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.

What causes thread veins?

Ageing

As you age, your skin and blood vessels become less elastic, making veins more visible and prone to dilation.

Sun Exposure

UV damage can weaken blood vessel walls and cause them to dilate, especially on the face.

Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy, menopause, or taking birth control pills can cause hormonal fluctuations that dilate blood vessels

Prolonged Standing or Sitting

Jobs or lifestyles that require long periods of standing or sitting increase pressure in the veins, particularly in the legs.

Alcohol Consumption

Regular alcohol intake can cause blood vessels to dilate, especially in the face, leading to visible thread veins over time.

Genetics

Rosacea

This skin condition causes chronic inflammation and redness, often accompanied by the formation of thread veins on the cheeks and nose.

Trauma or Injury

Bruising or injury to the skin can sometimes lead to broken capillaries that don’t heal properly.

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?

  • reduction in the appearance of spider veins & small varicose veins
  • improved skin tone & texture
  • enhanced overall appearance
  • minimally invasive
  • virtually painless
  • requires no downtime, normal activities can be resumed immediately after the procedure
  • can be performed on various areas of the body, including the face, legs, and other areas prone to spider veins
  • no damage to surrounding skin
  • safe & effective with minimal risk of scarring 

Does laser thread vein treatment hurt?

No! The treatment is gentle, non-invasive and painless. It may feel warm or prickly, or like a rubber band pinging, but not painful.

You'll probably. hear a snap sound as we target the veins with the laser, that's completely normal and not painful.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of sessions required can vary depending on the size, number, and location of the veins being treated, as well as individual factors such as skin type and response to treatment.

For a very small area 1 treatment may be enough, for larger areas or for certain skin types 4 may be needed. However, the average is 2-3 treatments spaced several weeks apart. 

During the initial consulltation we will discuss your goals and assess the veins so that we can tailor a treatment plan, including number of sessions required, to your needs.

Will I see immediate results?

The time it takes to see results can vary depending on factors like the size and severity of the spider veins, the number of treatments received, and individual skin type and overall health. 

While some individuals may see immediate results from laser spider vein treatment, particularly for smaller veins, the full effects and noticeable improvement typically take 2-6 weeks. 

Larger or more severe veins may take longer, potentially up to 3-4 months to fully fade. Multiple treatments spaced a few weeks apart are often needed for optimal results. 

Can anyone have laser thread vein treatment?

Unfortunately there are some medical conditions that would make laser treatments unsafe, these are;

  • Lupus
  • Immunosuppressive diseases (such as aids/HIV)
  • Keloid scarring
  • Bleeding/clotting disorders
  • Uncontrolled hypertension
  • Anticoagulant/blood thinning medication
  • Uncontolled diabetes 
  • Skin cancer 
  • Melasma or psoriasis in the treatment area
  • Photosensitivity, or any sensitivity to the sun that causes a rash or allergic reaction
  • Gold therapy or methotrexate
  • Immunosuppressive medications
  • Liver disease, such as hepatitis
  • History of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation

There are also some medical conditions and medications that prevent laser treatments in the short-term, but providing you have none of the above, you could commence treatment once they were resolved. these are;

  • Preghnancy & breastfeeding
  • Active skin infections (e.g. eczema, herpes/colds sores)
  • Oral Isotretinoin or other prescription acne medication (such as Accutane/Roaccutane) in the last 6 months
  • Medical chemical peel, dermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing or face lift at site of treatment in the last 6 months
  • Light sensitive medications/herbal supplements, or perfumes/cosmetics/skincare that affect sensitivity to light
  • Use of NSAID's in the last week
  • Surgery or anaesthetic in the last 2 weeks
  • Open lacerations or abrasions in the treatment area
  • Botox or fillers in/under the treatment area
  • Chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or radio frequency treatment in the last 4 weeks
  • Some types of antibiotics

Is there anything I should or shouldn't do before a treatment?

  • No sun-tanning or self-tanners 3-4 weeks prior to treatment  (Includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds, sun bathing, etc), and wear sunscreen when out in the sun 

  • Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment (waxing, depilatories, etc.)

  • Discontinue use of retinol, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid 7 days before treatment

  • Avoid alcohol, smoking and strong painkillers for 24 hours prioir to your appointment 

  • Ensure your skin is clean and free of any makeup or lotions before arriving

     

Is there anything I should or shouldn't do after a treatment?

Yes, there are some important ways to take care of your skin and aid healing after treatment, these are;

  • Avoid direct sun exposure (sunbathing, holidays, sun beds) for 14-30 days post-treatment
  • Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher) daily
  • Avoid active skincare (retinols, AHAs, BHAs), as well as any products containing high levels of vitamin A and glycolic acid for at least 5 days
  • Keep the treated area clean and moisturised with a gentle product
  • Don’t exfoliate you skin within the first 7 days as it may cause irritation
  • Do not pick or scratch at any scabs, crusting, flaking skin or blisters
  • Avoid strenuous exercise, hot showers/baths, saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs for a minimum of 48 hours
  • Do not apply makeup for 24–48 hours, or until skin sensitivity has fully resolved
  • • Avoid harsh skincare or cosmetics on the area until fully healed
  • Apply cool compresses as needed for discomfort or swelling
  • Make sure to stay hydrated to support skin healing

Are there any side effects?

Common side effects can include; redness & warmth in the treated area, slight swelling or bumpiness for a few hours post-treatment, and mild bruising or darkening of the treated vessels before they fade.

Most side effects are mild and temporary, resolving within a few hours to a few days. 

Does everyone need a consultation & patch test before treatment?

Yes, all laser treatments require a full consultation & patch test before the first treatment can go ahead. 

During the consultation we'll discuss your medical history, medications and other influencing factors, to make sure laser is a safe and suitable treatment for your goals.

We will then carry out a patch test to assess your skin sensitivity & response to the laser. This helps determine the appropriate settings for the laser & identify any potential adverse reactions or side effects. 

Please allow up to an hour for the initial consultation appointment.