vascular services
Vascular Services at Peppermint Clinic
At Peppermint Clinic, we provide a comprehensive approach to treating venous issues with two advanced methods: Micro-Sclerotherapy for cosmetic concerns and Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy for deeper, more medically necessary treatments. Whether you're looking to eliminate visible veins for aesthetic reasons or require relief from more serious varicose veins, our expert team is here to help.
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Microsclerotherapy
Microsclerotherapy is a highly effective treatment for reducing the appearance of thread veins, spider veins, and small varicose veins. These veins often appear on the legs and can cause cosmetic concerns, affecting confidence. The procedure involves injecting a special solution into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and gradually fade from view.
Who is it For?
Microsclerotherapy is ideal for those with visible thread or spider veins who want a minimally invasive way to improve the appearance of their legs. It can also help with mild varicose veins that are close to the skin's surface.
What to Expect:
This treatment is quick, with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Most patients require between 1 to 4 sessions of microsclerotherapy, so it is important to understand that it may take some time to fully resolve all your thread veins. The number of sessions needed depends on how many veins are present and how well they respond to treatment. In some cases, certain veins may need to be treated more than once for optimal results. As the veins collapse and are absorbed by the body, you'll begin to notice smoother, clearer skin with fewer visible veins.
The Procedure
During microsclerotherapy, a special solution called a sclerosant is injected directly into your thread veins. This solution irritates the inner lining (endothelium) of the vein, causing it to thicken and seal off. Once sealed, blood can no longer flow through these veins and is naturally rerouted to healthier, deeper veins.
Initially, you may notice the treated veins disappearing as soon as the solution is injected. However, it’s perfectly normal for them to reappear shortly after the treatment, looking redder and more visible. This reaction is due to inflammation and is expected. Over the next few days or weeks, the inflammation subsides, and the veins gradually disappear.
As the treatment involves multiple small injections, some patients may experience mild discomfort or stinging during the procedure. This usually lasts for the duration of the treatment, which typically takes around 30-45 minutes.
Post Procedure
After your microsclerotherapy treatment, you’ll be fitted with a compression stocking to support the treated veins. If both legs have been treated, you may need two stockings. It’s important to wear these 24 hours a day for a full week after treatment and during the day only for a further 2-3 weeks to promote optimal healing and results. You will need to take regular walks throughout the day and avoid standing for long periods of time.
Our nurse will guide you on how to wear them properly and provide detailed aftercare instructions, including what to expect post-treatment and any symptoms to monitor.
Before you leave, we’ll ask you to take a 10-minute walk to encourage blood flow and support your recovery.
Our vascular consultant, Mr Lewis Meecham, was featured on BBC Two's Saving Lives in Cardiff
Click to watch in the BBC iPlayer - Series 1 Episode 1
Why Choose Peppermint Clinic?
Experienced Consultant Surgeons
Vascular consultants with extensive experience in their field
Competitive Pricing
Substantial savings when compared to other private hospitals and clinics
Local Service
Receive top-tier medical treatments delivered locally, so you don't have to travel far
5 Star Rated Clinic
Our patients consistently rate us
5 Stars for the exceptional care and service we provide
Care You Can Trust
Our focus is on delivering first-rate patient-centred care, ensuring you feel confident and cared for
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Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy
Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is a highly effective treatment for varicose veins, especially when Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) is not required. It’s considered a gold-standard treatment option and is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). During your consultation, the consultant vascular surgeon will assess your veins and determine if foam sclerotherapy is the best treatment for you.
Who is it For?
Foam sclerotherapy is suitable for treating both varicose veins and thread veins, particularly those with underlying vein valve damage. It addresses both the symptoms and causes of varicose veins, making it ideal for patients looking for a comprehensive solution to their vein problems. This treatment is more often recommended for medical reasons rather than cosmetic, as it helps alleviate discomfort and improves circulation by closing off damaged veins.
What to Expect:
Your treatment journey begins with an initial consultation where your consultant performs an ultrasound scan to map out which veins need to be treated. Based on this scan, the consultant will explain the best treatment options, potential risks, and expected outcomes. Please note that this treatment can only be carried out on one leg at a time.
When you come in for your foam sclerotherapy treatment, the consultant and a nurse will guide you through the process, answer any final questions, and have you sign a consent form before proceeding.
The Procedure
During the treatment, the veins to be treated will be identified using either ultrasound or visual guidance, depending on the size and location of the veins. A small butterfly needle is then inserted into the vein, and a foam solution—created by mixing a sclerosant with air—is injected.
The foam works by displacing the blood in the vein, allowing the sclerosant to come into direct contact with the vein walls. This interaction causes the vein to collapse and eventually shrivel, after which the body naturally breaks down and absorbs the treated vein over time. The blood is rerouted to healthier veins, improving overall circulation.
For larger, deeper varicose veins, ultrasound guidance is essential to ensure precise delivery of the foam. The procedure typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on the number and size of the veins being treated.
Post Procedure
After your treatment, you’ll be fitted with a compression stocking that you’ll need to wear continuously for the next 7 days. Your nurse will guide you through how to wear the stocking properly, along with advice on bathing and caring for the treated area. You’ll also receive detailed aftercare instructions and information on what symptoms to expect post-treatment.
Before heading home, we’ll ask you to take a 10-minute walk to stimulate circulation and support the treatment’s effectiveness.
Aftercare
Post-procedure, we recommend wearing your compression stockings for a full week without interruption and a further 2-3 weeks during the day taking them off at night. Although your movement won’t be restricted, it’s advised that you avoid swimming during this period. Light activity, such as daily walks of around 20 minutes three times a day, is encouraged to support your body’s healing process.
Most patients can return to their regular activities, including driving, immediately after the procedure. However, it’s important to listen to your body, as the absorption of treated veins continues over the weeks following your appointment.
It’s common to experience mild bruising around the treated area, which will vary depending on the size and number of veins targeted during the procedure.
You will be given detailed after care instructions after your treatment.
Follow-Up
After your first session, we’ll determine whether a follow-up appointment is necessary based on how your legs look and feel. If you’re satisfied with the results, you may not need to return for further treatment. However, if additional reassurance or treatment is desired, we recommend waiting at least 10 weeks before scheduling a follow-up or another treatment session.
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You can book a reassessment up to 2 years after your initial session without needing a new consultation or scan.