What are Thread Veins?

Thread veins are also called 'red veins' or 'broken capillaries' and 'telangiectasis'. Normally positioned in the deeper, dermal areas of the skin, small blood vessels expand and rupture, seeping into the surface layers and becoming visible. They appear as wavy red lines (thread veins), (red spots), or as red spots with thin red lines radiating from them (spider neaevi).

• Face - By cauterization using diathermy electrolysis
• Legs - By Sclerotherapy (a superficial injection)
• Legs - By cauterization using diathermy electrolysis
• Body - By cauterization using diathermy electrolysis

A minute current is applied just underneath the skin surface by tapping a very fine needle along the affected area. The blood vessel is thus cauterized, i.e. destroyed by heat.
The skin is blanched and the red colour disappears, the blood being reabsorbed by the body. The area may feel a little hot a few minutes later. Tinted, medicated ' Sterex Lotion' is applied to the skin to cool it and to promote the healing process. Minute, honey-coloured crusts may form on the skin surface. These are often visible, except on very close inspection. They fall off in about 4 days (face) or 3 weeks (legs), and may leave a pink patch of skin which fades.

During the 15 minute consultation, we shall discuss the possible causes of your thread veins, and I will ask about your medical history, explain the treatment and describe the after-care procedures required.

The duration of a facial treatment is about 15-20 minutes. Typically, 2-4 treatments may be required to clear facial veins but after one treatment there will be a noticeable difference. Subsequent appointments are made at 2-3 week intervals. Legs usually require several treatments at 5-6 week intervals. The interval allows the skin to heal fully and should any tiny spots be destined to reappear, they will have done so during this period, and can be dealt with at the next appointment.

These instructions are designed to promote healing and to avoid irritation or infection of the treated area.

• The area may remain red for several hours
• Wash the treated area with luke-warm water only for the next 24 hours
• On the face, apply Sterex lotion, following each wash or cleanse for the next 2-3 days
• Avoid touching the area
• Protect the area from soap, shampoo and hair spray etc. for 24 hours
• Do not knock off any tiny crusts present
• Do not use a sunbed or sauna and avoid strong sun rays until the area is completely healed (several days). This is because the area treated may be irritated by the heat, may not tan, and may be more prone to sun-burn

For further details of the full range of treatments, please phone 01935 873 456.