What Is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a medical treatment that involves injecting a sclerosant into an abnormal vein.
The sclerosant causes a controlled reaction within the vein wall, leading the treated vessel to close.

Over time, the closed vein is gradually processed by the body and becomes less visible,
while blood continues to flow through functioning veins.

Sclerotherapy is not one single procedure. The technique used depends on the size,
location and type of veins being treated.

Two commonly discussed forms are:

• microsclerotherapy for small superficial spider or thread veins;
• ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for selected larger or deeper abnormal veins.

Learn more about

sclerotherapy for varicose veins and spider veins
.

Microsclerotherapy vs Foam Sclerotherapy: What Is the Difference?

Microsclerotherapy and foam sclerotherapy are sometimes grouped together online,
but they are commonly used in different clinical situations and their pricing structures can also differ.

The prices of these treatments should not be compared as though they were identical procedures.

Microsclerotherapy is often priced per treatment session, while foam sclerotherapy for varicose veins
may require specialist assessment, duplex ultrasound and a broader treatment plan.

Sclerotherapy Cost in the UK: What Affects the Price?

Several clinical and practical factors can influence the final sclerotherapy cost.

1. The Type of Veins Being Treated

Treating a small cluster of superficial spider veins is very different from treating larger
varicose veins associated with underlying venous reflux.

The diagnosis therefore matters before meaningful treatment prices can be compared.

2. How the Type of Treatment Affects Sclerotherapy Prices

Microsclerotherapy and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy involve different levels of treatment
planning, investigation and clinical complexity.

For this reason, their prices may be structured differently.

3. The Number and Size of Areas Being Treated

A small isolated group of visible veins may require less treatment than extensive spider veins
or varicose veins affecting both legs.

The size and distribution of the treatment area can therefore influence the total cost.

4. Why Multiple Sessions Increase the Total Sclerotherapy Cost

Some patients may require one treatment session, while others need several sessions to treat
multiple areas or achieve the intended clinical or cosmetic result.

The total cost should therefore be considered across the complete treatment plan,
not simply as the price of one appointment.

5. Whether a Duplex Ultrasound Scan Is Required

When underlying varicose vein disease or venous reflux is suspected, a duplex ultrasound scan
may be required to assess blood flow and identify the source of the problem before treatment.

Diagnostic imaging may therefore form part of the overall cost of treating clinically significant venous disease.

6. Whether Sclerotherapy Is Used Alone or With Another Treatment

Foam sclerotherapy can sometimes form part of a broader treatment strategy involving other
vein procedures, depending on the patient’s diagnosis and venous anatomy.

7. Follow-Up and Aftercare

Some clinics quote only the treatment procedure, while others may include consultations,
follow-up appointments or other elements within a treatment package.

Comparing sclerotherapy prices without checking exactly what is included can therefore be misleading.

Sclerotherapy Cost for Microsclerotherapy in the UK

Microsclerotherapy is generally used to treat small spider veins and thread veins,
particularly on the legs.

The treatment is commonly priced by session rather than by individual visible vein.

The final microsclerotherapy cost can depend on:

• the number of visible veins;
• the size of the treatment area;
• whether one or both legs require treatment;
• the number of treatment sessions required;
• whether additional assessment or imaging is needed.

One patient with a small isolated cluster of thread veins may require a very different treatment
plan from another patient with extensive spider veins across both legs.

For this reason, the total treatment cost cannot always be accurately predicted from photographs alone.

The Veins Doctor also provides a dedicated guide to

the cost of treating spider veins
.

Sclerotherapy Cost: How Much Does Foam Sclerotherapy Cost in the UK?

The foam sclerotherapy cost can differ significantly from the price of a simple
microsclerotherapy session because ultrasound-guided foam is often used to treat larger or deeper
abnormal veins.

In patients with varicose veins, the overall treatment cost may include:

• a specialist consultation;
• a duplex ultrasound scan;
• ultrasound-guided foam treatment;
• treatment of one or both legs;
• follow-up assessment;
• additional treatment where clinically required.

This is why searching only for the lowest advertised
cost of foam sclerotherapy may not provide a meaningful comparison between clinics.

One price may refer only to the treatment procedure, while another may include assessment,
ultrasound and follow-up.

Learn more about

ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for varicose veins
.

Sclerotherapy Cost and Treatment Sessions: How Many Will You Need?

The number of treatment sessions is one of the main factors that can influence the total
sclerotherapy cost.

There is no fixed number of sessions that applies to every patient.

The number required can depend on:

• the number of veins being treated;
• the size and depth of the vessels;
• the amount of treatment appropriate during each session;
• your response to treatment;
• whether additional untreated veins remain;
• whether underlying venous reflux is present.

For cosmetic spider veins, treatment may be staged across several sessions.

For larger varicose veins, the treatment strategy should be based on the complete venous diagnosis
rather than simply the number of visible veins.

You can see examples of treatment outcomes in our

sclerotherapy before and after guide
.

Sclerotherapy Cost in the UK: Is Treatment Available on the NHS?

Whether sclerotherapy is available through the NHS depends on
what type of vein problem is being treated and whether there is a medical indication.

