Thread Vein Removal – Legs | Microsclerotherapy

Thread veins, also called spider veins, are small, dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin. Often red, blue, or purple, they can form a web-like pattern and appear mostly on the legs. While generally harmless, they can affect your confidence and the appearance of your legs.

At Refine Clinic Dublin, we offer microsclerotherapy to safely and effectively remove thread veins, restoring smoother, clearer skin.

Causes of Thread Veins on Legs

Several factors can contribute to the development of thread veins:

  • Genetics: A family history of vein problems increases your risk.

  • Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause, and birth control pills can affect vein health.

  • Age: As you age, vein valves may weaken, leading to blood pooling.

  • Lifestyle Factors: Prolonged standing or sitting, obesity, and lack of movement can strain veins.

  • Sun Exposure: Excessive sun can damage skin and blood vessels.

Understanding the cause helps tailor the most effective treatment plan.

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Benefits of Microsclerotherapy

Microsclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment that effectively removes spider veins and small varicose veins on the legs.

The procedure involves injecting a medical solution directly into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and gradually fade.

Key benefits include:

  • Highly Effective: Targets and eliminates visible thread veins for smoother, clearer skin.

  • Minimally Invasive: No surgery, no incisions, and minimal discomfort.

  • Quick Procedure: Most sessions take 30-60 minutes, depending on the number of veins.

  • Fast Recovery: Patients can return to normal activities almost immediately.

  • Long-Lasting Results: Properly treated veins are permanently removed, though new veins may develop over time.

  • Safe and Controlled: Performed by experienced medical professionals for optimal outcomes.

  • Improved Confidence: Reduces the cosmetic impact of unsightly veins, helping patients feel more comfortable in shorts or skirts.

Microsclerotherapy : Before and After

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Pre & Post Treatment Advice

Following your consultation Dr. Natalia may or may not consider you unsuitable for treatment.

Below are some of the Contraindications that may deem you unsuitable for treatment, because it may be harmful to the you. Please read them carefully.

You may not have treatment if you:

  • Have broken skin or a skin infection.
  • Have an allergy to a sclerant.
  • Take aspirin or a product containing aspirin, as aspirin thins the blood
  • Are taking any other blood-thinning medication
  • Are pregnant
  • Are unable to walk
  • Have recurrent skin infections or cellulitis
  • Have a history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
  • Have a connective tissue disease such as lupus or scleroderma
  • Have heart, liver, kidney or lung disease
  • Have weak valves in your heart that require surgery
  • Are diabetic
  • Drink alcohol excessively – alcohol thins the blood and increases blood pressure so treatment will be unsuccessful

  • Do not take aspirin for 7 days before treatment. This can be started again the next day. If you have been prescribed aspirin by your GP for a medical condition do not stop taking it. Please discuss with Dr. Natalia at the consultation before you stop taking any prescribed medication.
  • Avoid sun exposure and tanning for 1-2 weeks before and after treatment to avoid pigmentation problems and skin damage
  • Do not apply moisturizer or shave/wax your legs on the day of treatment
  • Wear loose fitting clothing and comfortable shoes to allow for the thickness of the stockings – flip flops are not advised as they are difficult to wear with stockings
  • Treatment should not be considered if you intend to fly overseas within the following two weeks. If you intend to fly within 14 days please discuss with Dr Natalia.

  • You will be asked to go for a 30 – 40-minute walk immediately after treatment and then daily for 1 week.
  • Maintain normal daily activities, but avoid standing still for long periods. Do not cross your legs, sit with legs crossed or kneel down in the first 2 weeks as this can cause irregular blood flow and restriction. Please note this may prohibit you from taking part in yoga/pilates classes
  • Avoid strenuous physical activity such as swimming, spinning, running for three to four weeks after treatment since these activities increase the risk of blood flow returning into the treated veins.
  • Do not use exfoliator or body brushes on legs for at least 2 weeks post-treatment as both increase blood flow.
  • Wear compression stockings for 72 hours. For best results wear compression stockings during the day when possible.
  • If you have any post-treatment bruising (which is rare) you may apply arnica cream, gently, to the area after 24 hours
  • You are required to avoid any flights of 2-4 hours duration for 2 weeks and any flights of greater than 4 hours duration for 4 weeks after treatment.
  • Avoid the use of any potentially irritating skincare in the first 48 hours – be aware of shampoos/conditioners that may flow onto your legs in the shower
  • Avoid hot showers or baths
  • Do not pick or scratch area, in particular do not scratch any scabs that may form – this may produce a scar or create a skin infection

Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients experience only mild discomfort. Very fine needles are used, and the procedure is generally well-tolerated. Some temporary redness or minor bruising may occur but usually resolves quickly.

No. If you have varicose veins you should attend a vascular surgeon to have your veins stripped first. Once this has been performed you can return to have your thread veins treated.

Sessions typically last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the number and size of veins being treated. Many patients can return to their daily activities immediately after treatment.

Most patients require 2–4 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. The exact number depends on the severity and number of thread veins.

Treated veins are permanently removed, but new thread veins can appear over time. Maintenance treatments may be recommended to preserve optimal results.

Adults with visible thread veins or small varicose veins on the legs, who are in good general health, are ideal candidates. A consultation with Dr. Natalia will determine the most suitable treatment plan.

Common side effects include:

  • Redness or swelling at the injection site

  • Bruising or small red dots along treated veins

  • Mild discomfort or itching

  • Temporary skin discoloration or hyperpigmentation

  • Small, hard lumps where veins were treated (usually resolve naturally)

  • Rarely, allergic reaction to the solution used

Contact us for more information on Microsclerotherapy.

Appointments can be made via our Booking Page, email, or via phone. Please be advised that our secretary may need to ask some personal questions to help decide which appointment type is most suited to your needs.