• Overview

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Thread veins can appear on any part of your body. They appear when small clusters of red veins form just beneath your skin.

Although harmless, they can cause distress as you may feel self-conscious - particularly if they appear on an exposed part of your body such as the legs.

What happens during sclerotherapy?

The process of removing thread veins is called sclerotherapy. Your consultant may use a series of small, virtually painless injections into the affected area. The chemical used will cause the vein to become sticky and eventually close off. At first the vein may look bruised but it will soon fade and disappear. 

In some cases a laser can be used, causing the veins to close up and eventually disappear. Please note that laser treatment may not be available at all hospitals.

Recovery from sclerotherapy

You will be able to drive yourself home after thread vein treatment. You may need to wear compression stockings for up to two weeks after your treatment.

Most people return to normal daily activities the day of treatment. Ask your consultant about resuming exercise or your return to work.

Nuffield Health at St Bartholomew's Hospital

38 Giltspur Street, London, EC1A 7BS

020 3386 9000

There are several bus stops within walking distance of the hospital. The closest rail and tube stations are City Thameslink - 5 min walk, Barbican - 5 min walk, Elizabeth line at Farringdon - 3 min walk. Car parking is available in Smithfield Car Park nearby.

Hospital switchboard 020 3386 9000
General enquiries 0300 131 1433
Outpatients enquiries 0300 131 1432
Physiotherapy enquiries 0203 386 9058
Payments enquiries 0330 460 0099

Ways to pay

Nuffield Health promise

Our prices are all-inclusive. We will equal any comparable price. There are no time limits on your aftercare.

Paying for yourself

There are no hidden costs in our treatment prices. The price you see is the price you pay.

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Personal medical loan

Spread the cost of your treatment with a 6, 10 or 12 month 0% personal medical loan.

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Medical insurance

We work with you and your insurance provider to get you the treatment you need quickly

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