They are typically harmless, but red, blue or purple thread veins (also known as spider veins) just below the skin’s surface – usually found on the face or legs – are a cosmetic issue.
Thread veins are more common than you might think, particularly as you age, and it’s difficult to conceal them with make-up. They form when small blood vessels just under the skin weaken and expand for various reasons, and some people are more prone to this than others.
I really enjoy being able to banish these annoying little threads, watching them disappear before my eyes as they react to the laser. Laser therapy for thread veins is a non-invasive treatment that can permanently destroy the visible vein – sometimes in just one treatment if it is small, or over a short course of treatments for larger veins and extensive vein coverage.
At a thread vein removal consultation, I will give you an assessment, patch test and my honest, experienced opinion of the potential for successful treatment, with an estimate of the number of sessions required and the cost.
I use a NdYag laser, in a small spot size, as a really precise, effective and quick tool for eliminating these veins. The 2.5mm laser beam penetrates the surface skin without breaking or damaging it, then it reacts with the red colour in the blood in the fine tissue just under the surface ‘broken’ veins to create a controlled amount of heat to damage and seal off the vein walls.
The thread veins turn darker and become slightly raised. This can last for a few days before the body naturally eliminates the left-over tiny particles of damaged vein tissue, which can last for a few days before the body naturally eliminates the tiny particles of damaged vein tissue. The unwanted facial thread veins just fade away over a week or two. Slightly larger leg broken veins, using up to a 5mm laser beam will take longer (eight to 12 weeks) to resolve and fade away.
There is a hot, pinprick sensation as the laser fires rapidly in a dot-to-dot pattern along the veins, but this is carried out in short bursts with the simultaneous application of cold air. During treatment I remain alert for any negative reaction and will minimise the client’s discomfort as much as possible.
Most thread veins can be erased after just one treatment, with the possibility of a “touch up” required a month or so later. If there is a close network of fine red veins two or three treatment sessions may be needed to reduce the skin trauma.
To make a booking or enquire.
alice@womantowoman.info
Woman to Woman & The Male Perspective Specialist Laser & Beauty Studio
8 Portland Way
Calne
Wiltshire
SN11 8LJ
All rights reserved. Created by Dentons Digital
