Foam sclerotherapy: a complete guide to treatment, recovery, and cost

Sclerotherapy and foam sclerotherapy are two of the most widely used and effective methods for treating varicose and spider veins. These minimally invasive procedures are performed in specialist vein clinics and offer fast recovery times with excellent cosmetic and medical results. In this guide, we’ll walk through how the treatments work, what to expect one week after treatment, the costs involved, and what real results often look like.

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a procedure that treats varicose and spider veins by injecting a solution into the affected veins. This solution causes the vein walls to collapse, eventually closing off the vein. Blood flow is naturally redirected to healthier veins, and the treated vein is gradually absorbed by the body.

The treatment is quick, often completed within 30 minutes, and does not require anaesthesia. It is most commonly used for small to medium-sized veins and is performed as an outpatient procedure.

What is foam sclerotherapy?

Foam sclerotherapy is a variation of standard sclerotherapy in which the liquid solution is turned into a foam by mixing it with air or gas. The foam displaces the blood in the vein more effectively and sticks better to the vein wall, making it ideal for treating larger or deeper varicose veins. This technique is often performed under ultrasound guidance for precision.

Foam sclerotherapy has become increasingly popular due to its effectiveness and safety. It may require fewer treatment sessions than traditional sclerotherapy when treating larger veins.

Sclerotherapy near me: where to get treatment

If you're searching for "sclerotherapy near me", it's important to choose a clinic with specialised expertise in vein care. At UK Vein Care, we offer foam sclerotherapy and traditional sclerotherapy performed by experienced vascular surgeons. We operate modern clinics across the UK with a focus on gentle, effective, and scientifically documented treatment methods.

Our clinics treat thousands of patients each year, and no referral is required. We’ve also written more about our gentle approach to treating varicose veins in this in-depth article about varicose veins.

Sclerotherapy after 1 week: what to expect

Recovery after sclerotherapy is generally quick. Within the first week, you may notice mild bruising, swelling, or hardness in the treated veins. These effects are common and usually fade over time. You may also feel a slight aching sensation, especially when standing for long periods.

Patients are usually encouraged to walk regularly and wear compression stockings as advised by the treating physician. While the treated veins may still be visible after one week, improvement becomes more noticeable over several weeks. Some veins may require multiple sessions.

Sclerotherapy cost in the UK

The cost of sclerotherapy varies depending on the number of veins treated, the type of sclerotherapy used (foam or liquid), and whether the treatment is for cosmetic or medical reasons. At UK Vein Care, we provide transparent pricing based on your personalised treatment plan.

During your initial consultation, our team will assess your vein condition and discuss expected outcomes and costs. Treatments are performed by specialists, and we focus on long-term results with minimal discomfort.

If you're considering your options, we've also covered what to expect from spider vein treatments in our article about thread veins and treatment.

Sclerotherapy before and after: what does it look like?

Many patients want to know what kind of results to expect. Before treatment, veins may appear blue, bulging, or spidery. After treatment, these veins gradually fade, leaving clearer skin and improved comfort. Results can vary depending on vein size, location, and how your body responds.

It’s important to note that some patients may require multiple sessions to achieve the best results. Patience is key—many people begin to see improvements after a few weeks, with continued fading over the following months.

To better understand the cosmetic changes, we also recommend reading our article on why your veins may suddenly appear more visible, which helps distinguish between harmless changes and those needing medical treatment.

Final thoughts

Sclerotherapy and foam sclerotherapy offer reliable and effective treatment for varicose and spider veins. Whether you're looking to reduce discomfort, prevent progression, or improve the appearance of your legs, these options are well-supported by clinical evidence and experience.

At UK Vein Care, we are committed to providing high-quality, minimally invasive treatments with care, precision, and transparency. Our focus is on helping you feel better, move more freely, and gain confidence in your legs again.

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