Thread veins, also known as spider veins, can be a source of concern for many people, especially when they appear on the face or legs. The good news is that there are effective methods and treatments for getting rid of thread veins in a pain-free, non-invasive way.

Understanding thread veins

Thread veins, also known as spider veins or telangiectasias, are tiny, dilated blood vessels that appear close to the surface of the skin. They can be red, blue, or purple in colour and look as though they have branched out in a web-like pattern, resembling spider legs. Thread veins are common and can develop on various parts of the body, but they are most frequently seen on the face as the skin in areas such as the nose, cheeks and chin is much thinner than on other areas of the body.

Find out more about facial thread veins

Find out more about leg thread veins

How to get rid of thread veins on the face

There are several methods for treating thread veins on the face, each has been specifically designed to cause minimal discomfort with effective, long-lasting results:

Veinwave technology 

Our most popular treatment option for getting rid of thread veins on the face is our pioneering, non-invasive procedure that uses Veinwave technology. This treatment uses thermocoagulation, utilising microwave technology to destroy thread veins, not laser therapy, which can lead to scarring or pigmentation. Veinwave is much safer and more successful than laser treatment and can provide instant results.

Thermocoagulation is considered a lot more successful in the treatment of thread veins than laser therapy and is also virtually painless, making it a preferred way to get rid of thread veins on the face. It is non-invasive and can instantly remove unwanted thread veins, but patients are always advised not to rely on a single treatment until assessed by a doctor. 

What is thermocoagulation? 

Thermocoagulation treatment, or Veinwave, is an aesthetic treatment where a targeted area of the body is exposed to microwaves. The heat the microwave generates to the target area destroys the vein, allowing the vein to be reabsorbed by the body over time. Thermocoagulation does not unnecessarily damage any non-affected tissue on the face as the treatment is confined to a small, affected area. 

Micro Sclerotherapy

What is Micro Sclerotherapy?

Micro Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to eliminate thread veins (or spider veins) on the face. Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a saline solution directly into the vein which causes it to swell and collapse so that it is no longer visible from the skin’s surface. 

When you visit Dr Newmans Clinic for your first consultation, we will assess all thread veins you may have and advise whether Sclerotherapy is the most suitable treatment option for you.

How to get rid of thread veins on legs

Foam Sclerotherapy

Foam Sclerotherapy is a gentle and permanent option for removing unhealthy thread veins on legs using a specialist type of injection. It can be used to remove larger, superficial veins at the skin surface or in conjunction with Radiofrequency ablation (EVRA). 

Sclerotherapy is much more effective than ever, thanks to duplex ultrasound scanning, which is a non-invasive and painless test used to determine the cause of your damaged veins. It helps to give a full and accurate 'map' of the veins by combining two different sound-imaging techniques to get the fullest possible image of the vein.

Anaesthetic isn’t required for this procedure as sclerotherapy simply involves a brief injection to close the vein. It’s very well tolerated by the vast majority of people, but we do prefer to apply a light-pressure dressing, which can be removed overnight or the following day.

What is Foam Sclerotherapy?

Foam Sclerotherapy works by injecting a specialist foam into the targeted vein which makes the vein wall collapse to stop blood flowing through it. The vein is then naturally absorbed back into the body and is no longer visible from the skin's surface. Compression stockings are often worn after the procedure to aid in recovery.

Radiofrequency ablation

This minimally invasive procedure uses radiofrequency energy to heat and seal off the veins, similar to laser treatment. It is often used for larger veins but can also address spider veins on the legs.

What is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency Ablation is a minimally invasive way to remove unhealthy, unsightly veins using energy from radiowaves. A special tube directs currents of electromagnetic energy to the affected vein, applying the heat needed to close it with support from duplex ultrasound scanning- a non-invasive, painless test that provides a live image of any enlarged or damaged veins and can also assess the direction and speed of the blood moving through it.

Can you get rid of spider veins?

Yes, it is definitely possible to get rid of spider veins, and various treatments are available to help reduce or eliminate their appearance entirely. The choice of treatment depends on the size, location, and severity of the spider veins, as well as your individual preferences on which treatment best suits you. We always recommend consulting with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your specific case, so why not book an initial consultation with us if you have unwanted thread veins that you’d like to treat. 

Thread veins, whether on the face or legs, can be effectively treated with various painless yet effective medical procedures. While complete removal of thread veins may require multiple sessions, many individuals find these treatments to be successful in improving the appearance of spider veins and boosting their self-confidence.