Specialist care for spider, thread and varicose veins — with microsclerotherapy and foam sclerotherapy available at our award-winning clinic.
At Excel Clinic Cardiff, we provide expert care for both cosmetic spider/thread veins and larger varicose veins. Whether your concern is appearance, discomfort, or both, our team offers safe, effective treatments including microsclerotherapy and foam sclerotherapy.
With long NHS waits for vascular care, our private vein clinic gives you fast access to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up — all in one modern, patient-focused setting.
Spider/Thread Veins: Fine, surface veins that appear red, blue or purple. Usually cosmetic but can affect confidence.
Varicose Veins: Larger, bulging veins that can cause aching, heaviness, swelling, or itching. May worsen without treatment.
Gold-standard treatment for cosmetic surface veins
Involves injecting a special solution into small veins to collapse and fade them
Walk-in, walk-out procedure with no downtime
Results visible within weeks
Best for confidence, clearer skin, and comfort
Designed for small to medium varicose veins
Uses an ultrasound-guided foam injection to close the vein
Reduces aching, heaviness, swelling, and bulging appearance
Compression stockings worn for 1–2 weeks after treatment
Effective, minimally invasive alternative to surgery
| Feature | Microsclerotherapy (Spider / Thread Veins) | Foam Sclerotherapy (Varicose Veins) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Cosmetic thread/spider veins | Smal to medium varicose veins |
| Technique | Liquid sclerosant injected into small veins | Foamed sclerosant injected into medium or large veins |
| Anaesthetic | None needed | Local anaesthetic |
| Downtime | Immediate return to normal activity | Walk-in/walk-out; stockings for 1–2 weeks |
| Sessions | 1–3 depending on extent | Usually 1–2 |
| Results visible | Within weeks | Full effect in a few months |
| Pricing | From £400 | From £800 (per leg) |
Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged veins that usually appear on the legs and feet. They develop when the small one-way valves inside the veins stop working properly. Instead of blood flowing smoothly back to the heart, it pools in the vein, causing it to stretch, twist, and become visible under the skin.
Common signs include:
Bulging, blue or purple veins
Aching or heavy legs
Swelling, itching, or throbbing
Worse symptoms after standing for long periods
Varicose veins are very common and often a cosmetic concern, but in some cases they can lead to skin irritation, eczema, or leg ulcers if left untreated.
Yes — but only in severe cases.
The NHS will usually only offer treatment if your varicose veins are causing serious complications, such as:
Skin ulcers (open wounds on the leg that don’t heal)
Bleeding veins
Severe skin changes like eczema, pigmentation, or hardening around the ankle (lipodermatosclerosis)
Persistent pain or swelling that affects daily life
For most people, even if veins are painful, uncomfortable, or unsightly, the NHS may class this as a cosmetic issue and not offer treatment. Many patients are instead advised to use compression stockings or self-care.
This means patients often face very long waits or are told they are not eligible for treatment at all.
History of blood clots in the legs or lungs
Clots in surface veins causing pain and swelling
Poor circulation in the legs due to narrowed arteries
Foot problems linked to diabetes, including nerve damage and ulcers
Includes Ultrasound scan and Assessment of your varicose veins
All packages include consultation, treatment, stockings, and follow-up care
We are conveniently located in Cardiff Gate International Business Park, just off Junction M4 Junction 30
We proudly serve patients from not only Cardiff, but also neighbouring Newport, Swansea, Bristol, Somerset and Gloucestershire.
Spider veins (also called thread veins) are tiny surface veins that look red, blue or purple and are mainly a cosmetic concern. Varicose veins are larger, bulging veins that can cause aching, heaviness, swelling, or itching.
Spider and thread veins are treated with microsclerotherapy, where a fine solution is injected into the small veins, causing them to collapse and fade.
Varicose veins are usually treated with foam sclerotherapy, where a foamed medicine is injected under ultrasound guidance to close and shrink the faulty vein.
The NHS generally only treats varicose veins if they cause serious complications, such as ulcers, bleeding, or severe skin changes. For most people with cosmetic or symptomatic veins, private treatment offers faster access and more options.
Depending on the size of the vein and response to treatment, you may require more than one session of treatment to fully treat the veins.
Please complete and submit the booking form below, and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly to answer any queries and schedule your consultation! If you upload a photo of the affected area, this will better help us to quote your treatment.
