Spider Veins
Procedure time
60 mins
Full recovery
24-48 hours
Anaesthetic
none
Results duration
permanent
Results
3-6 treatments
Risks
very low
- What are spider veins?
- Key Facts
- How does the treatment work?
- Which types of veins can be treated?
- How is the treatment carried out?
- Am I suitable for treatment?
- How does the treatment feel?
- Are there any side effects?
- How many treatments are necessary?
What are spider veins?
Facial red veins, spider veins or telangiectasia are tiny blood vessels (capillaries) which run close to the skin’s surface. They look like thin red or occasionally purple or blue threads that often occur around the nose, across the cheeks and chin. The resulting red, web-shaped appearance gives them their common name, spider veins. Vascular lesions emerge when the blood vessels become enlarged which causes the veins to appear broken. Red veins are caused by overexposure to the sun, drastic changes in weather, changes in pressure, excessive alcohol consumption, environmental irritants, rosacea, hormonal changes, or simply genetics.
Key Facts
Spider veins can occur even if you’re young
The most typical cause of unwanted facial veins is the normal thinning of skin that comes with age.
Women are more commonly affected than men
Heredity and genetics are a common cause of facial veins
How does the treatment work?
Light energy is applied to the skin where it is readily absorbed by blood vessels, heating them to a point where they are destroyed. Following treatment, the vessels quickly clear as they are reabsorbed by the body, leaving little or no trace of the original lesion.
Which types of veins can be treated?
Most red skin lesions, including facial thread veins, rosacea, spider naevi, and port wine stains, can be treated very successfully. Depending on the lesions, leg vessels can also respond well to treatment.
How is the treatment carried out?
The light applicator is placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released. The applicator is moved to the neighbouring area and the process is repeated until the entire area is treated. During treatment, protective eyewear will be provided.
Am I suitable for treatment?
Treatment is suitable for most people. Best results are obtained for those with fair skin, and there is less chance of side effects.
How does the treatment feel?
Treatment is mildly uncomfortable but there is no need for anaesthesia and the procedure is actually quite quick. Sensations vary but most describe it as a very quick hot pin prick.
Are there any side effects?
After treatment the area may feel warm for a few hours. Rarely, some delicate skin areas such as the cheeks or décolleté can be red and slightly swollen for up to 48 hours. Though very rare, there is a chance a small blister may form and there could be temporary lightening or darkening of the skin.
How many treatments are necessary?
Typically 3 to 5 treatments are needed for optimum results, though small lesions may clear in just a single session. Repeat treatments are spaced every 4 to 6 weeks.