Thread & Spider Vein Treatment
What are thread veins?
Thread veins, also known as spider veins or telangiectasia, are small, thin blood vessels that appear just beneath the surface of the skin. They are not ‘broken capillaries’ but permanently dilated capillaries. The thin, singular cell wall structure of the fine facial capillaries dilate and constrict constantly in order to control the body temperature and their elasticity weakens and they can become permanently dilated. Their visibility is often exacerbated by the breakdown of the skin’s supporting network of collagen and elastin and ageing, thinning skin.They often look like fine red, blue, or purple lines and can form in a web-like or branching pattern.
Commonly found on the face, legs, and ankles, thread veins are usually harmless but can be a cosmetic concern for many people. They may develop due to a variety of factors including aging, genetics, sun exposure, hormonal changes, or prolonged standing.
What causes thread veins?
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Genetics.
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Aging- As you age, your skin and blood vessels become less elastic, making veins more visible and prone to dilation.
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Sun Exposure- UV damage can weaken blood vessel walls and cause them to dilate, especially on the face.
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Hormonal Changes- Pregnancy, menopause, or taking birth control pills can cause hormonal fluctuations that dilate blood vessels
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Prolonged Standing or Sitting- Jobs or lifestyles that require long periods of standing or sitting increase pressure in the veins, particularly in the legs.
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Alcohol Consumption- Regular alcohol intake can cause blood vessels to dilate, especially in the face, leading to visible thread veins over time.
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Rosacea- This skin condition causes chronic inflammation and redness, often accompanied by the formation of thread veins on the cheeks and nose.
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Trauma or Injury- Bruising or injury to the skin can sometimes lead to broken capillaries that don’t heal properly.
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Temperature Extremes- Repeated exposure to hot or cold temperatures (e.g., saunas, windburn) can stress and damage blood vessels
- Excess weight- Increased body weight puts extra pressure on leg veins, contributing to their dilation.
How does laser thread vein removal work?
The laser delivers light energy into your skin which is absorbed by the blood within the targeted vein. Once this energy is absorbed by the blood the vein will heat up, causing the vein walls to collapse and disappear.
What are the benefits of the treatment?
Laser removal of thread veins offers several benefits, including a reduction in the appearance of spider veins and small varicose veins, improved skin tone and texture, and enhanced overall appearance. The treatment is minimally invasive, virtually painless, and requires no downtime, allowing patients to resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure. Additionally, laser vein treatment can be performed on various areas of the body, including the face, legs, and other areas prone to spider veins.
Laser thread vein removal is considered the best option for eliminating unwanted thread veins due to its precision and non-invasive nature. The Nd:YAG laser targets the affected veins directly without causing damage to the surrounding skin. This means that it is a safe treatment to have, with minimal risk of scarring or side effects. Compared to other methods, laser treatment is highly effective in addressing thread veins on various areas of the body, with visible results within only a few sessions.
