The Low Down on Thread Vein Removal
Are thread veins causing you to feel embarrassed? Do you constantly worry about their unsightly appearance? Well fear not, for you are not alone! Almost all of both men and women will be affected with thread veins at some stage of our lives, and although they are not deemed to be harmful in any way having them removed can not only be aesthetically pleasing but can also improve your self confidence. Our I²PL treatment is an effective and clinically proven therapy to remove unwanted thread veins.
What are thread veins?
Thread veins are small blood vessels called telangiectasia that run close to the surface of the skin. Also known as ‘spider veins’ or ‘broken veins’, they appear as fine red or purple wiggly lines in the most superficial layer of the skin.
What causes thread veins?
With thread veins there is usually no obvious cause although they do tend to appear as we age due to our skin and blood vessels becoming less elastic. Thread veins also tend to be more popular in women as we experience hormonal changes throughout our lives such as pregnancy and the menopause. Other factors thought to cause their development include too much sunbathing.
Thread veins vs varicose veins, are they related?
Varicose veins tend to be much larger and deeper than thread veins and are more blue or purple in colour. Mainly affecting the veins in the legs, varicose veins can occur on their own or as part of an inherited problem. If you suffer from varicose veins you are more than likely to have thread veins also, however the reverse isn’t true. Varicose veins cannot be treated with laser and often require specialist treatment from a dermatologist with sclerotherapy, a treatment which uses a tiny needle to inject a solution that causes microscopic damage to the cells in the lining of the vein. Sclerotherapy is used to treat the smaller varicose veins however they can come back and often surgery is the best option. Seek advise from your GP in the first instance.
Treatment of thread veins with Ellipse I²PL
Ellipse I²PL is a laser treatment which uses short, safe bursts of intense pulsed light directed at thread veins. Each pulse is less than a thousandth of a second and the laser only targets the unwanted vein leaving the rest of the skin untouched. The treatment involves the laser sending a wavelength into the skin which is absorbed by the haemoglobin in the blood and thus destroys the problem vessel. Three to four treatments are recommended at 4 weekly intervals. The treatment time is relatively short, typically 10 – 20 minutes and the sensation is likened to an elastic band pinging against the skin. The treatment can only be carried out after a consultation and patch test and you cannot have had any sun exposure within 30 days before or after treatment, this also includes the use of self tanning products before and throughout course of treatment. It is advisable to avoid smoking for 3 – 4 days prior to treatment to ensure optimal results.
Its important to have realistic expectations from the treatment. The smaller, finer veins are treated very easily although the thicker veins can be more difficult to treat. Usually about 90 per cent clearance is acheived.
The cost of treatment can vary as the treatment is charged dependant on the number of shots used. Treatments can start from £60 up to £125 pr treatment but you will be advised of cost at your initial consultation.
It is important to carry out a good homecare routine, especially if you have a fragile, sensitised skin that is prone to dilated capillaries. Avoiding harsh exfoliants and using an SPF 30 + will help. If you have a hobby or job that involves a lot of exposure to the elements then you should consider a product such as Dermalogica’s Climate control to help protect the skin and provide a barrier to harsh extremes of weather.
Sometimes when the course of thread vein treatment is complete there can be an underlying redness which has most probably always been there but because your focus has been on the veins you may not have noticed. Although not always the case, this underlying redness can be removed with a skin rejuvenation treatment, usually one treatment will suffice.
For any further information please do not hesitate to contact us here at Beauty Haven and we will be happy to answer any query you may have.