Sclerotherapy Dublin for Spider and Thread Veins

Reduce the appearance of spider veins, thread veins and selected small superficial veins on the legs with doctor-led sclerotherapy at Vitabella Clinic Dublin.

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive medical treatment that involves injecting a specialised solution directly into the selected vein. This causes the vein to close gradually and become less visible over the following weeks.

Every patient receives a medical assessment before treatment to confirm whether sclerotherapy is appropriate and to create a personalised treatment plan.

Sclerotherapy: Quick Overview

clerotherapy is an established medical treatment for reducing the appearance of spider veins, thread veins, reticular veins and selected small superficial veins on the legs.

A very fine needle is used to inject a sclerosant solution directly into the selected vein. The solution causes the walls of the vein to close together. Blood is then naturally redirected through healthier veins, while the treated vessel is gradually absorbed by the body.

Sclerotherapy may be suitable for:

  • Red, blue or purple spider veins on the legs
  • Fine thread veins
  • Clusters of small visible veins
  • Small blue or green reticular veins
  • Selected small superficial veins following medical assessment

The treatment is not normally suitable for large, raised or bulging varicose veins without further vascular investigation.

Results are gradual rather than immediate. Smaller spider veins may begin to fade within several weeks, while larger treated veins can take longer.

Why Choose Sclerotherapy for Leg Veins?

Sclerotherapy provides a targeted, non-surgical approach to treating visible spider and thread veins on the legs.

It can treat multiple small veins during the same appointment without surgical incisions or general anaesthetic.

Visible spider veins and thread veins can appear as red, blue or purple lines beneath the skin. They may occur individually or in web-like clusters and can become more noticeable over time.

Sclerotherapy works by treating the vein directly rather than attempting to cover or disguise it. Once the treated vein closes, the body gradually breaks it down and absorbs it.

Benefits of sclerotherapy may include:

  • Targeted treatment of individual veins
  • Reduction in visible spider and thread veins
  • Treatment of multiple small veins in one session
  • No surgical incisions
  • No general anaesthetic
  • Minimal disruption to normal activities
  • Gradual and natural-looking improvement

Your doctor will assess the size, depth and pattern of the veins before treatment.

Patients with large varicose veins, persistent swelling, significant pain, skin changes or a history of blood clots may require a vascular assessment or ultrasound before cosmetic treatment is considered.

What to Expect During Sclerotherapy

Your appointment begins with a medical consultation and examination of the veins.

The doctor will review your medical history, medications, previous vein treatments, allergies and any history of blood clots or vascular conditions. The size, location and pattern of the veins will then be assessed to determine whether sclerotherapy is suitable.

Most patients describe the treatment as manageable. You may notice a brief pinching, stinging or mild cramping sensation during some injections.

What to Expect image content

During your sclerotherapy appointment:

  1. The veins are examined and marked where necessary.
  2. The skin is cleaned and prepared.
  3. A very fine needle is placed into the selected vein.
  4. A small amount of sclerosant solution is carefully injected.
  5. Several injections may be performed during one session.
  6. Compression may be applied following treatment.
  7. You will normally be encouraged to walk after the procedure.

The number of injections required depends on the size and number of veins being treated.

It is normal for treated veins to appear temporarily red, bruised, darker or slightly raised before they begin to fade.

Before and Aftercare for Sclerotherapy

Before your appointment:

  • Inform the clinic about all medications and supplements you take.
  • Tell the doctor if you use blood-thinning medication.
  • Disclose any history of deep-vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or other vascular conditions.
  • Inform us about previous vein treatments or allergic reactions.
  • Avoid applying moisturiser, body oil or fake tan to the treatment area on the day.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment.
  • Bring compression stockings if instructed by the clinic.
  • Avoid shaving the treatment area immediately before the appointment if the skin becomes irritated.

Do not stop aspirin, anticoagulants or prescribed medication unless advised by your prescribing doctor.

Sclerotherapy is generally postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Treatment is not suitable where an active blood clot is present.

