Thread Veins

Varicose, spider, or thread veins are commonly caused by venous insufficiency due to valve incompetence in the veins. We can determine the problem by its appearance: varicose veins acquire the typical dilated and tortuous appearance and are either green or blue in colour, while thread and spider veins are very fine and either bright pink or purple. These can all cause pain and look unsightly, and unfortunately effect more women than men. However, these veins serve no purpose, as they are incapable of delivering blood effectively; therefore it is perfectly safe to treat them.

The treatment you require will depend on the types of veins you have. Firstly I would view the veins under a polarised light which allows me to determine which veins to treat. Some deep or large leg veins may need a Colour Doppler study to ensure there is no serious underlying pathology like a blood clot, known as Thrombosis.

The most effective non-surgical treatment for varicose and or spider veins in the legs is with Radiowave technology which involves a small wire, as thin as the human hair, to be electrically charged with microwaves and brushed lightly over the area. This coagulates the spider veins and after two weeks of healing, they are no longer unsightly. Immediately after the treatment the area will be reddish as if you have wounded the skins surface and then the healing process will begin and a small scab will appear. Radiowave technology can also be used for removing moles and some birthmarks and usually leaves no scar and requires no suturing.

Two weeks after the Radiowave treatment the varicose veins of the legs can then be injected with a sclerosing solution that empties the vein of blood and causes the walls of the vein to collapse and stick together, so that over time they fade from view. A few sessions may be needed depending on the extent of the problem, and after each treatment the area is wrapped in a bandage to promote healing and maximize results. There may be some discomfort and bruising, however these usually heal over a few weeks.

To treat spider or thread veins on the face, the use of IPL (Intense Pulse Light) Skin Rejuvenation Advanced is extremely effective. The light energy combined with radiofrequency targets the veins and areas of sun damage or pigmentation and over 3 to 4 treatments the veins and pigment fade. This treatment also works for rosacea and acne. IPL laser may not be suitable for patients with dark skin.