Foam Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins in Turkey

Foam sclerotherapy uses a solution (usually sodium tetradecyl sulphate or polidocanol) that is mixed with air or CO2 to create a foam. This foam is injected into the varicose vein under real-time ultrasound guidance, which allows the specialist to see exactly where the foam is going and ensure it reaches the targeted veins.

The foam displaces the blood inside the vein and comes into direct contact with the vein wall, causing it to become inflamed and eventually seal shut. Over the following weeks, the body absorbs the treated vein. Multiple veins can be treated in a single session.

Foam sclerotherapy does not require anaesthesia, the injections feel like standard needle pricks. The procedure typically takes 30-45 minutes. You wear compression stockings afterwards to support the treated veins during healing.

This technique is recommended by NICE as an option for varicose veins and is particularly useful for residual or recurrent varicose veins after previous treatment, medium-sized varicose veins, and veins that are not suitable for endovenous thermal ablation.

This package covers treatment for one or both legs.

You may be suitable for this treatment if you have symptomatic varicose veins that are affecting your quality of life.

You may be a good candidate if:

• You have visible varicose veins causing aching, heaviness, or swelling
• Your legs feel tired and uncomfortable, particularly after standing
• You have skin changes (discoloration, eczema, thickening) around the ankles
• You have had a duplex ultrasound confirming venous reflux
• Conservative measures (compression stockings, exercise) have not provided sufficient relief
• You have been on an NHS waiting list and want to proceed sooner

You may not be suitable if:

• You have significant deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the affected leg
• You are pregnant (treatment is deferred until after delivery)
• You have peripheral arterial disease affecting blood supply to your legs
• Your varicose veins are purely cosmetic with no symptoms or reflux

Before your procedure

A free consultation reviews your symptoms and any previous ultrasound findings. A duplex ultrasound scan is performed in Turkey to map your veins and confirm the treatment plan. This scan shows exactly which veins are faulty and guides the treatment approach.

On the day

You are driven from your 5-star hotel to the clinic. Your personal translator accompanies you. The veins to be treated are marked on your skin. No anaesthesia is required, the injections feel like standard needle pricks.

Under ultrasound guidance, foam sclerosant is injected into the targeted veins through standard needles. Multiple veins can be treated in the same session. The procedure takes 30-45 minutes.

After the procedure

Compression stockings are applied immediately. You can walk out of the clinic and are encouraged to walk regularly. You return to your hotel the same day. Follow-up appointments and ultrasound checks are scheduled during your stay.

Hotel recovery

Your hotel stay allows time for follow-up scans, graduated compression wear, and comfortable recovery before travelling home.

Recovery from foam sclerotherapy is straightforward, with most patients resuming normal activities immediately.

Day of treatment: Walk for 30 minutes after the procedure. Compression stockings are applied and should be worn continuously for 48 hours.

Days 1-7: Continue wearing compression stockings during the day. Walk daily. Some firmness and tenderness along the treated veins is normal. Mild bruising may appear.

Weeks 1-2: Compression stockings for daytime wear as advised. The treated veins may feel firm or lumpy, this is the vein sealing and is expected.

Weeks 2-4: Continue with compression as directed. The treated veins gradually fade and soften.

Months 1-3: The treated veins are absorbed by the body. Full cosmetic improvement becomes apparent.

Important: Some patients need more than one session of sclerotherapy for optimal results. Your specialist will advise during your follow-up appointments.

This is a safe, well-established procedure with a strong track record. Understanding the possible side effects helps you feel fully informed.

Common and temporary effects:

• Bruising along the treated vein (resolves in 1-2 weeks)
• Mild to moderate discomfort or tightness in the leg
• Firmness or a cord-like feeling along the treated vein (this is the sealed vein, it softens over weeks)
• Slight skin discolouration along the treatment area (usually fades)
• Temporary numbness near the treatment area

Less common risks:

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), rare, minimised by walking and compression stockings
• Nerve damage causing numbness (usually temporary, rarely permanent)
• Skin burns (rare with modern equipment and experienced operators)
• Phlebitis (inflammation of the vein, managed with anti-inflammatories)
• Need for additional treatment sessions (some patients need touch-up treatments)

Your treatment is performed by an experienced vascular specialist in a government-licensed facility. Follow-up ultrasound scans during your stay confirm successful treatment.