Following treatment, you may be advised to:

  • Walk shortly after your appointment.
  • Wear compression stockings for the recommended period.
  • Avoid prolonged sitting or standing without movement.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise temporarily.
  • Avoid hot baths, saunas, steam rooms and excessive heat.
  • Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area unless instructed.
  • Protect the treated area from excessive sun exposure.
  • Apply a high-factor SPF when the legs are exposed.
  • Follow the personalised instructions provided by your doctor.

Temporary bruising, redness, tenderness, firmness, pigmentation or mild swelling can occur after sclerotherapy.

Contact the clinic if you experience symptoms that concern you. Seek urgent medical attention for chest pain, breathing difficulty, coughing blood or sudden significant swelling of one leg.

Benefits of Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy may provide:

  • Reduced appearance of spider veins
  • Reduced appearance of thread veins
  • Improvement in small reticular veins
  • Clearer and more even-looking legs
  • Treatment of multiple small veins during one appointment
  • A non-surgical treatment option
  • No general anaesthetic
  • Minimal downtime for most patients
  • Gradual improvement over several weeks
  • A personalised treatment plan based on your vein pattern

Successfully treated veins generally remain closed. However, sclerotherapy does not prevent new spider veins or thread veins from developing in the future.

The number of sessions and the degree of improvement vary between patients. Complete removal of every visible vein cannot be guaranteed.

Vitabella Clinic is a doctor-led medical aesthetic clinic providing personalised treatments in a professional clinical environment.

Our approach to sclerotherapy is based on careful medical assessment, realistic expectations and treatment only where it is considered appropriate.

Before proceeding, the doctor will assess whether the veins are suitable for sclerotherapy or whether further investigation is required.

Patients may be advised to seek a vascular assessment where they have:

  • Large, raised or bulging varicose veins
  • Persistent pain, heaviness or throbbing
  • Significant leg swelling
  • Skin discolouration around the ankles
  • Previous leg ulcers
  • A history of deep-vein thrombosis
  • Symptoms suggesting underlying venous insufficiency

Our priority is not simply to inject every visible vein. It is to recommend the safest and most appropriate treatment pathway for each patient.

Book a consultation at Vitabella Clinic to determine whether sclerotherapy is suitable for your spider veins, thread veins or small visible leg veins.

Recommended additional FAQ section

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What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a medical treatment used to reduce spider veins, thread veins and selected small superficial veins. A specialised solution is injected directly into the vein, causing it to close and gradually fade.

Is sclerotherapy suitable for spider veins on the legs?

Yes. Sclerotherapy is commonly used for small spider veins and thread veins on the legs. A medical assessment is required to confirm suitability.

What is microsclerotherapy?

Microsclerotherapy refers to sclerotherapy performed using very fine needles to treat particularly small spider veins and thread veins.

How many sclerotherapy sessions will I need?

Some patients may see a good improvement following one session. Others may require two or more treatments depending on the number, size and pattern of the veins.

How long does sclerotherapy take to work?

Small spider veins may begin to fade within several weeks. Larger treated veins may take several months to settle fully.

Does sclerotherapy hurt?

Most patients experience brief pinching, stinging or mild cramping during the injections. Anaesthetic is not normally required.

Do I need compression stockings after sclerotherapy?

Compression stockings are often recommended following treatment. Your doctor will advise how long they should be worn.

Can I exercise after sclerotherapy?

Walking is normally encouraged. Strenuous exercise may need to be avoided temporarily according to your doctor’s aftercare instructions.

Can sclerotherapy treat large varicose veins?

This service is primarily intended for spider veins, thread veins and selected small superficial veins. Large or bulging varicose veins may require ultrasound assessment and treatment by a vascular specialist.

Can spider veins return after treatment?

Successfully treated veins normally remain closed, but new spider veins can develop in other areas over time.

Is sclerotherapy suitable during pregnancy?

Sclerotherapy is generally not performed during pregnancy and is normally postponed during breastfeeding.

What are the possible side effects?

Temporary bruising, redness, tenderness, firmness, pigmentation and swelling can occur. Less common complications will be explained during your medical consultation and consent process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it hurt?

Most experience minimal discomfort due to Dr Landi’s precise technique.

You’ll notice changes almost immediately, with final effects within 1–2 days.

Yes—once filler is dissolved, it’s gone permanently.

Minimal—normal activities resume quickly, with just a few simple restrictions.

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