Thread veins or spider veins are permanently dilated capillaries. They have very thin walls which constantly dilate and constrict. Medically called ‘telangiectasia’, thread veins are very small blood vessels within the living layer of the skin (the dermis) that have become dilated and visible.

As we age, these vessels lose elasticity and become permanently dilated. There are numerous causes including

• sun damage
• hereditary
• ageing
• pregnancy
• physical trauma (e.g. injury to the skin)
• exposure to harsh weather,
• hormonal changes
• skin fragility 

Typically on the legs, these veins affect up to 88% of women and 79% of men. 

Contrary to popular belief, the condition can strike at any age. As with the majority of medical conditions, thread veins are more common the older one gets, but that doesn’t stop young people from getting them if their genes determine they will. 

One of the biggest influence on thread veins is your parents and the genes they gave you. The stronger the familial link, and the more relatives you have with these veins, the more likely you are to have them.

The tip of the finest, smallest probe possible about the size of an eyelash is introduced along the line of the capillary and a high frequency energy is discharged. This dries up and destroys the vessel which often disappears as it is being treated. Further treatments may be necessary depending on the thickness and age.

Electrolysis for thread veins is most successful when conducted as a course rather than a one-off so as not to cause skin damage or possible hyper-pigmentation.

The very tip of the finest, smallest needle (or probe) possible (about the size of an eyelash) is accurately positioned over the vessel and a current is applied to the surface of the skin.

This causes that tiny section of vessel to disappear and the practitioner moves onto the next minute section of vessel.

A number of small vessels can be treated in each session but care must be taken not to over treat an area so sessions are usually limited to 15 minutes per cheek.

How long does it ?

This will depend on the number of veins to be treated. We normally limit treatment to 15min on each cheek.

Are there any potential side effects ?

1. Bruising, swelling, redness, pain/stinging at the treatment site.

2. The treated area and surrounding skin may feel hot for 48hrs

3. The skin may itch as the healing process takes place 

A treatment session costs £199.