Microsclerotherapy for Spider Veins in Hyderabad
Microsclerotherapy is a minimally invasive injection treatment used for small visible veins such as spider veins and selected small varicose veins. Hyderabad Vascular Center provides vascular assessment and individualized treatment planning.
A very fine needle is used to inject a sclerosant into the selected vein. The vein closes and is gradually absorbed by the body.
What Is Microsclerotherapy?
Injection sclerotherapy is a non-surgical method used to treat unsightly or damaged veins, including spider veins and selected varicose veins. For smaller spider veins, the technique is called microsclerotherapy.
Types of Spider Veins
- Telangiectasias: red, blue or purple intradermal veins up to about 1 mm wide.
- Reticular veins: green-blue subdermal veins up to about 3 mm wide.
How Sclerotherapy Works
A sclerosant is injected into the vein with a very fine needle. The agent affects the internal lining of the vein, causing the vein walls to stick together and the treated vein to become blocked.
The body gradually absorbs the treated vein over the following months.
Which Veins Can Be Treated?
The HVC source distinguishes treatment according to the size and depth of the veins.
Spider Veins
Microsclerotherapy is used for smaller spider veins, including telangiectasias and reticular veins.
Small Varicose Veins
Selected relatively small varicose veins may be treated with foam sclerotherapy when clinically appropriate.
Larger Varicosities
Higher-concentration sclerosant may be used as a solution or mixed with air as foam, depending on the vein and clinical assessment.
How Does Microsclerotherapy Work?
Vein Assessment
The vascular surgeon examines the visible veins and determines whether further investigation is needed.
Fine-Needle Injection
A very fine needle is used to inject a sterile sclerosing solution into the selected vein.
Vein Closure
The sclerosant causes changes in the vein wall so that the walls stick together and the vein becomes blocked.
Natural Absorption
The body gradually absorbs the treated vein over weeks to months.
Do You Need a Duplex Ultrasound?
Not every patient necessarily requires an ultrasound before microsclerotherapy. The source page states that duplex ultrasonography may be required in some cases.
What Duplex Ultrasound Evaluates
- Superficial veins immediately beneath the skin
- Deep veins between muscle groups
- Extent of venous disease
- Venous anatomy relevant to treatment
Who Decides?
Your vascular surgeon decides during the initial consultation whether duplex ultrasonography is necessary based on your examination and the appearance of the veins.
Precautions Before Microsclerotherapy
The existing HVC page lists several pre-treatment precautions. Medication changes should be discussed with your treating doctor rather than made independently.
Medicines
The source page advises avoiding aspirin and certain NSAIDs before treatment. Confirm any medication changes with your physician first.
Alcohol
The source page advises avoiding alcohol for 2 days before treatment.
Skin Products
Do not use creams or lotions on the legs for 24 hours before the injections, according to the source page.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
The number of sessions depends on how extensive the spider veins are and the amount of sclerosant that can appropriately be injected during a session.
Minutes Per Session
The HVC page describes each treatment session as an office procedure lasting approximately 30–45 minutes.
Possible Sessions
The source page states that many patients require 2–6 treatment sessions, although the number varies between individuals.
Gradual Improvement
Some veins improve quickly, while others may take up to several months to clear as the body absorbs the treated veins.
What Happens After Microsclerotherapy?
Immediately After Treatment
- A 10–15 minute walk may be advised immediately after treatment.
- Normal activities can generally be resumed after a microsclerotherapy session according to the source page.
- Special hosiery may be recommended for a few days to a week.
Temporary Changes
- Redness along the treated veins
- Swelling around injected veins
- Occasional bruising
- Temporary worsening in appearance before gradual improvement
Possible Side Effects of Sclerotherapy
Serious complications are described as uncommon on the source page, but patients should understand possible side effects before treatment.
Skin Pigmentation
Brownish pigmentation can occur along the treated vein due to inflammation and haemosiderin deposition and may take time to fade.
Bruising or Blister
A small bruise or blister can appear at the injection site and generally settles over time.
Telangiectatic Matting
New tiny red veins may develop around treated spider veins. Further sclerotherapy or transcutaneous laser may sometimes be considered.
Ulceration
A rare complication is a small ulcer that can leave a tiny scar.
Foam Sclerotherapy Risks
The source page lists temporary visual disturbance, headache and DVT as potential complications of foam sclerotherapy, with transient stroke described as extremely rare.
Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions are described as extremely rare with the sclerosant used by the clinic.
Is Laser Better Than Microsclerotherapy?
The HVC source states that for small varices and reticular veins, sclerotherapy has better results than currently available laser treatments. It also notes that laser may be used for very small telangiectasias under 1 mm or certain other vascular lesions.
| Vein Type | Source Page's Treatment Approach |
|---|---|
| Small varices | Sclerotherapy is described as a preferred option. |
| Reticular veins | Sclerotherapy is described as having better results than currently available laser treatments. |
| Very small telangiectasias <1 mm | Laser therapy may be used in selected cases. |
Dr. Narendranadh Meda
MS (Gen. Surgery), DNB (Vascular Surgery), Fellowship in Vascular Surgery (USA)
Consultant Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon at Hyderabad Vascular Center. Evaluation helps determine whether microsclerotherapy, foam sclerotherapy, laser treatment or another approach is appropriate for the patient's veins.
Book a Vascular ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions About Microsclerotherapy
What is microsclerotherapy?
Microsclerotherapy is a small-vein injection technique used for spider veins and selected small varicose veins.
What solution is used for sclerotherapy?
The HVC source states that polidocanol, a detergent sclerosant, is commonly used.
Does microsclerotherapy require anaesthesia?
The source page states that injection sclerotherapy does not require anaesthesia, including local anaesthesia.
How long does one microsclerotherapy session take?
The HVC page describes each office-based session as approximately 30–45 minutes.
How many sessions will I need?
The number varies with the extent of the spider veins. The source page states that many patients require 2–6 sessions, although individual needs differ.
Can I walk after microsclerotherapy?
Yes. The source page advises a 10–15 minute walk immediately after treatment and says normal activities can be resumed following a microsclerotherapy session.
Will new spider veins appear after treatment?
The source explains that treatment itself does not cause new spider veins, but people predisposed to venous valve leakage may develop new spider veins over time.
Can microsclerotherapy be repeated?
Yes. The source page states that patients may return for additional injection sessions when needed.
Looking for Microsclerotherapy in Hyderabad?
Have your spider veins or small varicose veins assessed by a vascular specialist and discuss the appropriate treatment approach.
Medical information on this page is for general education and does not replace an in-person medical consultation. Suitability for microsclerotherapy depends on the vein type, size, depth, medical history and vascular assessment. Medication changes should only be made after discussing them with your treating physician.