772–774 ECCLESALL ROAD · SHEFFIELD · S11 8TB info@sheffieldveinclinic.co.uk
Sheffield Vein Clinic · Microsclerotherapy
The clinical gold standard for spider vein and thread vein removal on the legs — assessed and treated personally by Prof Steve Goode, NHS Consultant Interventional Radiologist.
Assessed and treated personally by Prof Goode
At your initial consultation
Minimally invasive treatment
No hospital stay required
Diagnosis and plan in one appointment
Many patients come to Sheffield Vein Clinic after years of managing their symptoms with compression stockings, or after being turned away from NHS treatment. At Sheffield Vein Clinic, your consultation includes a duplex ultrasound assessment performed personally by Prof Steve Goode — so the right treatment is recommended from your very first appointment.
Internal links: thread veins · Thermavein
Microsclerotherapy involves the injection of a small volume of sclerosant solution — typically polidocanol — directly into each thread vein using an extremely fine needle (30 or 32 gauge). The solution causes a controlled reaction in the vessel wall, leading the vein to close and gradually fade over the following four to six weeks.
Unlike laser treatments applied to the skin surface, microsclerotherapy acts from within the vessel — making it more effective for the majority of leg thread veins. It is recommended as first-line treatment for cosmetic leg thread veins by venous medicine guidelines in the UK and Europe.
At Sheffield Vein Clinic, microsclerotherapy is delivered by Prof Steve Goode personally. Before any treatment begins, Prof Goode assesses whether there is an underlying venous reflux problem feeding the thread veins — a step that makes a significant difference to long-term results.
Suitability is always confirmed by Prof Goode at your initial consultation, which includes a duplex ultrasound assessment.
The most common leg thread veins — these respond well to sclerosant injection, the mainstay of microsclerotherapy
Multiple fine connected vessels in a fan or web pattern — well suited to microsclerotherapy, treating multiple vessels per session
Where duplex assessment confirms no significant venous disease, microsclerotherapy proceeds as the primary treatment
Microsclerotherapy addresses fine thread veins that remain after EVLA or foam sclerotherapy treatment of larger veins
Prof Goode examines the thread veins and performs a duplex ultrasound assessment to confirm whether underlying venous reflux should be addressed first — making a material difference to long-term results.
The treatment area is cleaned. The thread veins are mapped visually. No topical anaesthetic is required for most patients.
Using an extremely fine needle, Prof Goode injects a small volume of sclerosant into each thread vein. Multiple injections are made per session within the safe dose limit. A brief sting at each point.
A compression stocking is applied immediately. Walk for 15–20 minutes before leaving.
Reviewed at 6–8 weeks. Most patients require 2–4 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart.
Clinical studies consistently report microsclerotherapy as an effective treatment for leg thread veins, with the majority of patients achieving significant cosmetic improvement over a course of treatment. Most patients require two to four sessions. New thread veins can develop over time but can be addressed in follow-up maintenance sessions.
Prof Goode will give you a realistic and honest assessment of the improvement achievable for your particular veins. See our pricing page for session costs.
Prof Steve Goode is a Consultant Interventional Radiologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and newly appointed Professor. He performs the duplex ultrasound assessment and the treatment personally — so the clinician who understands your anatomy is also the one delivering your care.
A short clinical video demonstrating the microsclerotherapy procedure.
Your consultation at Sheffield Vein Clinic includes a duplex ultrasound assessment — so the full venous picture is understood before any treatment is recommended. Assessed and treated personally by Prof Steve Goode.