Facial thread veins or broken red veins (telangiectasia) are small unsightly superficial red,
purple or blue veins that occur around the nose and across the cheeks, chin, neck and decolletage.
Cherry haemangiomas and spider veins which can appear anywhere on the face
or body can also be successfully treated. These broken vessels occur when the vein dilates
and become larger, so they are visible through the transparency of the skin. Although facial
veins / spider veins are quite common they can cause some distress and embarrassment for
those who have them.
Facial veins may be hereditary or as a result of a variety of factors including damage from
sun exposure, wind and the extremes of temperature. The overuse of steroid creams and
certain auto immune conditions may also induce thread veins. Often the exact cause is
unknown and may just be part of the natural ageing process or as a part of a skin condition
called rosacea.
Facial vessels are effectively treated with Intense Pulse Light (IPL) or laser with minimal
downtime or risk in just a few quick, easy treatments. IPL emits light, which is readily
absorbed by blood vessels, heating them to point where they are destroyed. Following
treatment, the vessels quickly clear as they are reabsorbed by the body, leaving little or no
trace of the original lesion.
Immediately after treatment some thread veins will disappear but may re-occur a few days
later but be less visible. With further treatment these vessels will disappear and are not likely
to reoccur. However, once you are prone to facial redness you always will be, so new veins
may appear at some point in the future making further treatment necessary. Maintenance
sessions may not be required for several years though as results are long-lasting. To help
prevent new veins forming we strongly advise the use of a good sunscreen, minimum SPF50,
to protect the skin from future damage.
Procedure
Protective goggles must be worn. A cool gel will be applied to help the handpiece glide, aid
absorption of the light and increase client comfort. Treatment sensation varies but is often
described as a ‘flick of an elastic band’. No anaesthetic is required, and most clients describe
the discomforts as moderate and tolerable. The gel is removed and a cooling balm applied.
The skin will be red and may be swollen. During treatment protective eye wear will be
provided.
Post procedure instructions
Care should be taken to avoid trauma to the treated are for 4-5 days
Avoid strenuous activities, sauna, steam rooms and excessively hot baths
Ice packs or aloe vera can be applied if area feels hot or swollen
Make-up can be reapplied after several hours
Superficial scabbing/flaking is expected, which should be left to fall off naturally
SPF 50 should be applied to any area exposed to sunlight
Can anyone have this treatment?
Most people are suitable for treatment except for...
Very dark skinned or tanned individuals
History of keloid scarring
Breast feeding and pregnancy
Severe photosensitive skin
Epilepsy within last 12 months
Skin cancer or other malignant disease
Cancer in the last 2 years
Active inflammatory skin condition such as eczema, herpes simplex in the area
Prior to treatment you must first undergo a consultation where details about your medical history are obtained in order to confirm suitability. Before proceeding you will be asked to sign a consent form and undergo a test patch.
Treatment summary
Procedure Time
15 - 30mins
Duration of Result
Occasional top ups may be required
Recovery Time
1 - 5 days
Back to Work
Same day
Number of Treatments
1 - 4