Infrared Assisted Microsclerotherapy: What are the benefits?

Written by: Mr David Greenstein
Published: | Updated: 02/10/2023
Edited by: Jay Staniland

Infrared assisted microsclerotherapy is a modern treatment for thread veins, spider veins, and broken veins in the hands, arms and feet. Microsclerotherapy is a technique for removing small veins which uses a series of injections with a very fine needle, with the assistance of infrared technology, the veins are more clearly seen and better targeted.

 

Specialist vascular and venous surgeon Mr David Greenstein explains how infrared microsclerotherapy, otherwise known as 3D phlebotherapy, is used to treat hand, arm and foot veins, thread veins and spider veins

 

What is infrared assisted microsclerotherapy?

 

Infrared assisted microsclerotherapy helps to give better results when treating thread veins, spider veins and other small broken veins.


The infrared assistance helps the vascular surgeon to visualise the veins, particularly the spider veins, which means the surgeon can target the correct area.


An infrared light is shone onto the affected area, and the veins beneath the skin can then be seen. The surgeon will then target the correct area to administer the microsclerotherapy treatment.

 

How does microsclerotherapy work?

 

Microsclerotherapy works by injecting a sclerosing (hardening) solution into the veins with the use of a very fine needle. The sclerosing agent irritates the lining of the veins, causing them to stick together. Once they are stuck together, the veins will slowly die as blood can no longer flow through the veins, they will eventually be absorbed back into the body by the bodies natural defences.

 

Are there any risks to infrared assisted microsclerotherapy?

 

The risks of microsclerotherapy are minimal, with the only usual side-effects seen are bruising and swelling. Bruising can last anywhere between two weeks and three months, but will go down in time and show an improved appearance. Swelling may occur in some cases, but again this will go down in time.


The veins are not needed, as the blood will flow back into the larger veins and blood vessels.

 

What are the benefits of infrared assisted microsclerotherapy?

 

Infrared assisted microsclerotherapy gives much more accurate results than miscrosclerotherapy without the use of infrared. The results can be seen straight away, and the patient is able to see the sclerosing agent is action.


The treatment is often used following varicose veins treatment to also remove the smaller affected veins.


The procedure is not widely available in the UK, but is provided by leading vascular and venous surgeon, Mr David Greenstein. To make an appointment, click here. For appointments for all kinds of vascular surgery, make an appointment with a specialist here.

By Mr David Greenstein
Vascular surgery

Mr David Greenstein is a foremost consultant vein surgeon. Based at the British Varicose Vein Centre at the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth, London, he is known for his friendly and approachable manner. He has an interest in the modern management of venous disease, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and the swollen leg.

Mr Greenstein offers pioneering laser treatment for varicose veins, thread veins, and leg ulcers including VNUS treatment and ClariVein treatment, as well as venous superglue and infra-red assisted sclerotherapy, and has published numerous peer-reviewed articles on venous disease and varicose veins treatment. He also has an interest in pelvic venous congestion syndrome, and has recently been involved in pioneering new treatments and pathways in deep vein thrombosis (DVT) management using thrombolysis and intravenous stents, aimed at returning the leg to normal size and function.

He regularly organises workshops and is a member of the European Venous Forum Faculty. Mr Greenstein graduated at Leeds University in 1989, and has since trained in a number of major vascular units in Nottingham, Sheffield and Adelaide, Australia.

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