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How to get rid of facial thread veins

If you’re wondering how to get rid of facial thread veins, this article will explain what thread veins are, what causes them, and the best ways of treating them effectively.

Facial thread veins are small, flat lines that appear through the skin in a web-like pattern. They are also commonly known as spider veins. They are red, blue or purple in colour and do not normally cause any pain. However, many people wish to get rid of them because of the way they look, particularly when they appear on the face.

Covering thread veins with make-up is an option, but that does not provide a long-term solution. And while you can take steps at home to stop thread veins worsening, and possibly prevent spider veins from forming, the only effective spider vein treatment is through professional cosmetic treatments.

The main treatments options for facial thread veins are:

  • Laser light treatments
  • Diathermy, using high-frequency electrical current

Each of these types of thread vein treatment is explained in more detail below.

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Removing spider veins with laser treatment

Laser treatment is a safe and effective thread vein removal method. Light from the laser is directed at the veins causing them to heat up very quickly. The heat causes the vein to break down and collapse in on itself.

At Harpenden Skin Clinic, we remove facial thread veins using a laser treatment known as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Skin Rejuvenation.

Also known as Photo Rejuvenation, IPL is a non-invasive treatment that targets everything from facial thread veins to redness, sun damage to rosacea. Whatever your skin imperfection, IPL may provide the answer.

What causes facial thread veins?

The role of veins is to pump deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Blood should therefore only flow in one direction. Sometimes, however, the valves that prevent blood from moving backwards are damaged.

Spider veins are formed when blood leaks back into the lower part of the vein and begins to pool.

While spider veins are not generally a cause for medical concern, for aesthetic purposes, people may seek treatments to reduce them. Laser treatments can be very effective for this.

Who gets spider veins?

The most common causes of facial thread veins are ageing, frequent alcohol consumption, injury to the face, changes in weather and sun exposure. Genetics can also play a part.

People who suffer from rosacea, liver disease, or connective tissue diseases often have spider veins on the face. Some people experience pregnancy-related spider veins too.

If you have facial spider veins but still feel unsure, at Harpenden Skin Clinic we are always here to help and advise patients on the best possible treatment journey performed by experienced clinicians.

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We are highly experienced in treating a range of skin conditions. We offer laser treatment options performed by our laser therapists, as well as other effective cosmetic procedures for all kinds of skin treatment work.

How laser therapy works on thread veins

Whatever your skin imperfection, IPL treatment may provide the answer. IPL Skin Rejuvenation is a non-invasive treatment that targets everything from spider veins to sun damage and rosacea.

In this type of laser therapy, IPL applicators deliver powerful bursts of light, targeting pigmentation or skin imperfections such as broken blood vessels and general redness, both on the face and body, without affecting the surrounding tissue.

The dermal layer of the skin is heated without removing the outer layer of the skin. This triggers the body’s natural process of breaking down the pigment into tiny particles, removing unwanted marks from the skin,

This treatment will target redness in the the skin and help to eliminate broken blood vessels and spider veins.

 

Diatheramy treatment

Diathermy is another treatment that can reduce, and in some cases completely remove, facial thread veins in a matter of seconds.

A fine needle is passed over the affected area of small broken blood vessels, transmitting a high-frequency electrical current, which seals the blood vessel, blocking blood flow.

Does Diatheramy hurt?

Patients describe diathermy as mildly uncomfortably and the skin may look pink or puffy afterwards.

When will I see results?

This is only temporary and will subside after a few hours. After 2-3 days, tiny scabs may appear, but they soon fall off, revealing vein-free skin. 

How many treatments do I need?

While one treatment is sufficient in most cases, the number of treatments needed for optimal results will depend on the severity of your thread veins.

Which treatment is best for me?

At Harpenden Skin Clinic, we are firm believers in the ‘less is more’ approach. 

When you see us for an initial consultation about your facial thread veins, we will advise you on the best treatment for achieving the results you want.

Find out more about the different treatments in this article by clicking on the links below. And read about the patient journey at Harpenden Skin Clinic here.

About Harpenden Skin Clinic

We are located in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, in a relaxing and luxurious setting in Harpenden. We were established in 2011 by nurse practitioner and aesthetic medicine expert Janne Richardson. Get in touch with us to arrange a consultation and start your journey to removing thread veins, reducing redness and restoring beautiful skin.

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Harpenden Skin Clinic
The Coach House
Pipers Lane
Harpenden AL5 1AJ

Phone 01582 822000

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Harpenden Skin Clinic

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