Explore the best clinics for Thread Vein Removal near you – start by picking your city FAQ

Question 1

How to remove thread veins

Accepted Answer

Thread veins, also called spider veins, broken capillaries or telangiectasia, can be effectively removed through several professional treatments. The most common and effective methods include laser therapy, which uses targeted light energy to heat and collapse the blood vessels; intense pulsed light (IPL), which works similarly to laser but uses broader spectrum light; sclerotherapy, particularly for leg thread veins, where a solution is injected to close the vein; and thermocoagulation or electrocautery, which uses heat to seal small vessels. The choice of treatment depends on the location, size and colour of the thread veins, your skin type, and the practitioner's assessment. Facial thread veins typically respond well to laser or IPL, while leg thread veins may require sclerotherapy or laser. Most treatments require multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart for optimal results, typically 2 to 4 sessions. There is minimal downtime with most thread vein removal treatments, though some temporary redness, bruising or darkening of treated veins is normal. Results develop gradually as the body absorbs the collapsed vessels over several weeks to months. Prevention is also important: protect skin from sun damage, avoid extreme temperatures, manage rosacea if present, and maintain good skincare. Thread veins cannot be effectively removed with creams, home remedies or non-professional treatments. Always choose a qualified practitioner experienced in vascular treatments for safe, effective removal.

Question 2

How much is Thread Vein Removal?

Accepted Answer

Prices for Thread Vein Removal vary between clinics and will depend on the method used and the area being treated. In the UK the price of Thread Vein Removal typically ranges from around £90 to £395, depending on whether you need a single session or a course of treatments. Main cost drivers include the treatment area and complexity, the technology used (laser, IPL or sclerotherapy), the number of sessions required and the practitioner’s experience and clinic location. If you want to know how much Thread Vein Removal costs or the cost of Thread Vein Removal overall for your situation you should arrange a consultation for a personalised quote. You can find the exact, up-to-date price for this treatment in the catalogue

Question 3

How to remove thread veins from face

Accepted Answer

Facial thread veins are most effectively removed using laser therapy or intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments performed by qualified practitioners. These treatments work by directing light energy into the blood vessel, which heats and damages the vessel wall, causing it to collapse and eventually be absorbed by the body. For facial thread veins, the most common approaches include vascular laser treatments like Nd:YAG or KTP lasers, which specifically target the red and blue colours in blood vessels; IPL therapy, which can treat multiple thread veins simultaneously across larger areas; or in some cases, thermocoagulation for very fine vessels. The treatment process involves the practitioner using a handheld device to deliver light pulses directly to the thread veins, which may cause brief stinging or snapping sensations. Facial thread veins typically require 2 to 4 treatment sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for optimal clearance. After treatment, the veins may appear darker initially before fading over 2 to 6 weeks as the body absorbs them. Some temporary redness, slight swelling or bruising may occur but typically resolves within a few days. Sun protection is crucial during and after treatment to prevent new thread veins and ensure proper healing. Facial thread veins cannot be removed with topical creams, home remedies or makeup, though vitamin K creams and certain ingredients may provide very subtle improvement for very mild cases. For effective, lasting removal, professional laser or IPL treatment is the gold standard approach.

Question 4

How to remove thread veins on legs

Accepted Answer

Thread veins on legs are typically removed using sclerotherapy, laser therapy or a combination of both, depending on the size, depth and extent of the veins. Sclerotherapy is often the first-line treatment for leg thread veins and spider veins, involving injection of a sclerosing solution directly into the vein using a very fine needle. The solution irritates the vein walls, causing them to collapse, stick together and eventually be absorbed by the body. The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the number of veins treated, and most people need 2 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for optimal results. Laser therapy can also be used for leg thread veins, particularly for very fine surface veins or in areas where injection is difficult, using light energy to heat and collapse the vessels. Some practitioners use a combination approach, treating larger veins with sclerotherapy and finer surface veins with laser. After treatment, compression stockings are often recommended for several days to weeks to improve results and reduce side effects. You may experience temporary bruising, redness, brown staining (hyperpigmentation) along the vein path, or trapped blood in treated veins, which typically resolve over weeks to months. Results develop gradually, with treated veins fading over 6 to 12 weeks, though some stubborn veins may require additional sessions. New thread veins can develop over time, so maintenance treatments may be needed every few years. Leg thread veins cannot be effectively removed with creams, exercises or home treatments. Always choose a qualified practitioner experienced in vascular treatments, and consider having a vascular assessment to rule out underlying venous insufficiency that may need to be addressed before cosmetic vein treatment.

