Spider veins
Small red, purple or blue vessels close to the skin surface are among the commonest concerns treated with sclerotherapy.
St Mary's Medical Clinic · Vein Treatment
Sclerotherapy in Malta
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive injection treatment used for spider veins, reticular veins and selected small superficial leg veins. A sclerosing solution is placed directly into the targeted vessel, causing it to close and gradually become less visible over time.
Spider veins
Reticular veins
Small superficial veins
30–60 minute appointments
Minimal downtime
What Sclerotherapy treats
Different visible veins respond differently to treatment.
Sclerotherapy is most often used for small superficial veins of the legs. The size, depth, pattern and cause of the visible vessels are considered before deciding whether injection treatment is appropriate.
Reticular veins
Blue or green superficial veins beneath the skin may also be suitable, particularly where they contribute to a network of smaller visible vessels.
Not every varicose vein is the same
Larger, bulging or symptomatic varicose veins may require a different assessment or treatment pathway rather than routine microsclerotherapy.
Assessment & suitability
Start with the vein pattern, not simply the appearance.
Your consultation looks at the location, size and distribution of the veins, any associated symptoms, previous treatment, medical history and factors that may affect suitability or recovery.
Who may be suitable
Patients with spider veins, reticular veins or selected small superficial leg veins may be considered for treatment after clinical assessment.
What the consultation looks at
We review the visible vein pattern, symptoms, previous procedures, relevant vascular history, medication and the areas you would like treated.
When another pathway may be needed
Prominent, bulging or symptomatic varicose veins may need further assessment or a different treatment approach depending on the underlying vein problem.
Realistic expectations
Sclerotherapy can reduce the visibility of treated veins, but it does not prevent new vessels from developing elsewhere in the future. More than one session may be needed.
Procedure & aftercare
Treatment is quick, but the vein fades gradually.
A fine needle is used to place sclerosant into the selected vessel. The solution irritates the vein wall so it closes, after which the treated vessel is gradually broken down and absorbed by the body.
Consultation
The clinician assesses the visible vessels and confirms whether sclerotherapy is appropriate for the veins you want treated.
Treatment
A fine needle is used to inject the sclerosing solution directly into selected veins. Several injections may be required depending on the treatment area.
Immediately after
Walking is generally possible straight after treatment. Compression stockings may be recommended to support the treated vessels and recovery.
First 48–72 hours
Avoid strenuous exercise and follow the aftercare instructions given at your appointment. Temporary redness, bruising, tenderness or pigmentation can occur.
Following weeks
Treated vessels gradually fade rather than disappearing immediately. Smaller veins may improve within weeks, while larger superficial veins can take longer.
Results & expectations
Improvement develops progressively over the following weeks.
The aim is to reduce the visibility of the treated veins and create a clearer, more even appearance. The degree and speed of improvement vary with vein size, number of vessels and individual response.
Early change
Some small veins begin to fade within a few weeks, although temporary bruising or colour change can make the area look different before it settles.
6–12 weeks
The current St Mary's guidance notes that fuller improvement often develops over approximately 6–12 weeks, with larger veins sometimes taking longer.
Long-term reality
Successfully treated vessels can remain closed, but sclerotherapy does not stop new veins from appearing in the future. Maintenance treatment may therefore sometimes be useful.
Prices
Sclerotherapy prices
Current prices published by St Mary's Clinic for consultation and sclerotherapy treatment.
Consultation
€60
Sclerotherapy · One Leg
€200
Sclerotherapy · Both Legs
€400
Our vein team
Meet the clinicians involved in your vein care.
Your consultation determines whether sclerotherapy is appropriate and allows the team to discuss treatment planning, likely number of sessions, aftercare and realistic expectations.
Vein Team
Dr Frank Farrugia
MD, MRCP, M.Sc Health SciencesDr Frank Farrugia is listed by St Mary's Clinic as part of the team providing assessment and treatment across the clinic's vein services, including sclerotherapy.
Vein Team
Dr Alexey Vinokur
Aesthetic & Reconstructive SurgeonDr Alexey Vinokur is listed as part of the St Mary's Clinic vein team and is involved in the clinic's current vein-treatment pathway.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Sclerotherapy.
These answers provide general guidance. Your own treatment plan depends on the vessels being treated, your medical history and the findings at consultation.
01 How long does a Sclerotherapy session take?
St Mary's currently lists approximately 30 minutes for one leg and around 60 minutes when both legs are treated.
02 How many sessions might I need?
The clinic's current guidance states that many patients require around 1–3 sessions, usually spaced apart. The exact number depends on the vein pattern and treatment response.
03 Is Sclerotherapy painful?
A fine needle is used. Patients may experience a brief stinging or burning sensation during injection, although discomfort is generally short-lived.
04 Is there downtime after treatment?
Downtime is generally limited. Walking is usually possible immediately, while strenuous exercise is commonly avoided for a short period according to your aftercare instructions.
05 When will I see results?
Some treated veins begin fading within several weeks. Fuller improvement commonly develops over about 6–12 weeks, while larger vessels can take longer.
06 Can the veins come back?
Treated vessels can remain closed, but new veins may develop over time. Sclerotherapy does not prevent future vein formation, so further treatment may sometimes be required.