What are thread veins?
Thread veins, broken veins or telangiectasia are the small red or blue veins which can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the face and legs. Facial vessels are always treated by laser and are explained on a separate sheet.
Thread veins 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.
We use a Diolix laser to treat facial thread veins.
Why do thread veins develop?
Thread veins are caused by a variety of factors including exposure to ultra violet light, wind and extremes of temperature. Steroid creams and the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can also induce thread veins.
Some individuals are genetically more prone to develop thread veins than others and some people are more at risk because of old injuries. If your parents had thread veins, then there is a good chance that you will develop them.
It is possible that hormone treatments, such as the contraceptive pill and HRT can increase the likelihood of forming thread veins.
Can all thread veins be removed?
Not always. You will be advised in advance during the consultation if we feel the treatment may be ineffective.
Which laser would be used?
We use a Diolix diode laser, to remove blood vessels up to a diameter of about 2mm.
How does the laser work?
All lasers work by producing light of a very specific wavelength. If the wavelength of the laser is matched to a target colour (such as the red of blood in the vessel wall), the energy of the laser is absorbed specifically by the target but not by the surrounding tissues.
The Diolix laser delivers a series of focused energy pulses generating heat for very short periods of time; this energy closes down the thread veins, without perforating them; it is rather like spot welding. The damaged veins are gradually dissolved and removed by the body's immune system over several weeks after treatment.
What is laser treatment like?
The laser is fired in short bursts at the thread veins. This feels like a hot pin-prick on the skin, and some patients may find this uncomfortable. Paracetamol taken 1 hour before treatment may help. During and after treatment the skin may be cooled to reduce discomfort.
What can I expect after laser treatment?
This varies. There may some skin reaction in the form of a light crusting that can develop after a day or two and rarely slight blistering can occur. There can also be some bruising which may take a few weeks to fade away completely.
How many treatments will I need and how often?
The number of treatments needed 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 six week intervals. We do not carry out treatment on patients who are tanned or have recently been exposed to UV.
What are the possible complications of laser therapy?
In general, laser therapy is safe and effective. Complications do sometimes occur but the risk of scarring is very low. We have been using this particular laser for more than 4 years and have had only two cases of pin-point scarring, due to clients picking off crusted areas.
Other side-effects may include: blistering and fine ‘crusting', particularly on very fine vessels. The area around the ankle is more likely to have complications than other areas, as the skin is thin and fine, consequently this area is not suitable for sclerotherapy.
It is very important that you give details of any medication you are taking, and any medical problems you have, which may be relevant to the treatment. We do not carry out treatment in patients who are tanned or recently exposed to UV.
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