Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS)

Treatment for Varicose Veins

Vein & Laser are a specialist vein clinic, providing sclerotherapy varicose vein treatment, as well as other vein treatment options. Sclerotherapy is a vein injection treatment.

Varicose veins usually have long segments that cannot be seen from the surface, so ultrasound is used to locate these portions. Then with the doctor and the ultrasonographer working as a team, the problem veins are injected.

Sclerotherapy for large veins is similar to treating small veins. The solution damages the inside of the vein causing it to scar closed. Over time (months) the damaging vein shrivels away, bigger veins taking longer than smaller veins to disappear. They will feel hard and ropey as they shrivel away. After injection, a stocking is put on and you go for a 10-minute walk. You are then finished for that session.

For more information on varicose vein symptoms and treatments, see our Vein Issues for Women or Vein Issues for Men pages.

UGS Vein Treatment Follow Up

It is important to see you 4 or 5 times in total over the course of a year. At each appointment the veins are checked by scanning, and if necessary will be retreated. It is usual to retreat at some stage, and this is because some veins may try to reopen or do not suffer sufficient damage to close completely.

Any appointment with treatment takes only 30 minutes.

YOU MUST BRING YOUR STOCKINGS TO EACH APPOINTMENT.

A stocking needs to be worn on the treated leg for 1 or 2 weeks following any treatment. High impact exercise (running, tennis) and lifting heavy weights (small children excluded) are to be avoided whilst in the stocking. Walking for 45 minutes a day is also important for the treatment to work.

UGS Vein Treatment Costs

Vein Health Insurance
Small surface or spider veins are considered cosmetic and are NOT usually covered by health insurers. Health insurers usually only cover costs of treatment where there is medical need. See our vein health insurance page.

Non-surgical prices are listed in our pricelist & information sheets.

For more information, see our vein care frequently asked questions page.

Make an appointment by filling in our online form, or contact us on 09 410 0990 or email .