Thread Vein Treatment in Wymondham, near Norwich

On the face, thread veins usually appear around the nose and across the cheeks. Sun exposure, genetics, skin that flushes easily and changes in temperature all play a part. On the legs, the fine red, blue or purple veins often called spider veins are common after pregnancy, with age and in people who stand for long periods.

Facial thread veins are treated with an intense flash of light that heats the vein and seals it off. The vein then collapses and is absorbed by the body over around two to three weeks. Treatment is recommended every four weeks, with a course of six sessions for best results.

Leg veins are treated with microsclerotherapy. Annie injects a small amount of a liquid called a sclerosant into the vein under magnification, which closes it so it fades over time. Compression is applied straight afterwards, and stockings are worn day and night for 22 days to give the best result and reduce the risk of brown staining. Results take at least two to three months to show. Microsclerotherapy is not used for facial veins or for veins above the level of the heart.

If your main concern is general redness or flushing rather than individual veins, pH Formula resurfacing and Dermalux LED light therapy can help calm the look of redness over a course, though they will not remove a visible vein.

New veins can appear over time, so some people come back for a top-up session in later years. Annie will tell you at your consultation which treatment suits your veins and how many sessions are likely to be needed.