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Varicose veins are a common problem, affecting up to 1 in 3 adults in their lifetime. They are usually a sign of an underlying venous insufficiency.
Thread veins can appear anywhere on the body but are mostly evidenced on the legs and face. They are more common than varicose veins, affecting up to 80% of adults.
Leg ulcers appear as broken skin in the lower leg or feet. We have been successfully treating venous leg ulcers for over 20 years.
Upfront and fixed prices. Find out exactly what you’ll pay before attending. Medical Insurance should fund varicose vein treatment.
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Walk in, walk out treatments typically take around an hour
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Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is a treatment option for varicose veins when EVLA is not required, as recommended by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
The below content has been medically reviewed and approved by Consultant Interventional Radiologist Dr Ananth Krishnan (MBBS, MRCP, FRCR), Training and Education Lead, part of the Medical Advisory Committee at Veincentre.
Last reviewed 24th April 2025.
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Foam sclerotherapy is a gentle and effective way to treat both the symptoms and underlying causes of varicose veins and thread veins. It is often used alongside EVLA to target smaller remaining veins, but in some cases, it can be used as the main treatment when EVLA is not required. You may need a few sessions of foam sclerotherapy to achieve the desired outcome. Your consultant will provide the recommended treatment option at your consultation based on the scan and discussion, to help decide what is right for you.
During the procedure, a specialist foam is applied directly into the affected veins. This foam is made by mixing a diluted medication with air, which helps to displace the blood in the vein and gently stimulate the vein lining. As a result, the vein walls stick together, and the body naturally breaks down and absorbs the treated vein over time.
The treatment is quick and simple, usually taking around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how many veins need to be treated. It is carried out as a walk-in, walk-out procedure, and people return to their usual activities the same day. There is very little downtime, and patients often find it far more comfortable than they expected, with no anesthetic required during treatment.
At Veincentre, your comfort is our priority. You will be looked after by an experienced consultant and supported by our friendly team throughout. If foam sclerotherapy is the right option for you, we will make sure you feel fully informed, relaxed, and in safe hands from start to finish.
Everything begins with your consultation, where we take the time to listen to and understand your symptoms. You’ll sit down with your dedicated consultant, who will take the time to understand your medical history and any concerns, carry out a detailed scan, and talk you through your tailored treatment plan. The consultant you meet at your consultation will be the one carrying out your treatment, giving you the reassurance of continuity and care from start to finish.
At the start of the procedure, your consultant will identify the veins that need to be treated. A very fine needle, often referred to as a butterfly needle, will be placed into each of these veins. Through this, we gently apply the foam solution. The foam fills the vein, pushing out the blood and causing a gentle reaction in the vein lining. This gently closes the vein, allowing your body to absorb it naturally over time.
For larger veins, we use ultrasound to guide the treatment with precision. For smaller veins near the surface, visual guidance is often all that is needed. The procedure typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how many veins are being treated.
Some people find the small injections mildly uncomfortable or experience a brief stinging sensation from the solution. We will do everything we can to keep you as comfortable as possible throughout, and your nurse will be with you the entire time to offer support and reassurance.
Once the procedure is complete, your nurse will help you into your compression stockings. These should be worn for 7 days to support healing and improve your results. We will explain how to put them on, how to bathe while wearing them, and what to expect in the days ahead.
Before heading home, we encourage you to go for a gentle 10-minute walk. Staying active helps with circulation and supports your recovery. If you have any questions after your appointment, we are always here to help.
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During your consultation, if we find that your varicose veins are caused by an underlying valve issue, your treatment will usually involve EVLA. This is part of our recommended varicose vein treatment pathway and is often more effective than foam sclerotherapy alone.
The results are not always as long-lasting or reliable as those achieved with EVLA. Our priority is to give you the best possible outcome by treating the root cause of the problem. For this reason, we do not typically recommend foam sclerotherapy as the first treatment for most patients.
Foam sclerotherapy does still play an important role in your care. We often use it to treat any smaller or residual veins that remain after your main EVLA treatment. Your consultant will take the time to explain your options and guide you towards the most suitable approach for your individual needs.
We know that cost is an important part of deciding on varicose vein treatment, and it is natural to want clarity and confidence in what you are paying for. At Veincentre, we are proud to offer foam sclerotherapy at a clear, fixed price. There are no hidden extras or unexpected fees, and the full cost will be confirmed after your consultation once we have assessed your individual needs.
