There are 2 options for treatment of Thread veins;

• Laser Treatment
• Advanced Electrolysis

Laser Treatment

• The key chromophore for vascular treatments is Haemoglobin
• Absorption of the laser wavelength by blood
• The blood vessel is heated up (coagulated) above 70C
• Thus heating the endothelial lining of the blood vessel wall
• And causing collagen contraction of the blood vessel
• Which is then destroyed
• Over a period of time, the blood vessel is destroyed and eliminated by phagocytosis (weeks to months).

Electro-Surgery

• A sterile disposable needle is inserted carefully into the vein (upstream). The electric current produces a heating effect which instantly coagulate the blood. The treated area may turn white and therefore erythema will set in. There will be slight swelling. The body’s own defence system takes over to restore the skin. The healing process will start.
• Advanced Electrolysis is a preferable treatment option for darker skin types.

• Anyone who suffers from Thread veins, Broken veins, Spider veins, Blood spots on the face, legs or body areas.

• Firstly the areas to be treated will be cleansed. A picture of your veins will be taken so you can track your progress.
• The veins will be measured using a vein card to determine the diameter of each vein. This will allow to choose the most effective parameters for each of your veins.
• Each of the veins is treated individually using a very small spot size until the whole area is completed. The therapist will check to ensure clinical endpoints have been reached, veins have shrunk, disappeared or darkened in colour.
• The area is pre-cooled before, during and after the treatment using a combination of DCD or Air cool.
• Aloe vera gel, a specific ointment and sun protection is applied.

• We book the treatment in a block of 20 minutes. We treat as many veins as we can.
• A typical 20 minute session will cover an area such as cheekbones & nose or one part of the leg such as the upper leg or lower leg.

• You will feel a small amount of heat as the blood vessel is heated up and coagulates. The thicker & deeper the blood vessel, the more heat you will feel.
• We use a combination of DCD & Ice cooler to cool before, during & after the treatment. This alleviates any discomfort.
• Most of our clients tolerate the treatment well.

• Anything from 1 – 6 sessions depending on the size of the area and the extent of the condition.
• Face areas normally require 1-3 treatments, 4-6 weeks between treatments.
• Legs allow 8-12 weeks between treatments. Resolution of the vessel continues throughout this period.
• The thicker the blood vessel the more the treatments required.

• Yes both the Laser treatment and Advanced Electrolysis respond extremely well with up to 90% success rate!

• The area will be quite red after the treatment. They may be some associated swelling. Scabs may be formed in the treatment area and may take a full 2 weeks for the skin to completely heal.
• Please note that you can use mineral makeup or out Blemish Balm to conceal the skin whilst healing.

What are veins?

• Veins are small dilated blood vessels. They can occur on the legs and are most commonly seen on the face, especially around the cheeks and nose of adults with fair skin.
• Veins are also known as Telangiectasia, broken veins, red veins, spider veins or red blood spots. These are tiny blood vessels under the skin which have become dilated. They can be superficial red veins or deeper purple or blue veins.
• They are usually harmless, however they are more of a cosmetic concern.

Face and Leg veins can be broken down into 5 categories:

1. Red Veins

• Red veins are normal capillaries, which have been on the skin surface due to enlargement or the thinning of the skin above them.
• These superficial vessels can be treated successfully, provided they are small and easily visible.

2. Thread veins

• When blood escapes from the capillaries, possibly due to damage, it can leave small red thread-like formation very superficially near the skin surface (top dermal and epidermal) and are very visible.
• Once the blood has escaped from a capillary it cannot re-enter the normal vascular system.
• Thread veins can build up over many years or appear due to sudden damage.
• They are easily treated, but further damage can result if the causes are not determined and removed.

3. Spider Nevi – (consist of red feeding dot with legs coming out)

• If the central vessel is depressed the lesion will blanch. These commonly occur on the face on the cheeks or on the back of the hands or forearms. They can commonly be seen on children or pregnant woman.

4. Red blood spots (Campbell de Morgan spots)

• These are small raised spots that most often appear on the trunk. They do not blanch when pressure is applied. They appear spontaneously and tend to increase in number in middle age. the cause is unknown but they respond well to both IPL & 1064 YAG.

5. Couperus Conditions

• When the capillary walls become dilated they can be more easily seen from the surface of the skin.
• A cupreous condition can be identified as a permanent blushing which shows the area to be pink or red, but not clearly defined capillaries. These vessels are usually found at the lower dermal or subcutaneous level.
• This condition is best treated with a Laser or IPL. Advanced Electrolysis is not indicated for this use.

What causes these veins?

• Weak valves – venous insufficiency
• Inherited factors – tends to run in families
• May occur during hormonal stages such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause.
• Birth control pills
• Steroid use
• Sun exposure & Photo-damage
• Injury/trauma to the skin
• Standing for long periods of time
• Age
• Overweight increases the likelihood of developing them
• Smoking increases the likelihood of developing them
• Extreme weather conditions hot or cold.