Spider Veins and Thread Veins

Treatment of isolated spider or thread veins is generally considered cosmetic.
Cosmetic treatment of small visible veins is therefore not normally available through the NHS.

Varicose Veins

The situation is different for clinically significant varicose veins.

Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy can be one of the treatment options considered for
appropriate varicose vein cases, depending on diagnosis and suitability.

Access to NHS treatment can depend on clinical eligibility, local pathways and individual circumstances.

People searching for information about sclerotherapy cost in the UK and NHS treatment
should therefore distinguish between cosmetic treatment of spider veins and medically indicated treatment of varicose veins.

Private Sclerotherapy Cost: What Should Your Quote Include?

When comparing private treatment prices, do not look only at the headline figure.

You need to understand exactly what is included in the quoted sclerotherapy cost.

A clear private treatment quotation should explain whether the price covers:

• the initial specialist consultation;
• duplex ultrasound when required;
• the treatment procedure itself;
• one leg or both legs;
• one treatment session or multiple sessions;
• compression garments where required;
• follow-up consultations;
• additional injections or further treatment sessions.

For example, a lower advertised procedure price may not represent a lower total cost if
consultation, ultrasound or follow-up are charged separately.

Sclerotherapy Cost vs Laser Treatment Cost: Which Is More Affordable?

It is difficult to compare sclerotherapy cost vs laser treatment cost solely by
looking at the price of one session because the two approaches may be used for different types of veins.

For Spider Veins

Microsclerotherapy may be appropriate for many leg spider veins, while laser treatment may be useful
for selected very small or superficial vessels.

The most appropriate and cost-effective treatment depends on factors including:

• the type of visible veins;
• their size and location;
• their number and distribution;
• the number of sessions likely to be required;
• individual skin and vein characteristics.

For Varicose Veins

Endovenous laser treatment and foam sclerotherapy have different roles in the management of venous disease.

They should not be selected simply according to which procedure has the lowest advertised price.

Treatment should be chosen according to diagnosis, symptoms and individual venous anatomy.

For spider veins, read our comparison of  laser vs sclerotherapy for spider veins
.

Sclerotherapy Cost in London: What Determines the Price?

The sclerotherapy cost in London varies between clinics and depends partly on
whether treatment is for cosmetic spider veins or clinically significant varicose veins.

Before comparing London sclerotherapy prices, establish:

• what type of veins you have;
• whether underlying venous reflux is present;
• whether microsclerotherapy or foam sclerotherapy is appropriate;
• how many sessions may realistically be required;
• whether diagnostic ultrasound is needed;
• what is included in the clinic’s quoted price.

Dr Omar Abu-Bakr is a Consultant Venous Surgeon and Phlebologist specialising in the assessment and treatment
of venous conditions.

Patients looking for a vein specialist in London

can arrange an assessment to establish which type of vein problem is present and which treatment
may be appropriate before deciding on a treatment plan.

For current treatment fees, refer to the clinic’s latest published prices or request
an individual quotation based on your assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sclerotherapy Cost

How much does sclerotherapy cost in the UK?

Sclerotherapy costs vary according to the type of treatment, the veins being treated,
the number of sessions required and whether consultation, ultrasound or follow-up appointments
are included. An accurate cost should be based on the individual treatment plan.

How much does foam sclerotherapy cost?

Foam sclerotherapy cost varies because treatment may involve ultrasound assessment,
one or both legs and different levels of venous disease. The total cost should be based on
the complete treatment plan rather than a generic procedure price.

How much does microsclerotherapy cost?

Microsclerotherapy is often charged per treatment session. The total cost depends on the number
and extent of spider or thread veins being treated and how many sessions are required.

Is microsclerotherapy cheaper than foam sclerotherapy?

The two procedures are usually used for different types of vein problems, so comparing one session
price directly can be misleading. Microsclerotherapy commonly treats small superficial veins,
while ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy may be used for selected larger abnormal veins.

How many sclerotherapy sessions will I need?

There is no fixed number. Some patients may need one treatment session, while others require
several sessions depending on the number, size and distribution of the veins and their response to treatment.

Does the NHS pay for sclerotherapy?

Cosmetic treatment of isolated spider or thread veins is generally not routinely available through
the NHS. Sclerotherapy may be considered within NHS pathways for selected clinically significant
varicose veins, depending on eligibility and individual clinical circumstances.

Does the sclerotherapy price include an ultrasound scan?

Not necessarily. Some clinics include diagnostic imaging within a treatment package,
while others charge separately. Check whether consultation, duplex ultrasound, treatment
and follow-up are included before comparing prices.

Is sclerotherapy cheaper than laser treatment?

It depends on the type of vein and the number of treatment sessions required.
Laser and sclerotherapy may be appropriate for different vein problems, so cost should not
be considered independently of diagnosis and treatment suitability.

Can I get an exact sclerotherapy price before a consultation?

A clinic may publish indicative prices, but an accurate total cost often depends on the diagnosis,
extent of the veins, number of sessions and whether additional investigation or treatment is required.

Where can I get sclerotherapy in London?

Dr Omar Abu-Bakr is a Consultant Venous Surgeon and Phlebologist providing specialist assessment
and treatment of venous conditions in London.

The appropriate treatment should be determined after assessing the type and extent of the vein problem.