What are Red Veins?
Red veins also known as thread veins or telangiectasia, are small permanently dilated blood vessels that appear close to the skin's surface, often resembling thin red or blue lines. While they are generally harmless, many seek treatment for cosmetic reasons to improve the skin’s appearance.
They commonly occur on the face, particularly around the nose, cheeks, chin, chest and legs which can often make people feel very embarrassed & self-conscious. Red veins can appear for many different reasons, including environmental, age & genetics, and their presence can often make people feel very embarrassed & self-conscious.
How are Red Veins removed?
Red veins can be successfully removed using thermo-coagulation, using a very fine probe placed on the skins surface and a little heat cauterises and seals of the tiny capillary. This results in the capillary drying up and the redness disappears. Fading begins about 3 weeks after treatment, with the broken capillaries beginning to disappear. Very small thread veins will usually only need one treatment however bigger veins may need more than one treatment. The procedure is not painful at all but may be a little uncomfortable.
The thin, singular cell wall structure of the fine facial capillaries dilate and constrict constantly in order to control the body temperature, and their elasticity weakens, and they can become permanently dilated. During the ageing process they lose their elasticity and the supporting network of collagen and elastin being less efficient they therefore become permanently dilated
What causes Red Veins?
Our skin’s capillaries have very thin walls, and both internal and external changes, along with aging, can lead to the loss of elasticity in these vessels, causing them to become permanently dilated and visible under the skin. Several factors contribute to this condition, including hereditary predisposition, as we inherit our skin type. As we age, these vessels lose their elasticity, and the skin layers thin, making dilation more apparent. Other causes include skin trauma, exposure to extreme temperatures, wind, or sun, smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes, allergies, rosacea, hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause, certain medications, and even blood spots that can appear after a general anaesthetic.
During the consultation process, it is crucial to identify the underlying cause of thread veins to ensure an effective and lasting outcome. A thorough consultation is key to tailoring the right treatment plan. In addition to treatment, incorporating a consistent skincare regime is vital as part of a comprehensive maintenance and prevention plan. Facial red veins can recur over time, and many individuals will need ongoing maintenance, including the right skincare, to manage and prevent this type of skin blemish.
How are Red Veins removed?
Red veins are effectively removed using high-frequency current, delivered through a very fine probe placed on the skin’s surface. A small amount of heat is applied, cauterising and sealing the tiny capillary. This process causes the capillary to dry up, and the redness gradually disappears. Fading typically begins around three weeks after treatment, with broken capillaries starting to fade away. Smaller thread veins usually require just one treatment, while larger veins may need multiple sessions. The procedure is not painful, though some mild discomfort may be felt during the process.
We recommend a course of treatment for facial veins so that treatments can be spaced out to allow skin healing and prevent hyper-pigmentation.
For Thread Veins on the Legs please refer to see Microsclerotherapy
Please contact us on 028 9074 2659 or email info@geraldinemcguigan.com to book your blemish removal consultation.
Please inform us at the time of booking if you are currently taking any medication or if you are receiving medical treatment as some treatments may not be suitable for you and or may require your doctor’s consent.