Leg Vein Microsclerotherapy in Bristol
Traditional liquid chemical sclerosant injections for superficial leg spider veins and reticular vessels. Personally performed by Dr Bradley Tomkins. While microsclerotherapy remains available for specific anatomical presentations, Dr Brad now routinely recommends non-invasive 1064nm Nd:YAG laser therapy as our first-line vascular solution.
Why Dr Brad Recommends Nd:YAG Laser Over Injections
Microsclerotherapy has been practiced for decades, but modern medical laser technology has largely surpassed it in comfort, safety, and patient convenience. Before scheduling invasive injections, consider why over 90% of our vascular patients now choose our 1064nm Cynosure Nd:YAG laser:
- Zero Needles or Skin Punctures: Laser pulses coagulate vessels through the skin surface without bruising, cannula trauma, or bleeding.
- No Mandatory 24/7 Compression Stockings: Sclerotherapy requires continuous day-and-night Class 2 compression socks for up to 14 days; laser requires no restrictive hosiery.
- Treats Fine Vessels Inaccessible to Needles: Extremely fine red spider networks and delicate ankle webs (corona phlebectatica) are frequently too narrow for even a 30-gauge needle, but collapse instantly under laser optical spots.
- Lower Risk of Staining & Matting: Liquid sclerosant can escape fragile vessel walls, leading to hemosiderin pigmentation or reactionary "telangiectatic matting."
Nd:YAG Laser Therapy
Fast, needle-free clearance with built-in Zimmer epidermal chilling. From £245–£365 per session.
View Laser Leg Vein Protocols →How Microsclerotherapy Works
For patients with isolated blue reticular feeder veins or those who specifically request injectable sclerotherapy, Dr Brad delivers treatment according to rigorous medical standards.
Intravascular Endothelial Ablation
A precise volume of liquid sclerosant (such as sodium tetradecyl sulphate or polidocanol) is injected directly into the lumen of the target vein using an ultra-fine micro-needle.
- The chemical displaces blood and strips the vessel’s endothelial lining.
- The vessel walls collapse, stick together, and form a microscopic fibrous cord.
- Over several weeks, the body's immune macrophages dissolve and absorb the vessel.
- Typically requires 2 to 4 sessions spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart for complete closure.
Strict Clinical & Post-Op Protocols
Microsclerotherapy requires diligent aftercare compliance to ensure collapsed vessels do not reopen under hydrostatic venous load.
- Strict Anatomical Limit: For legs only. Never performed on facial skin or above the chest.
- Mandatory Compression: Class 2 graduated compression stocking must be worn continuously (day and night) for 72 hours, then daily for 7 to 10 days.
- Activity Restrictions: No hot baths, saunas, running, or heavy weightlifting for 7 days post-procedure.
- Medical Review: A clinical follow-up is scheduled at 4 to 6 weeks to evaluate vessel absorption.
Clinical examination to rule out gross saphenous junction reflux.
Controlled liquid sclerosant delivered through ultra-fine 30G needles.
Immediate application of Class 2 medical compression hosiery.
4 to 6 week progress evaluation and consideration of refinement passes.
Microsclerotherapy Fee Structure
All fees are fully inclusive of 20% VAT, doctor time, prescription sclerosant consumables, and clinical dressings. Pricing reflects the intensive chair time and medical oversight required for injectable phlebology.
Targeted cannulation of discrete feeder vessels and spider clusters across one limb.
| Initial Consultation Fee | £60 |
| Treatment Session | £395 |
| Subsequent Touch-Up (within 10 wks) | £320 |
Widespread vascular involvement across both thighs and lower calves requiring extensive cannulation.
| Initial Consultation Fee | £60 |
| Bilateral Treatment Session | £495 |
| Subsequent Touch-Up (within 10 wks) | £395 |
Patients undergoing microsclerotherapy must purchase and bring suitable Class 2 (23–32 mmHg) thigh-high or knee-high graduated compression stockings to their appointment. Wearing these garments continuously post-injection is medically critical to prevent vessel recanalisation.
Prefer to avoid compression garments and needles? Our Nd:YAG Laser Leg Vein Removal offers comparable clearance without mandatory stockings or skin punctures.
Looking to compare all leg, facial, and vascular lesion options?
← View Full Vascular & Vein Removal Master DirectoryDiscuss Your Leg Vein Options with Dr Brad
Personalised medical diagnosis and treatment planning at our private clinic in Fishponds, Bristol.