Thread vein removal near Norwich: face and leg treatments explained

Thread veins are the fine red, purple or blue lines that show through the skin, most often around the nose and cheeks or on the legs. They are very common, they are not usually a sign of anything serious, and for many people they are simply something they would rather not see in the mirror.

If you are looking for thread vein removal in Norwich, it helps to know that there are two quite different treatments, and the right one depends on where your veins are. This guide explains both, what results to expect and what recovery is really like, so you can come to a consultation knowing the right questions to ask.

Facial thread veins and leg spider veins are treated differently

The veins on your face and the spider veins on your legs may look similar, but they are treated in different ways. At her clinic in Wymondham, Annie offers both:

• A laser/IPL light treatment for thread veins on the face
• Microsclerotherapy for spider veins on the legs and body

Microsclerotherapy is not suitable for facial veins or for veins above heart level, so the light treatment is used for the face. Annie confirms which option suits you at your consultation, after looking at the veins herself.

Facial thread vein removal with light

Facial thread veins tend to appear around the nose, cheeks and chin. For these, an intense flash of light is directed at each vein. The light heats the vein and seals it off, and once it is sealed it collapses and is gradually absorbed by the body, usually within around two to three weeks.

You wear protective eyewear during treatment, and most people describe the feeling as a brief, warm snap. A session takes 30 to 45 minutes, and most people go straight back to their day with only some temporary redness.

• Recommended every four weeks, with a course of six sessions for the best results
• Each session fades the treated veins over two to three weeks
• Little to no downtime
• £80 per session

Because light treatment reacts with tanned skin, Annie will ask about recent sun exposure and any medication that makes your skin sensitive to light. Autumn and winter are a good time to start a course, when the skin is less likely to be tanned.

Leg spider veins and microsclerotherapy

For spider veins on the legs, Annie uses microsclerotherapy. A very fine needle is used to place a small amount of liquid into the veins, which damages the vein lining so the vein closes and fades over time. Annie works under magnification, so even very small veins can be treated accurately.

The liquid used is a prescription-only medicine. That means you always have a face-to-face consultation with Annie first, where she checks your medical history and whether the treatment is safe for you, and the treatment itself is booked as a separate appointment. As an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and independent prescriber, Annie makes that assessment herself.

Straight after treatment the area is compressed with taped swabs, and you then wear compression stockings day and night. You are encouraged to keep them on until 22 days after the procedure, because taking them off early can allow blood to clot in the treated veins and leave brown staining. It is the least glamorous part of the treatment, but it makes a real difference to the result. Bring loose trousers to wear home.

When will I see results?

Facial thread veins fade over two to three weeks after each session, and the improvement builds over the course. Leg veins take longer: it can take at least two to three months to see the full result of microsclerotherapy, as the body slowly clears the treated veins. Results vary from person to person.

Treated veins do not usually come back. New thread veins can still develop over time, which is why some people return for further treatment in future. Annie will talk through what is realistic for you before you commit to anything.

Is thread vein treatment safe?

Both treatments are carried out regularly and serious problems are uncommon, but a proper assessment matters. Thread vein treatment may not be suitable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have an infection or inflamed skin in the area. For leg veins, Annie also asks about any history of deep vein thrombosis or blood clots, circulation problems, and whether you take the contraceptive pill or HRT.

Common, short-lived effects include redness and mild swelling after facial treatment, and bruising, itching or small raised areas on the legs. Brown staining along a treated leg vein can happen and usually fades over several months. You can read the full list of side effects and aftercare on the thread vein removal page.

Thread vein removal near Norwich

There is no Norwich branch. Every treatment takes place at The Orange Grove Clinic in Wymondham, around 20 minutes' drive from Norwich along the A11, with plenty of parking. If you are coming from the north or east of the city, the A47 southern bypass joins the A11 at the Thickthorn junction, so you can avoid the city centre. There are more travel details on our clinic near Norwich page.

Annie Spelman has over 20 years of nursing experience, specialising in women's health and skin, and she carries out every treatment herself. If she does not think a treatment will help you, she will tell you.

If thread veins on your face or legs have been bothering you, start with a free consultation, where Annie will look at the veins and explain the right option for you. You can also read more about thread veins, or book online at any time.

General information, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. Suitability is decided in person after an assessment, and the consultation for that is free.