What is microsclerotherapy and how does it work?
Professor MacKenzie is a trained vascular surgeon—she spent years operating on venous systems, understanding vessel anatomy, managing venous disease, and treating vascular pathology at levels most aesthetic practitioners never encounter.
This background is critical for sclerotherapy. Treating leg veins isn't cosmetic injection—it's medical intervention requiring understanding of venous anatomy, valve function, perforator distribution, deep venous system assessment and the reasons behind any abnormality.
Professor MacKenzie's vascular training ensures: comprehensive venous assessment identifying underlying insufficiency (not just treating visible vessels), ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy for deeper veins and incompetent perforators, proper sclerosant selection and concentration based on vessel diameter and pathology, complication reduction through understanding anatomy and contraindications.
Veins on the body caused by radiotherapy or trauma, for example after breast cancer, can be treated if they are large enough.
Stage 1
Redness appears occasionally and is often triggered by hot drinks, spicy food, or exercise.
Stage 2
Redness becomes more consistent. Small visible blood vessels (telangiectasia) may appear.
Stage 3
Acne-like breakouts begin, without blackheads. Skin may feel sore or sensitive.
Stage 4
Skin may thicken, particularly around the nose (rhinophyma).
Stage 5
In rare cases, severe rosacea - called phymatous rosacea - can lead to the development of rhinophyma - a bulbous enlargement of the nose, most common in men. Rosacea can also be ocular when it is located on the eyelids, conjunctiva and cornea, manifesting itself as red, watery and very dry eyes.
Different stages of Rosacea:
WHAT TO EXPECT
A comprehensive medical consultation and ultrasound assessment.
Consultation
Tiny needles are used, no numbing is required. Highly needle sensitive patients may struggle.
Comfort
We aim for 60-80% improvement after one treatment. Further treatments can be undertaken after 2-4 weeks if required.
Results
Most clients will continue to form new veins over the years and will return every 2-5 years for further treatments.
Maintenance
Downtime
You do not require any time off work. The treated areas may sting or itch that evening and the next day, but paracetamol can be taken if required. Strenuous exercise or high-impact sports should be avoided for one to two weeks after sclerotherapy. Bruising is likely and there will be swelling and red discolouration for a day or two.
Sun or sunbed exposure should be avoided completely for at least four weeks. You will need to wear compression stockings (included in the price) for 1-4 weeks. For the first 4-7 days, the stocking must not be removed; after that it should be worn during waking hours only. Long-haul flying is not recommended within four weeks after treatment or for two weeks before treatment.
Bruising disappears within three weeks; any brown skin staining will be gone within six to 24 months but occasionally leaves a pale brown mark.
Larger veins may become lumpy after treatment and require massage. Very rarely a scab can form, this may leave a small scar.
Deep venous thrombosis is rare after microsclerotherapy as is phlebitis (inflammation) of nearby larger veins after any treatment. Rarely the injections can cause new, tiny red veins to form, this is called matting.
After six weeks, if there is still lumpiness or brown skin staining, a simple anti-inflammatory gel can be massaged into the area, such as ibuprofen or diclofenac gel.
