Specialised in varicose veins
More than 55,000 treated patients
16 UK clinics · 60 clinics across 5 countries
Leg thread veins and spider veins are extremely common, but their appearance can make some people feel self-conscious about their legs. Microsclerotherapy is an effective, minimally invasive treatment designed to significantly reduce the appearance of these small visible veins.
At UK Vein Care, microsclerotherapy is delivered by experienced medical practitioners within a service dedicated to vein care. Treatment is tailored to your individual veins and the result you would like to achieve.
Thread veins, also known as spider veins, are small red, blue or purple blood vessels that are visible close to the surface of the skin. They may appear as fine individual lines or in small branching or web-like clusters, most commonly on the thighs, calves, shins and around the knees.
They are usually harmless and are most often treated because of their appearance. In some people, however, visible thread veins can occur alongside larger varicose veins or an underlying venous problem. If your assessment suggests this may be the case, we will advise whether further vascular assessment is appropriate.
Microsclerotherapy treats the visible vein directly. Using a very fine needle, your practitioner introduces a small amount of sclerosant into the thread vein. This causes a controlled reaction within the vessel, sealing the vein so that it no longer carries blood.
The body then naturally clears the treated vessel over time, allowing the vein to fade and become progressively less visible. Several small injections may be used during a session depending on the number and distribution of veins being treated.
Microsclerotherapy can produce a significant improvement in the appearance of leg thread and spider veins, helping the skin look clearer and more even.
Results develop gradually rather than immediately. Following treatment, the targeted veins begin to fade as the body naturally clears the treated vessels, with improvement continuing over the following weeks.
Many patients need more than one treatment session, particularly where thread veins are more extensive. Your practitioner will assess your veins and recommend a treatment plan based on the areas you would like treated and the result you are hoping to achieve.
Results vary between individuals and new thread veins can develop over time, but microsclerotherapy can provide a very effective improvement in existing visible thread veins.
Your initial thread vein consultation is completely free of charge, giving you the opportunity to have your veins assessed and discuss whether microsclerotherapy is right for you before deciding to proceed.
Have your veins assessed and discuss whether treatment is right for you — no obligation to proceed.
Microsclerotherapy treatment starts from £350 per session.
If more than one treatment is recommended, we also offer a package of three sessions for £950.
To make treatment more manageable, 0% finance is available over 6, 10 or 12 months, subject to eligibility and the finance provider's terms and conditions.
Your journey starts with a free consultation to discuss the thread or spider veins you would like treated and whether microsclerotherapy may be suitable for you.
Your practitioner will assess your veins, review relevant medical history and medicines, discuss what you would like to achieve and explain the treatment and the results you can realistically expect.
If there are signs that your thread veins may be associated with larger varicose veins or an underlying venous problem, we may recommend further assessment before proceeding.
Your practitioner will identify the veins to be treated and use a very fine needle to introduce small amounts of sclerosant into the affected vessels. Several injections may be made during one appointment depending on the area being treated.
You may feel a small scratch or mild temporary stinging during the injections, but treatment is generally well tolerated. The length of the appointment will depend on the extent of the area being treated, and you will normally be able to leave the clinic shortly afterwards.
Microsclerotherapy is an outpatient treatment with minimal downtime. Most people are able to return to their normal everyday activities soon after their appointment.
It is normal for the treated area to look a little red, bruised or temporarily more noticeable immediately after treatment. This settles as the area recovers and the treated veins begin to fade.
Your practitioner will give you clear aftercare advice following your treatment.
Most people seeking treatment for leg thread veins can be assessed for microsclerotherapy, but treatment is not appropriate for everyone. Your practitioner will review your medical history, medicines, allergies and any previous vein or circulation problems as part of your consultation.
If there is any reason why microsclerotherapy is not suitable for you, or another form of vein assessment or treatment would be more appropriate, we will explain this and advise you on the next step.
Temporary redness, bruising, tenderness or pigmentation can occur following microsclerotherapy and usually improves with time. As with any medical treatment, there are also less common risks. Your practitioner will explain these clearly during your consultation and consent process before you decide whether to proceed.
Thread veins are small, flat vessels close to the surface of the skin and are usually treated because of their appearance.
Varicose veins are larger veins that can become enlarged, twisted or bulging and may cause symptoms such as aching, heaviness, itching or swelling.
If you have larger veins or symptoms as well as thread veins, we can advise whether you would benefit from assessment through UK Vein Care's varicose vein pathway.
UK Vein Care is dedicated to the assessment and treatment of vein conditions, so your care sits within a specialist vein service rather than a general aesthetics setting.
Your assessment and treatment are delivered by experienced medical practitioners working within UK Vein Care's clinical governance framework.
We assess your individual veins and treatment goals before recommending the most appropriate approach.
Access treatment through our growing network of clinics across the UK.
Our team is available before and after treatment to answer questions and support you through your treatment journey.
If visible thread or spider veins are making you feel self-conscious about your legs, book your free consultation with UK Vein Care.
We'll assess your veins, discuss the result you'd like to achieve and explain whether microsclerotherapy is the right treatment for you. If you decide to proceed, treatment starts from £350 per session, with a three-session package available for £950 and 0% finance over 6, 10 or 12 months.
Take our quick self-test to find out if you qualify for varicose vein treatment.
