Laser Thread Vein Removal

Thread Veins (Telangiectasia) are the small purple, blue or red veins that can appear on the face and body as we age. They are often found on the cheeks and nose but can also be accompanied with background redness. Thread veins can form as we age when the veins which would normally be hidden underneath the skin come to the surface. Vascular lesions (small veins, rosacea, cherry angiomas, etc.) are formed by overgrown or enlarged blood vessels, and can also be removed with Diode Laser Treatment in some cases.

How can Facial Thread Veins be treated? 

Facial Thread Veins can be effectively treated using a Diode laser by one of our specialists. At the clinic we use an Iridex Diolite laser to remove and reduce the appearance of thread veins.

For some patients, one or two sessions of IPL facial rejuvenation treatment can be offered prior to treatment. This can complement the Diode laser by helping to reduce some of the underlying background redness, vessels and flushing before the practitioner treats the surface vessels with the Diode laser. All of this will be discussed with you at the time of consultation as we tailor treatments to your particular skin problem.

Who performs the treatment for facial thread veins?

Diode laser treatment for thread veins is only performed at the clinic by our experienced Aesthetic Practitioners, Deborah Peebles & Sarah Williams, or Dr Fiona Emerson. You can find out more about our clinical team here.

What does Diode Laser treatment involve?

When you come in for your treatment the practitioner will first assess your skin before explaining what the laser treatment will involve. You will be asked some general questions about your skin and then the expected results, number of sessions required, potential side-effects and costs will all be discussed with you in full.

Once you are happy to go ahead with treatment you will lie down on one of our treatment couches whilst the practitioner sets up the laser for you. You will then be asked to wear some protective safety goggles and the practitioner will begin treatment.

Whilst many patients don’t require any topical anaesthetic to numb the area prior to treatment, some may find the treatment uncomfortable. If this is the case then we can provide a topical anaesthetic cream called Emla, which will be applied to the area 30 minutes before your next treatment session to numb the area.

The laser works by selectively heating up the superficial vessels and thread veins, causing the walls to weaken and break down. Results are instantaneous and you will notice that the treated veins disappear immediately as soon as the laser beam is traced over them. Any remains of the vessels will darken before being reabsorbed by the body’s immune system over the next few days.

Can I wear make-up after treatment?

We would recommend that you avoid using make up initially after treatment as the skin might be slightly tender, but generally you are free to wear makeup immediately after treatment but you should combine this with a high-factor sunscreen in-between treatment sessions.

Is the diode laser treatment painful?

During treatment you may experience a slight tingling sensation. Treatment with the diode laser can be uncomfortable for some, but most patients do not require any anaesthetic cream to numb the area prior to treatment. The Diode Laser is equipped with a chilled sapphire tip which cools skin before, during, and after each pulse.

However, if you do find the treatment uncomfortable or if you have any concerns about treatment then you can always have some topical anaesthetic cream applied to numb the area before you come in for your next treatment session.

The topical anaesthetic cream (Emla) is available at the clinic and will be applied to you 30 minutes before your next appointment. This will then be removed immediately before treatment and should help to make the treatment more comfortable for you.

How long do treatments take?

Treatments can take 5 to 30 minutes or more depending on the treatment area. If a topical anaesthetic is necessary then you will need to come in 30 minutes before your appointment to have the cream applied.

How many treatments are needed?

Most patients experience considerable improvement after 1 to 3 treatments depending upon the skin condition and level of treatment. Typically only 2 or 3 sessions are required in most cases.

What should I expect after treatment?

Soon after treatment your skin may appear slightly flushed and swollen. These effects usually subside after a few hours but can in rare cases last a few days.