Thread veins are small superficial red veins which may appear anywhere on the body, but most commonly on the face and legs.

Thread veins occur when the vein dilates and become large enough to be visible through the skin.

 

It works by directing well controlled pulses of light through the Nd:YAG laser into the upper skin. The light is absorbed by one of the body's own natural chemicals - haemoglobin – contained in the red blood cells. Haemoglobin converts the light energy into heat. This heat is transferred to the wall of the blood vessels, which are permanently damaged and removed by the body´s own defence mechanism. The method of converting light to heat and using it to destroy the target without damaging the surrounding tissues is called Selective Photothermolysis.

The visible light produced by the laser is carefully controlled to produce the correct pulse length and right amount of energy to destroy the vessel.

 

The treatment time depends on the area to be covered or the number of distinct vessels to be treated in a treatment session. We work in 15 minuite slots, where we are able to get rid of a large majority of thread veins in this time. We will advise in the consultation how long we estimate it will take.

 

No anaesthetics are required and most people describe the sensation as similar to that of a rubber band snapping onto the skin followed by a warm sensation lasting several minutes. We have a cooling machine which helps to cool the skin after the treatment and this makes the treatment a lot more comfortable.

 

You should avoid tanning (sun, solarium and self-tanning creams) at least one month before treatment and completely between treatments.

You may find the treated veins turn very dark red and can scab up and you must not pick these scabs off.

Use ice and soothing gel after the treatment if there is any heat still in the area treated.

Wear support tights and rest legs after treatment for best results.

Avoid getting the area hot, wither through cooking, ironing, saunas, jacuzzis or exercise. The area will be treated with a hige amount of heat and you need to keep the skin as cool as possible for 24 hours.

Avoid putting any products apart from the aloe vera gel or ice on the area for 24 hours.

During the treatment you will be provided with safety eyewear for either the Laser or IPL. The Laser and IPL room has been inspected and approved by the Health Care Commision.

All medication and medical conditions need to be checked before the consultation and patch test.

Once you have had the initial patch test and consultation, you can have the full treatment one week later providing there has been no problems.