Thread veins, broken veins or telangiectaesia are the small red or blue veins which can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the face and legs. They can appear as single veins, widely dispersed or as a collection of broken veins close together. They can also appear as a collection of vessels arising from a single point; these are known as Spider Naevi.

There are currently three methods available to treat thread veins: Sclerotherapy (the injection of a sclerosing agent into the vessels), ND:Yag Laser treatment and IPL treatment. By combining these treatments, we are able to maximise our ability to clear thread veins. However, some very large veins or varicose veins may need to be dealt with prior to treatment on the thread veins. You will be advised in advance during consultation if a consultation with a vascular surgeon is recommended.

The number of treatments required will depend on the site and the extent of the affected area and will be estimated at your consultation. It is unusual for less than 2 treatments to be required. Treatments are usually planned at 6-8 week intervals. After treatment it is quite safe to perform normal daily activities and gentle exercise is encouraged, with the exception of swimming which should be avoided until the skin is completely healed. Work-outs and weights should be avoided as the increased blood pressure will put extra pressure on the treated veins and can render the treatment ineffective.

These pictures show the positive results achieved with a single treatment using the ND:Yag laser.

Pictures © Laserase Bolton Ltd.

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