they are stylish, expensive and can be worn instead of tights. This means having the course of treatments in summer would be uncomfortable and inconvenient, plus I am advised to avoid sun exposure for six months – so this is a definite winter/spring treatment. The area bruises badly at first and is sore for the first day, I take Ibuprofen but not aspirin, and must not drink alcohol for 48 hours.
After three weeks the veins have disappeared leaving a light tan spot where the large cluster had been – much more attractive than when it was purple! I return for a consultation after two weeks and am told I don’t need another treatment as the tan patch should disappear completely in three months, however sun exposure will darken it, so I’ll be slapping on the SPF! As I only needed one treatment it is a relatively inexpensive proceeduer – some people need two or three and if you are prone to thread veins they will come back so a top up every couple of years is advised. I am so impressed and happy with the results. Nothing is a miracle cure but this has exceeded all my expectations!
Verdict: 5/5
Best for: Dark or purple veins on legs.