Microsclerotherapy is a technique used for the removal of surface and spider veins. It involves injections with a very fine needle of a sclerosing drug which  irritates  the lining of the veins causing the walls to stick together. Blood stops flowing through the veins, which are then absorbed by the body over a period of  a few weeks. The blood is directed back to the deeper veins. The treatment is carried out by specialist nurses under the supervision of experienced vascular surgeons who are responsible for the treatments.

Bruising can last anything from two weeks to three months depending on the size of the blood vessels treated. The treated areas can look worse before they improve as a result of the bruising. With patience a good result is achieved. Occasionally thicker bruises occur in larger veins, which can remain for several months. These may cause brown discolouration of the skin. This could take up to a year to fade in  a few cases. High compression stockings are worn for up to three days to help reduce the amount of bruising. It is best to leave a two week period between treatments on the same area to allow bruising to settle. Certain areas are more susceptible to swelling, particularly at the ankle and knee. It is also possible for some larger veins to become inflamed and  the vessel can feel hard, warm and a little sore. These symptoms resolve quickly.