What are Thread Veins?
Thread veins are also called 'red veins' or 'dilated capillaries' and 'telangiectasia'. Normally positioned in the deeper, dermal areas of the skin, small blood vessels expand, 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).

Areas from which Thread Veins can be Removed
Thread veins can be removed from the face and body by cauterization, using Diathermy Electrolysis, and also by blend electrolysis. Thread veins can be removed from the legs by Blend Electrolysis and by Sclerotherapy. (You can read more on the Sclerotherapy page.)
 
The Removal of Thread Veins by Diathermy and Blend Electrolysis
With Diathermy, a minute current is applied at 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. 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 invisible, except on very close inspection. They fall off between day 4 and 14 (face) and sometimes leave a pink patch of skin which fades. The application and healing process for Blend electrolysis is similar. The tip of the needle is placed just under the skin surface into the blood vessel. This method converts the salt and water in the blood into lye. Lye is caustic and flushes through the vein blocking the blood flow.

Consultation
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. Please do not apply fake tan to the area to be treated, as it obscures the blemish.

The Duration of the Treatment
The duration of a facial treatment is about 20-30 minutes. Typically, 2-3 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.

Post Treatment Instructions
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

For 48 hours apply Witch Hazel Gel followed by Apres Cosmetic Cream (aftercare cream).

Apply Sterex’s highly active Aloe Vera lotion from day 3 for about a month. This promotes healing under the skin and softens and conditions your skin. Sunblock should be applied over the Aloe Vera in exposed areas.

Avoid touching the area, so apply products with cotton wool.

Protect the area from soap, shampoo and hair spray, swimming pool chemicals (and their infection risk)  etc. for 24 hours.

Do not knock off any tiny crusts present, which seal the skin. They occur between about day 2 and day 14. Consider patting the skin dry with paper tissues to avoid lifting any crusts (towels may be too rough).

Do not use a sunbed or sauna, avoid strong sun rays and intense excercise 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. 

Please do not apply fake tan until any pin dot crusts have dropped off as it may make them more visible.