Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment for improving the appearance of varicose and spider veins on the legs and is one of the latest methods for the non-surgical treatment for varicose veins that we offer at Fraser Clinic.

For a long time the only treatment for large varicose veins was to have them surgically stripped. This requires a general anaesthetic (with its associated risks) and often a prolonged and sometimes painful recovery. Furthermore, the recurrence rates following surgery are significant, (at least 30% recurrence within 5 years in some reported studies), requiring further surgery.

Smaller veins are not always suitable for surgical stripping (they are too small) and often require sclerotherapy treatment to get a more complete result.

Sclerotherapy is an internationally recognised treatment that involves the injection of special solutions to irritate the inside of the vein wall and turn the soft hollow vein into a solid fibrous cord. Blood no longer passes through the treated vein, but this doesn’t matter as blood can return to the heart via the deeper veins.

How the treatment is done

The same ultrasound machine that is used to map the veins is used to guide the insertion of a fine needle into the affected varicose vein, so a small dose is used to treat a large section of vein with great accuracy and safety.

Once injected, the treated vessel will be gradually absorbed by the body and will disappear with time. A number of injections will be required along the length of the vein to achieve complete closure. Another significant benefit of this procedure is that it allows the Surgeon to monitor the effect of each injection, while ensuring the safety of all adjacent structures, such as arteries and nerves in the leg.

What is used for the treatment

Since 2001, in line with international trends, we have used a special foam in order to treat varicose veins. Foam is much more easily tracked on ultrasound, allows smaller doses to be used and is much more efficient at closing varicose veins.

How long the treatment takes

The treatment takes up to half an hour to complete, and we usually see our patients at one week and then at eight weeks for routine follow ups.

Enjoy a better level of care from the Bay's most experienced team

Awesome experience! Great team, felt very comfortable.
Lily Wellauer

My veins were in the top 5% of the worst that Mark Morgan had done, great workmanship! Lovely and helpful receptionist and team looking after me during the multiple procedures.
Hinewai Ngatai

Friendly experienced staff and medical folk made me feel like a valued customer from the get go.
Wilton Smith

The treatments were very fast and Mark and Jess are an amazing team. My recovery has been just as Mark said and I am truly grateful that my feet are warm for the first time I many years.
Abbey Namana

Fraser Clinic provided an informative and caring consultation. I recommend their services.
Margot Calder

Everything explained really clearly, and put me at ease prior to the process.
Carolyn Knight

I have nothing but good things to say about this place! Not only did the procedure work with amazing results but Mark and his team were very attentive towards me and made sure I was comfortable and aware what was happening the whole time. So happy with the whole experience so thanks guys!!
Rosanne Pashby

Excellent caring service, very thorough. Thank you.
Deborah Campbell

Very efficient and professional service. Information prior to visit sent through in a timely manner. Professional but friendly approach throughout visit. Everything explained fully and competently.
Chris Webb

Very helpful, great service, highly recommended.
Ron Smiles

Good experience. Outstanding customer service.
Poliana Ferrari