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— body · Barcelona
Dr. Bermejo Pérez · Reg. no. 63226
Removal of varicose and thread veins with micro-injections of a sclerosing agent that closes the vein from the inside. No surgery, no general anaesthetic and an immediate return to normal life. The result is gradual and permanent on the treated vessels.
In short
Sclerotherapy removes thread veins on the legs with micro-injections that close the vessel. Usually 2–4 sessions of 20–30 minutes are needed, with no downtime; the price is set at the consultation. It is performed by Dr. Rubén Bermejo Pérez, a registered aesthetic physician (COMB no. 63226), at Clínica Sagrada Família, Barcelona.
María Dolores Pérez Sancho explains how sclerotherapy removes thread veins on the legs with tiny injections.
Medical view
“Sclerotherapy is the worldwide reference treatment for varicose and thread veins. There is no more effective or safer alternative.”Dr. Rubén Bermejo Pérez
Anatomy · Sclerotherapy
Thread veins, on the surface.
Small dilated veins visible in the skin of the legs.
Slightly larger veins that often feed them.
At the consultation we check which veins can be treated.
In gold, the network of small surface veins treated with sclerotherapy.
What it's for
Telangiectasias are the finest, most superficial vessels — the reddish or purplish branching lines that appear on the thighs, knees and legs. They are the most common reason for sclerotherapy and also the ones that respond best. With ultra-fine needles and the right sclerosing agent they fade progressively over 4–6 weeks after each session.
Reticular veins are medium-calibre veins — between 1 and 3 mm — bluish or greenish in colour, that don't bulge from the skin but are clearly visible. They respond very well to sclerotherapy with polidocanol, which collapses the vessel from the inside and removes it without surgery. They are often what feeds the more superficial thread veins.
Sclerotherapy is especially useful for residual veins that persist or reappear after surgery or a previous laser treatment. In these cases the vessels are usually of varying size and irregular distribution — something sclerotherapy handles well because it can be adapted area by area with precision.
Many people come in without pain or significant venous insufficiency — they simply dislike how the veins on their legs look. That is a completely valid reason. Sclerotherapy solves the problem effectively, safely and with no downtime. If there is no underlying venous disease, the cosmetic result is the only goal and is usually very satisfying.
Some veins, even if they aren't large, cause functional symptoms: heavy legs at the end of the day, localised itching or burning, night cramps. Treating the responsible vessels with sclerotherapy improves these symptoms significantly. I always carry out an assessment first to rule out deep venous insufficiency that needs a different approach.
The practical side
Everything you need to know before the consultation. No small print.
It depends on the number, size and extent of the vessels to treat. Very superficial thread veins may clear in 1 or 2 sessions.
Varies with the size of the area and the number of vessels. We work methodically from top to bottom of the leg.
Possible bruising and redness at the injection points for the first few days. Normal life from the very start. Avoid direct sun for 2–4 weeks.
It depends on the size of the area and the number of vessels to treat. It is set at the prior consultation.
How it works · Sclerotherapy
From the injection to the closed vein.
A small dilated surface vein.
The product is introduced inside it with a very fine needle.
The vein wall closes and the body gradually reabsorbs it.
Candidates
Not sure if it's for you? That is exactly what the consultation is for: I'll tell you honestly what I see.
Comparison
Which option fits each type of vein. Sclerotherapy is the reference treatment for thread veins and small varicose veins.
| Sclerotherapy | Vascular laser | Surgery or endovenous techniques | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Which veins | Thread veins and small varicose veins | Very fine or superficial vessels | Large veins or venous insufficiency |
| How it's done | Micro-injections of a sclerosant | Light that coagulates the vessel | Surgical or endovascular procedure |
| Sessions | 2–4 sessions | Several sessions | Usually a single procedure |
| Downtime | No downtime | Minimal | Variable |
| Who recommends it | A doctor, after assessing the leg | A doctor | A vascular surgeon |
What studies say
Scientific reviews, including a Cochrane review, confirm that sclerotherapy is effective for thread veins on the legs, with no single sclerosant clearly shown to be better than another.
The treated vessel closes and the body reabsorbs it. Over time new vessels can appear, because the underlying tendency remains; that's why some people have a touch-up session every so often.
If there are thick varicose veins, swelling or marked heaviness, venous insufficiency must first be ruled out with a Doppler ultrasound. In that case I refer you to a vascular surgeon.
In this clinic we perform sclerotherapy. If your case needs laser or surgery, I'll tell you at the consultation.
Free first visit · no commitment
At the consultation we study your case, talk about what you're looking for and set the goals together. If no treatment is needed, I'll tell you that too.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about sclerotherapy for veins. If your question isn't here, write to me.
For thread veins on the legs, sclerotherapy is the reference treatment and the one with the most evidence. Laser is mainly reserved for very fine vessels or when injection isn't possible. At the consultation we see what type of vein you have.
It isn't the right option. Thick varicose veins are usually due to venous insufficiency and need a Doppler ultrasound and a vascular surgery assessment. Sclerotherapy is designed for thread veins and small varicose veins.
There is no single price. It depends on the size of the area and the number of vessels to treat, and is set at the prior consultation. The first consultation is free. You can see all fees on the prices page.
At Clínica Sagrada Família, C/ Torras i Pujalt 1 (3rd floor), Barcelona. It is performed personally by Dr. Rubén Bermejo Pérez, registered physician no. 63226.
The procedure is very well tolerated. Each micro-injection causes a slight sting or pressure that lasts barely one or two seconds. No anaesthetic is used. Most patients describe the session as comfortable — the most sensitive area is usually the inner thigh.
It depends on the number, size and extent of the vessels to treat. Most cases are resolved in 2 to 4 sessions. Very superficial thread veins may respond in 1 or 2. At each session we assess the result and decide together whether to continue.
Treated vessels don't disappear on the spot — elimination is gradual. In the first weeks they may look more marked before they start to fade. The result of each session is assessed at 6–8 weeks, once the vessel closure is consolidated.
Vessels closed with sclerotherapy don't reopen — the result on those veins is permanent. However, new veins may appear in other areas over time, especially if predisposing factors remain: genetics, standing for long periods or heat. Annual or twice-yearly maintenance sessions are common.
Yes. You can return to your usual activities the same day. I recommend avoiding direct sun on the area for 2–4 weeks to minimise the risk of residual pigmentation, and wearing a compression stocking for the first few days to help the vessel close.
Technically yes, but summer isn't the ideal time. Sun exposure increases the risk of residual pigmentation at the injection points, and heat can make the compression stocking uncomfortable. Autumn–winter is the most recommended season. If you're in a hurry, it can be done at any time of year with precautions.
It can't be performed during pregnancy or after a recent deep vein thrombosis. In women taking the oral contraceptive pill it is assessed case by case. I always take a full medical history before treating to confirm that sclerotherapy is safe and suitable for your particular situation.
Surgery physically removes the vein — it is the right approach for large varicose veins with significant deep venous insufficiency. Sclerotherapy closes the vessel from the inside without surgery, general anaesthetic or downtime. They are different tools for different cases — at the consultation I'll explain which makes most sense for you and, if needed, refer you to the right vascular specialist.
Free consultation
First visit with no commitment. There is always an assessment first; if the treatment is right for you, it can be done the same day.
In Sant Gervasi, next to Ronda del General Mitre. It is not in the area around the Sagrada Família basilica.