Thread veins are those fine red or purple lines that show up on the face, usually around the nose, cheeks and chin, and sometimes on the legs. They tend to creep in with age, sun exposure and rosacea, and once they’re there, they don’t fade on their own.
We treat thread veins regularly at the clinic. There are two main approaches we use, VeinAway and Thermavein, and which one we recommend depends on the specific veins in front of us. Here’s a clear explanation of how each works, what to expect, and what realistic results look like.
Where thread veins come from
Thread veins, also called spider veins or broken capillaries, are small blood vessels that have become permanently dilated and are showing through the skin. The reasons they appear are varied.
Ageing is a common factor, as the skin and blood vessel walls become thinner over time. Sun damage breaks down the supporting tissue around vessels and makes them more visible. Rosacea is a frequent cause, with vessels enlarging as part of the condition. Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy or menopause, play a role for many women. And sometimes there’s a genetic component, with thread veins running in families.
Once a vessel has become permanently dilated, it doesn’t constrict back on its own. The visible vein is essentially a small structural change in the skin that needs targeted treatment to address.
How Thermavein works
Thermavein uses a precise application of microwave energy through a very fine probe. The probe touches the surface of the skin directly above the vessel, and the heat collapses the wall of the vessel beneath. The body then naturally reabsorbs the collapsed vessel over the following weeks.
It’s quick, precise, and very controlled. For face thread veins in particular, where surrounding skin is delicate and we want to avoid affecting the area around the vein, Thermavein is often our go to. There’s no needle and no broken skin. Most clients describe a brief warm pinch as each vessel is treated.
Several vessels can be treated in a single session. Multiple sessions may be needed for larger areas or more extensive networks of veins.
The VeinAway approach
VeinAway uses a slightly different mechanism, delivering radiofrequency energy through a fine needle inserted just into the upper layer of the skin above the vessel. The energy treats the vessel from very close range, with similar end results: vessel wall collapses, body reabsorbs.
For certain vein patterns, VeinAway can be the more appropriate choice. It tends to work particularly well on slightly deeper or more stubborn vessels that haven’t responded well to surface based approaches.
Sensation is similar to Thermavein. Brief, manageable, more of a hot pinch than anything sharp. The differences between the two are subtle and the choice is something we’d discuss at consultation based on what we see.
What to expect during treatment
Sessions are short. A single vessel takes seconds to treat. A typical face thread vein session lasts fifteen to thirty minutes depending on how many vessels we’re addressing.
Immediately afterwards, the treated area may show small red or slightly raised marks where the vessels were. These settle over the next few hours to a couple of days. Most clients can return to normal activities straight away. We’d suggest avoiding heat, exercise and alcohol for twenty four hours to give the skin the best chance to settle.
Treated vessels typically fade over the following two to four weeks as the body reabsorbs them. Some may need a second pass at a follow up appointment if they haven’t fully cleared.
Realistic results
For most clients, properly treated thread veins are gone for good. The vessel that was treated is no longer there. What can happen over time is the formation of new thread veins, particularly if the underlying cause, such as rosacea or sun damage, hasn’t been addressed alongside.
For ongoing rosacea clients, occasional maintenance sessions to address new vessels as they appear is a normal part of long term management. For sun damage related thread veins, daily SPF goes a long way to preventing new formation.
We’re honest with clients that thread veins are treated rather than cured for life. With sensible aftercare and ongoing skin discipline, the results are durable and the maintenance is light.
Frequently asked questions
Does thread vein removal hurt?
Most clients describe it as a brief warm pinch or sting as each vessel is treated. It’s manageable without any anaesthetic for most people, although we can apply a topical numbing cream for clients with more sensitive areas or lower pain thresholds. Sessions are short, so even slightly uncomfortable moments are very brief.
How long do results last?
Treated vessels are gone for good in most cases. New thread veins can form over time, particularly if the underlying cause such as rosacea or sun damage isn’t addressed. Most clients find occasional maintenance sessions every one to two years sufficient to keep their face clear. Disciplined SPF and avoiding aggressive heat exposure helps significantly.
How many sessions will I need?
For small areas with a few thread veins, often one session is enough, with a quick follow up to address any vessels that haven’t fully cleared. For more extensive networks of veins or more pronounced rosacea, two to three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart is more typical. We’ll give you a realistic estimate at consultation.
