Thread veins can appear blue, red purple and are generally larger and more visible than usual. They can occur anywhere, but are usually found on the face and legs. You might spot them as unconnected lines or they can appear in a web-like pattern. They initially appear small but can often grow.

Thread veins are damaged veins and can no longer return blood to the heart and lungs. It’s also possible for micro-tears to release small amounts of blood and cause staining. The damaged veins can cause neighbouring veins to malfunction and stretch, which is why thread veins often get worse over time. Facial thread veins can be caused by rosacea, sun exposure, repeated sneezing and frequent coughing. These may also exacerbate existing thread veins.

While women are generally at a greater risk of getting thread veins, men do get them as well. You are more likely to suffer from thread veins if they already run in your family. Additional risk factors include injuries or trauma, and they are often associated with prolonged periods of sitting or standing as increasing the risk of thread veins.

You can help reduce the risk of thread veins by maintaining a healthy weight and diet, as well as by avoiding excessive alcohol and smoking. Make sure you avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear SPF cream at all times – this applies to everyone, even while in the UK. You should also avoid very hot or very cold water when you’re in the bath or shower, and you can improve the blood flow in your legs through the use of compression garments.

The first step is to meet your patient advisor. You’ll be able to talk to them about why you’re considering thread vein removal treatment, which type of treatment would be right for you, the likely costs and finance options, and when you’d like to have the treatment. If you feel ready, we’ll then book you in for your free consultation with one of our professional practitioners or nurses.

At your free consultation, your professional practitioner or nurse will ask you about the results you want to achieve. They’ll guide you through the different treatment options and create a personal treatment plan for you to ensure you achieve the best results. • IPL (Intense Pulse Light) can help in a variety of skin problems including acne, rosacea, sun-damage, fine lines and wrinkles, broken capillaries, age spots, blemishes and birthmarks. • Sclerotherapy can help veins on the body but is not used on the face. • Veinwave can be used on the chest and face, and is currently only available at our Edinburgh clinic You can discuss every aspect of your treatment with no obligation to go ahead. Our practitioners and nurses are extremely knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions you have. If you feel ready to go ahead, we can book your treatment in for a date and time that suits you.

On the day of your treatment, you’ll be able to go through any last-minute questions with your practitioner or nurse. The procedure will vary according to the area treated and the technique used. • IPL treatment delivers precise pulses of light that can help to reduce the appearance of thread veins. Each session lasts just 15 to 30 minutes. • Sclerotherapy involves an injection into the blood vessel using a very fine needle. A number of veins can be treated in one session, although some veins may need a second session. • Veinwave is a new technology that uses high frequency waves to target smaller veins and quickly reduce their appearance

You’ll be able to leave the clinic as soon as your treatment has been completed, and you should be fine to go about your normal day-to-day activities. If you have any questions following your treatment, you can call our clinic for help.

We believe that the highest quality aftercare is just as important as the treatment itself, so we’re here to support you. If you have any questions or concerns at all, you can contact our 24/7 helpline. All of our thread vein removal treatments are designed to reduce the appearance of problem veins. Results depend on the treatment used and the condition of the veins. IPL treatment delivers improved results with each application, reducing the number of visits needed.