Foam sclerotherapy can allow patients who are not suitable for thermal ablation to have non-surgical treatment of their varicose veins. Ultrasound visualisation is used to guide injection of the foam solution directly into your varicose veins. A combination of tight bandages and compression stockings are used for two weeks, minimising the risk of pain and inflammation of the treated veins. Repeat treatments may be required to completely remove all veins

Benefits of Foam Sclerotherapy

Very quick to perform, treatments take between 15 and 30 minutes
Procedure costs are much lower than thermal ablation or surgery
Procedure is performed in a normal treatment room
No general anaesthesia or hospital stay is required

What to expect at your procedure

A few small needles are placed in the affected veins under ultrasound guidance
Your leg is elevated
Foam is prepared at the bedside and injected into the veins
Ultrasound is used to confirm complete treatment of the affected veins
Compression pads and bandages are applied

After the procedure

Compression is applied day and night for the first seven days
Stockings are worn during the day time only for the second seven days
Phlebitis (inflammation of the treated veins) can occur after the procedure, and if severe may lead to staining of the skin
Closure rates are lower than thermal ablation and treatment may need to be repeated

Click here to download the Foam Sclerotherapy Patient Information Sheet