Demand for
a treatment that promises to remove unsightly thread veins in less than
half an hour has soared, experts say
By Laura Clout
Last Updated: 9:45AM BST 31 Jul 2008
One chain of clinics reported a 60 per cent
increase in the demand for the 'lunchtime legs' technique compared with
last year.
The recent sunshine may partly explain the rising popularity of the
procedure, as women who kept their legs covered during last year's gloomy
summer prepare to unveil them this year.
The unique technique, developed by vascular surgeons, involves the insertion
of a very fine needle into the problem vein.
Known as thermo-coagulation, the process uses microwaves to heat the
blood vessels and causes the sides to stick together. This prevents the
blood flow which causes the dilated veins to be visible and results in
their instant disappearance.
No bandages are required after the relatively painless treatment and
patients can resume everyday activity immediately after their 15-minute
session.
Brian Newman, a surgeon who specialises in technique, said it is also
popular with grandparents who want to look youthful.
He said: "You can come in in your lunch hour and have it done.
You can do what you like afterwards."
Up to six sessions, costing up to £350, could be necessary for
the most stubborn veins.
Practitioners say the procedure, which is not available on the NHS,
is cheaper and more accurate then laser surgery.
Thread veins are usually harmless but tend to occur as the skin ages
and becomes thinner. They tend to run in families and are also linked
with pregnancy.
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