Thread Vein & Spider Vein Removal
Thread veins (also known as spider veins or telangiectasia) are small, dilated blood vessels that appear close to the skin's surface, creating visible red, purple, or blue lines. They most commonly appear on the face — particularly around the nose, cheeks, and chin — and on the legs. While thread veins are harmless, they can be a source of significant self-consciousness and may worsen over time if left untreated. At Skin Health Practice in Hounslow, we use ND YAG laser technology to safely and effectively eliminate thread veins, restoring clear, even-toned skin.
Reviewed by Su Rixon · Aesthetic Clinician · Last reviewed April 2026
What Causes Thread Veins?
Thread veins develop when tiny blood vessels near the skin's surface become permanently dilated. On the face, common causes include sun damage, rosacea, ageing, hormonal changes, and alcohol consumption. On the legs, they can result from prolonged standing, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and hereditary factors. Fair-skinned individuals tend to be more prone to visible thread veins, though they can affect all skin types. While lifestyle modifications can help prevent new thread veins from forming, existing ones typically do not resolve on their own and require professional treatment.
How ND YAG Laser Removes Thread Veins
Our ND YAG laser delivers a specific wavelength of light that is absorbed by the haemoglobin (blood pigment) within the thread vein. This energy heats the blood vessel, causing it to coagulate and collapse. The body then naturally absorbs the collapsed vessel over the following weeks, and it is permanently removed. The ND YAG wavelength is ideal for vein removal because it penetrates deep enough to reach dilated vessels while minimising surface skin damage. The precision of the laser allows us to target individual veins without affecting surrounding tissue.
Treatment Areas and What to Expect
We treat thread veins on the face (nose, cheeks, chin), legs, ankles, and other body areas. Facial thread vein sessions are quick — typically 15 to 20 minutes. Leg vein treatments may take 30 to 45 minutes depending on the extent of the veins. During treatment, you will feel a brief stinging sensation as the laser targets each vein. The treated veins may appear darker or more visible immediately after treatment — this is normal and indicates successful treatment. Over the following 2 to 6 weeks, the veins gradually fade and disappear as the body absorbs them.
Have Questions?
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Why Choose This Treatment
Key Benefits
Permanent removal of treated
Permanent removal of treated thread veins and spider veins
ND YAG laser
ND YAG laser — the gold standard for vein removal
Effective on facial veins
Effective on facial veins, leg veins, and body veins
Precision targeting without damage
Precision targeting without damage to surrounding skin
Quick treatments
Quick treatments — 15 to 45 minutes depending on the area
Minimal downtime
Minimal downtime — return to normal activities immediately
Frequently Asked Questions
Have Additional Questions?
Get in touch and our team will be happy to help.
Clear, Vein-Free Skin Awaits
Do not let visible thread veins affect your confidence. Book your thread vein removal consultation at Skin Health Practice in Hounslow and enjoy clear, even-toned skin.