ThermaVein® vs Sclerotherapy: Which is right for you?

What is ThermaVein®?

ThermaVein® uses advanced technology to provide a safe, non-invasive, and highly effective treatment for a range of cosmetic vein conditions such as facial vascular blemishes, unsightly red veins, thread veins, spider naevus (commonly referred to as spider veins), and red spots.

During the procedure, a single-use probe – about the size of a human hair, is gently applied to the skin over the affected area. A microburst of thermal energy is used to seal the vein, causing it to close, the blood to naturally absorb into the body and the vein to gradually fade away.

What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy also known as Microsclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure to remove purple, red and smaller blue thread veins on the legs that have become unsightly. Sclerotherapy is not used on the face. Treatment begins with your Consultant cleaning the skin around the affected veins.

A fine needle is then injected into your thread veins using a sclerosing agent. This liquid or foam solution causes the walls of your damaged veins to seal shut, so blood is redirected to unaffected veins. Over time, your body absorbs the vein making it less visible and uncomfortable.

What type of veins do they treat?

ThermaVein®

• Thread veins: Anyone with thread/spider veins, unsightly red veins or vascular blemishes will benefit from this treatment, as it will improve the appearance of your veins. Although this treatment is effective for most patients with thread veins, it may not be suitable for everyone
• Rosacea/red veins: Commonly rosacea (facial redness) and thread veins coexist. Treatment of the rosacea as well as the thread veins can significantly improve the overall result. We therefore may recommend pre-treatment of rosacea with a topical cream before treating the thread veins with ThermaVein®
• Facial veins: ThermaVein® uses a tiny probe to accurately deliver the thermal energy to your facial veins and in any other areas where precision is critical

Sclerotherapy

• Sclerotherapy injections are used for leg thread veins. Varicose veins are larger veins and more likely to cause symptoms such as aching, swelling or a burning sensation. These are not suitable for microsclerotherapy, and usually need assessment by our Consultant Vascular Surgeon
• Sclerotherapy is mainly suitable for leg veins due to their depth and connection to larger vein networks. This can be determined by a full consultation with our Consultant Vascular Surgeon who'll discuss treatment options with you
• If you have reticular (feeder) veins, small visible veins that appear blue purple in colour but don’t bulge out like varicose veins, sclerotherapy injections can help. These feeder veins can cause visible spider veins and varicose vein symptoms

How suitable am I for ThermaVein® vs Sclerotherapy?

As with any treatment or procedure, there can be risks involved for certain patients. It’s important to consider the following pros and cons for both treatments. During your initial consultation your vein specialist will discuss both options with you.

ThermaVein®

Pros

• The thermal energy technology used during ThermaVein® treatment is ideal for treatment of facial thread veins. It can also be used on the legs and thread veins in other sites for those who prefer a non-invasive procedure with no chemicals or needle insertions
• On average, two to three treatment sessions are required to effectively reduce or eliminate visible veins. But this does vary from patient to patient
• ThermaVein® is the gold standard for red/purple vein removal

Cons

• If you have larger spider veins or bulging varicose veins, ThermaVein® isn’t a suitable treatment
• Not recommended for veins deeper than the skin’s surface or extensive venous issues
• ThermaVein® isn’t suitable for patients who:
  • Have a nickel allergy – the probe used is nickel-based, but gold-based probes are available
  • Suffer from infectious skin conditions
  • Are pregnant
  • Are epileptic
  • Have a pacemaker
  • Have fake tan product on the skin

Sclerotherapy

Pros

• Sclerotherapy requires no anaesthesia and can be carried out like ThermaVein® as a walk-in walk-out day case procedure
• Side effects are minimal and any itching or redness at the injection site often dissipates after a day or two
• With successful sclerotherapy, your affected veins won’t reappear, but you may need treatment for new veins that form

Cons

• Depending on the size of the treated vein or veins, most patients need up to four treatment sessions
• Depending on which liquid sclerosant is used, there may be some short-lasting discomfort from the injection, but this is usually very well tolerated
• Unsuitable for patients who: 
  • Are allergic to sclerosants (used in the injection)
  • Are pregnant – you’ll have to wait at least three months post-partum
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Have an active deep vein thrombosis or superficial vein thrombosis (blood clot)
  • May need the affected vein for future surgical bypass procedures, such as the saphenous vein for coronary artery bypass graft surgery – our specialists won’t seal up this vein
  • Flying within one week

Book to see a veins specialist

Choose Benenden Hospital for your private vein treatment:

• England’s largest provider of veins removal
• More than 1,000 veins procedures carried out each year
• Treatment in under 30 minutes in a calm, welcoming environment
• Highly experienced and renowned Consultant Vascular Surgeon and thread vein specialist
• Finance payment plans available

There are many ways to book and pay for your varicose vein treatment journey – from self-paying to going through a private medical insurer or taking advantage of our payment plans.

It couldn’t be easier to book your initial consultation with one of our Consultant Vascular Surgeons – just use our online booking tool.

If you need more information on our varicose vein treatments, complete our online enquiry form, contact us using Livechat or call our Private Patient Team on 01580 363158.

Published on 20 May 2025