Thread Veins
Facial thread veins or broken red veins (telangiectasia) are small unsightly superficial red, purple or blue veins which appear around the nose and across the cheeks and chin. These broken veins occur when the veins dilate and become larger so they are visible through the transparency of the skin. Although facial veins or spider veins are quite common they can cause some distress and embarrassment for those who have them.
Facial veins may be hereditary or as a result of a variety of factors including damage from sun exposure, wind and extremes of temperature. The over use of steroid creams and certain auto immune conditions may also induce thread veins. The exact cause is often unknown and may just be part of the natural ageing process or due to the skin condition called Rosacea.
Facial veins are effectively treated with Intense Pulse Light (IPL) or laser with minimal downtime or risk.
Thread veins can be treated elsewhere on the body dependent on location and size. Please contact us for further advice.
How does IPL work for Thread Veins?
When treating thread veins (or other vascular conditions), the light is absorbed by the oxyhaemoglobin in the blood within the vein, causing the blood to coagulate and the thread vein to break up into particles that can be filtered away naturally through the lymphatic system in your body.
What does treatment feel like?
Treatment is mildly uncomfortable but the procedure is very quick. Sensations vary but most people describe it as a very quick, hot pin prick.
How will my skin look after treatment?
You are likely to notice a calming of the skin. Occasionally slight reddening of the skin occurs, however this is an infrequent side effect and usually lasts for a few hours.
How many treatments are necessary?
The number of treatments required is very individual as response to treatments varies from person to person.
Are there any side effects?
There is the possibility of some minor side effects such as redness, which are discussed in detail and put into the correct perspective during your thorough consultation. Adverse reactions are uncommon and usually these are specific to you as an individual and the risks are discussed during your consultation.
How long do the results last?
Immediately after treatment some thread veins can disappear but may re-occur a few days later, but be less visible. With further treatment these veins will disappear and are not likely to re-occur. However, once you have a tendency to facial redness, you always will, so new veins may appear at some point in the future making further treatment necessary. Maintenance sessions may not be required for several years though, as results are long-lasting. To help prevent new veins forming we strongly advise the use of a good sunscreen such as SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense or Physical UV Defense to protect the skin from damage.
More specific advice and information is given during your consultation.
On your first visit, your clinician will carry out a detailed consultation and assessment before recommending a treatment plan to suit your individual requirements. Your clinician will also demonstrate the equipment and answer any questions.
We follow best practice with treatment policies, procedures and protocols, only employing properly, highly trained clinicians and operating under the clinical supervision of our medical director, in order to maintain the highest clinical standards.
We value the comfort and safety of our clients very highly and will take the greatest care to ensure that you feel at ease about every aspect of your treatment.
Before your IPL treatment
For 1 week before treatment
- Do not wax, (unless advised by your clinician), pluck, or undergo electrolysis in the treatment area
- To avoid skin sensitivity, do not bleach or use depilatory cream in the week before your treatment
You should avoid sunbathing, sun-beds and self-tanning products, as treatments cannot be performed on tanned skin.
Treatment day
- Avoid swimming and vigorous exercise
- Do not use cosmetics on the treatment area
After your IPL treatment
For 2 days after treatment
- Avoid sunbathing, sunbeds and self-tanning products
- Avoid saunas and steam rooms
- Baths and showers should be tepid rather than hot
- Avoid vigorous exercise and swimming
- Avoid using perfumed products and make-up on the treated area
For 1 week after treatment
If your face has been treated, then avoid facials, and any other forms of exfoliation in the treated area.
Important facts to remember while you are undergoing treatment
- Treatments cannot be performed on tanned skin. A fake tan of any kind has the same implications as a natural tan
- You must use a broad spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection of SPF30 or higher on the treated area, or as advised by your clinician
- Please arrange your treatment at least one week before a holiday, and allow a minimum of four weeks after your return for any tan to fade. Please advise us if your tan has not faded as we will not be able to treat you and we will happily re-arrange your next appointment
- Please allow at least one week after a local anaesthetic and at least one month after a general anaesthetic, before continuing with treatment. Your clinician can advise you accordingly.
- Please advise us of any change in medication well in advance of your treatment day
| Consultation | £0* | BOOK ONLINE |
| Removing small thread veins | From £85 | BOOK ONLINE |
* Consultation currently FREE.