Foam sclerotherapy is a quick, walk-in, walk-out treatment that usually takes under an hour, with very little downtime. It is a safe and effective option for treating residual or smaller varicose veins, and for many of our patients, it plays an important role in restoring both comfort and confidence. If you are thinking about treatment, we are here to make the process simple, supportive, and transparent. You can find our prices here.
While the NHS can offer foam sclerotherapy in certain cases, access is often limited and usually depends on the severity of your symptoms. Even when treatment is available, it is not always foam sclerotherapy. Some patients may still be offered traditional surgery, which can be more invasive and require a longer recovery.
If you have been waiting for treatment or told that surgery is your only option, we are here to offer another approach. Our experienced consultants will take the time to assess your needs and talk you through your options so you feel fully supported and confident in your next step.
Foam sclerotherapy is a gentle and well-trusted treatment, and most people find the experience straightforward with very few side effects. It is common to notice a little bruising or mild tenderness in the treated area, but this usually settles within a few days.
Some people may also see slight skin discolouration or feel a firm patch where the vein was treated. These changes tend to improve gradually as your body breaks down and absorbs the closed vein. In a small number of cases, some people may notice temporary inflammation, a slight surface clot, or mild visual changes. Your consultant will take the time to explain everything clearly so you feel comfortable and well-informed before your treatment.
At Veincentre, your comfort and peace of mind are incredibly important to us. Your treatment will always be carried out by an experienced consultant, and you will be supported before, during, and after your procedure. If you ever have questions or worries, we are only a phone call away.
Looking after yourself following foam sclerotherapy is simple, and we will make sure you feel supported at every step. After your treatment, you will be asked to wear a class II compression stocking continuously for 7 days. This helps support healing, improves your circulation, and encourages the treated veins to close down effectively. You can continue with most day-to-day activities while wearing the stocking, although we recommend avoiding swimming during this time.
You are fine to drive on the same day as your treatment, and we encourage you to go for a gentle 20-minute walk each day to keep your blood flowing. Staying active is helpful, but it is just as important to listen to your body. Your body is working quietly in the background to absorb the treated veins, so allow yourself time to rest when you need it.
It is not unusual to notice some bruising around the treated areas. This is a normal part of the healing process, and the extent of it can vary depending on how many veins were treated and the size of the area. Your consultant will give you personalised advice on what to expect and will let you know if there is anything specific you should avoid while you recover.
If you ever feel unsure or have questions after your treatment, our team is only a phone call away. We are here to make sure your recovery is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
After your initial foam sclerotherapy session, you might not need to come back for a follow-up, especially if your leg feels comfortable and you are happy with how it looks. The outcome of treatment is personal, and what matters most is that you feel confident and satisfied with the results.
If at any point you would like a bit of reassurance or feel that a second session might help, you are more than welcome to book a follow-up or further treatment appointment. We recommend waiting at least four weeks between sessions to give your body time to heal and respond fully to the treatment.
We are here whenever you feel ready, and you are always welcome to get in touch if you have any questions or would like advice on what to do next. With over 40 clinics across the UK, finding your nearest Veincentre is easy, start your journey by locating your closest clinic today.
Yes, foam sclerotherapy is a safe treatment for varicose and thread veins. At Veincentre, it is carried out by experienced consultants using precise techniques and clinically approved medication. Side effects are usually mild, such as slight bruising or tenderness, and your consultant will talk you through everything before treatment so you feel fully informed.
Most patients find foam sclerotherapy very manageable. You may feel a slight sting or mild discomfort during the injections, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated. Your consultant and nurse will be there throughout to keep you comfortable and reassured.
Foam sclerotherapy can be used on larger veins, but it is not usually the first choice. At Veincentre, we often recommend EVLA for larger varicose veins, as it offers longer-lasting results. Foam sclerotherapy is more commonly used for smaller or residual veins after EVLA.
After foam sclerotherapy, you may experience some mild bruising or tenderness, which usually settles within a few days. You’ll need to wear a compression stocking for 7 days and stay active with daily walks. Most people return to normal activities straight away, and we will provide full aftercare advice to support your recovery.
