Thread veins — also called spider veins, broken veins, or telangiectasia — are small, dilated blood vessels visible just beneath the skin surface. They appear as fine red, purple, or blue lines, often in a branching pattern. They are most commonly found on the nose, cheeks, and chin of the face, and across the thighs, calves, and ankles of the legs.
While entirely harmless, thread veins are a common source of self-consciousness. Laser treatment offers a precise, effective solution — targeting the vessels without damage to surrounding skin and without the need for surgery or lengthy compression therapy.
What Causes Thread Veins?
Thread veins develop when small blood vessels become permanently dilated and visible. Several factors contribute to this:
- **Genetics:** A family history of thread veins significantly increases your likelihood of developing them - **Sun exposure:** UV damage weakens vessel walls, making them more prone to dilation - **Hormonal changes:** Oestrogen affects vascular tone; thread veins are more common in women and often worsen during pregnancy or with hormonal contraception - **Prolonged standing:** Occupations requiring long periods of standing increase pressure in leg vessels - **Rosacea:** Thread veins on the face are frequently associated with rosacea, a chronic inflammatory skin condition - **Age:** Vessel walls lose elasticity with age, making dilation more likely
How Laser Thread Vein Removal Works
The laser targets oxyhaemoglobin — the molecule that gives blood its red colour — within the vessel. The laser energy is absorbed by the haemoglobin, generating heat that damages the vessel wall and causes it to collapse. The body then gradually absorbs the collapsed vessel over the following weeks, leaving clear skin.
Because the laser selectively targets the haemoglobin within the vessel, surrounding tissue is unaffected. Modern laser systems also incorporate cooling to protect the skin surface throughout treatment.
The Treatment Experience
A topical cooling gel is applied to the skin before treatment. The laser handpiece is passed over each vessel, delivering short pulses of energy. The sensation is often described as a small snap or flick — brief and mild. No anaesthesia is required for most treatments.
Session duration depends on the area and number of vessels being treated — from 20 minutes for a small facial area to 60 minutes for a larger leg treatment.
Following treatment, the treated vessels typically appear darker initially as the damaged blood within them shows through — this is a normal and expected response. Redness and mild swelling around the treated area may persist for 24–48 hours.
Over the following 4–6 weeks, the collapsed vessels are gradually cleared by the immune system, and the skin becomes progressively clearer.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
Most clients with facial thread veins see significant clearance after 1–3 sessions. Leg thread veins, which are often more extensive, typically require 2–4 sessions. Sessions are spaced 6–8 weeks apart to allow the full clearance of treated vessels before reassessment.
After Treatment
Sun protection is important following laser treatment to prevent stimulation of new vessel formation. For leg thread veins, mild compression and regular walking support circulation during the healing period.
While laser treatment effectively removes existing thread veins, it does not prevent new ones from forming. An annual maintenance session may be recommended if new vessels appear over time.
We currently offer **up to 30% off** thread vein removal packages. Book your free consultation at Skin Health Practice — call **020 3886 1313** or visit 65-73 Staines Road, Hounslow, TW3 3HW.