Thread veins are small blood vessels that become visible under the skin surface. They are tiny red, purple or blue lines that are connected in a web-like formation and are known as spider veins or telangiectasias. They can appear on the face and on the legs of both men and women.
Common Causes of Thread Veins
The most common cause of thread veins is aging as the walls of the blood vessels become weak with time. Some people are more prone to thread veins than others due to hereditary reasons. In women, hormonal changes can cause the appearance of thread veins, for example during pregnancy, menopause or as a result of taking hormonal medications. Thread veins can also be caused by obesity as well as prolonged periods of standing or sitting. The skin can also become damaged due to excessive sun exposure which can also cause thread veins to appear.
It is common for people to not even know they have thread veins until they start to become more apparent. Even then they can continue to grow in size over time.
The Difference Between Thread Veins and Varicose Veins
Varicose Veins are different from Thread Veins. Varicose Veins are larger, swollen veins that are raised on the surface of the skin, often appearing twisted and can be painful and give rise to symptoms of aching, heaviness and discomfort in the legs. Thread Veins are usually cosmetic and don’t cause any problems or symptoms. As varicose veins are raised, they can cause symptoms such as aching and a heavy feeling in the legs.
How Laser Thread Vein Removal Works
Using the latest laser technology to remove thread veins. Laser removal of thread veins is a simple, non-surgical procedure which aims to remove visible veins from the surface of the skin by using high technology to target blood vessels. Laser removes thread veins by using light energy that is focused onto red spots and, as the light is absorbed by the blood within the vein, it is heated up and collapses. The body then mops up the remaining vein over time until it has disappeared altogether.
The body then naturally breaks down and absorbs the vein that has been destroyed, as a result the vein will disappear completely from view over a period of time. Because of the precision of the laser only the thread vein is targeted and destroyed, the surrounding skin is left unaffected.
Treatment Experience and Recovery
The sensation of having a vein treated with a laser is often described as a small elastic band being snapped on the skin surface and generally most people find the treatment tolerable whether treating veins on the face or legs.
The amount of sessions that are required to treat thread veins can vary. For small veins on the face, usually one session is enough to achieve the best results. For larger veins or more numbers of veins, further sessions may be required to achieve optimal results. It takes up to 6 weeks for the best results to be seen as the body takes time to absorb the damaged veins.
Preventing Future Thread Veins
Unfortunately it is not possible to guarantee prevention of new thread veins. However keeping your weight down, regular exercise and avoiding long periods of standing will help to keep circulation healthy. Protecting your skin from sun damage will also help to prevent new facial thread veins from occurring.
While there is no guarantee that following these tips will stop new thread veins from forming, they can help to reduce the likelihood of their occurrence by reducing some of the contributing factors.
Laser Thread Vein Removal Results
Laser treatment for small thread veins on the face is extremely effective and very commonly treated within cosmetic clinics. The technology has greatly improved in recent years allowing practitioners to give the most accurate treatment to each individual.
Results from laser thread vein removal can vary from person to person but for the majority of people, the appearance of the thread veins will have greatly diminished following the treatment. Results can last for a variable amount of time and in some cases, new blood vessels can grow and new thread veins can appear.
For advice on Laser thread vein removal and to book a consultation with one of our practitioners please contact Nuovo Clinic today.