Question 5

Can thread veins be removed

Accepted Answer

Yes, thread veins can be successfully removed or significantly reduced through various professional treatments, with high success rates when performed by experienced practitioners. The most effective removal methods depend on the location and characteristics of the thread veins: laser therapy and IPL work well for facial and body thread veins by using light energy to collapse the vessels; sclerotherapy is highly effective for leg thread veins, involving injection of a solution that closes the vein; and thermocoagulation can treat very fine surface vessels using heat. Most people achieve significant improvement or complete clearance of thread veins with a course of treatments, typically 2 to 4 sessions spaced several weeks apart. However, some important considerations apply: thread vein removal addresses existing visible veins but does not prevent new ones from forming, as the underlying tendency remains; some veins may be more resistant and require additional treatments; very deep or large vessels may not respond as well to surface treatments; certain locations like around the nose or on thin skin may be more challenging; and darker skin types may have increased risk of pigmentation changes. Once successfully treated, individual thread veins do not return, as they have been permanently closed and absorbed by the body. However, new thread veins can develop in other locations over time due to factors like genetics, sun damage, ageing, rosacea, hormonal changes, temperature extremes or lifestyle factors. Prevention through sun protection, gentle skincare, managing rosacea and avoiding triggers can help minimise new thread vein formation. With appropriate treatment and realistic expectations, thread vein removal can be very effective and satisfying.

Question 6

Does thread vein removal work

Accepted Answer

Yes, thread vein removal works very effectively for most people when appropriate treatments are used by qualified practitioners. Clinical evidence and patient outcomes show high success rates for thread vein removal across different methods. Laser and IPL treatments typically achieve 60% to 90% clearance of facial thread veins after a full course of sessions, with many people seeing complete or near-complete resolution. Sclerotherapy for leg thread veins shows similar success rates, with 50% to 90% improvement depending on vein size, location and technique. However, effectiveness varies based on several factors: the size, depth and location of the thread veins, with smaller, superficial veins generally responding better; your skin type, as darker skin tones may have more limitations with certain treatments; the underlying cause of the veins, with some conditions making treatment more challenging; the specific treatment method and technology used; the skill and experience of the practitioner; and the number of sessions completed. Most thread veins require multiple treatments for optimal clearance, and patience is important as results develop gradually over weeks to months. Some veins may be stubborn and require additional sessions or alternative treatment approaches. It is also important to understand that while individual treated veins are permanently removed, new thread veins can develop over time due to ongoing factors like genetics, ageing, sun exposure, rosacea or vascular fragility. Thread vein removal addresses existing veins but is not a permanent solution to prevent all future veins. Maintenance treatments may be needed every few years as new veins appear. With realistic expectations and appropriate treatment, most people are very satisfied with their thread vein removal results.

Question 7

How long does thread vein removal take to heal

Accepted Answer

Healing time after thread vein removal varies depending on the treatment method used and individual factors, but most people experience relatively quick recovery with minimal downtime. For laser or IPL treatment of facial thread veins, immediate effects include redness and slight swelling at the treatment site, which typically subsides within a few hours to 2 days; treated veins may appear darker or more visible initially before fading; mild sensitivity or tenderness usually resolves within 2 to 3 days; and most people can return to normal activities immediately, though sun exposure should be avoided and makeup may need to wait 24 hours. The treated veins gradually fade over 2 to 6 weeks as the body absorbs them, with full results visible 6 to 8 weeks after treatment. For sclerotherapy on leg thread veins, healing involves initial redness, bruising or tenderness along the injection sites, lasting a few days to 2 weeks; brown staining (hyperpigmentation) may appear along treated veins, which can take several weeks to months to fade, though sometimes persists longer; compression stockings are typically worn for several days to 2 weeks to aid healing; normal activities can usually resume immediately, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for a few days; and treated veins fade gradually over 6 to 12 weeks. Factors affecting healing time include the extent and number of veins treated; your individual healing capacity and skin type; adherence to aftercare instructions including sun protection; and whether any complications occur. Some temporary side effects like bruising, redness or pigmentation are normal and part of the healing process. Most people find healing straightforward with minimal disruption to daily life, though planning treatment during a period when you can avoid sun exposure and follow aftercare protocols is advisable.

Question 8

Can facial thread veins be removed permanently

Accepted Answer

Individual facial thread veins that are successfully treated are permanently removed, as the blood vessels are destroyed and absorbed by the body, and cannot regenerate. However, it is important to understand that 'permanent removal' has nuances in the context of thread veins: the specific veins treated with laser, IPL or other methods are permanently eliminated and will not return; however, new thread veins can develop in other locations on the face over time; and the underlying tendency or predisposition to develop thread veins remains, meaning you may need maintenance treatments in the future. Thread veins develop due to various factors including genetic predisposition, sun damage, ageing, rosacea, hormonal changes, temperature extremes, trauma or certain medical conditions. Removing existing veins does not change these underlying factors, so new veins can appear over months or years. Many people find they need maintenance treatments every few years as new thread veins emerge. However, each treatment permanently removes the targeted veins, so you are not treating the same veins repeatedly. To maximise longevity of results and minimise new thread vein formation, it is crucial to protect skin from sun damage with daily SPF; avoid extreme temperature exposure including very hot water, saunas or harsh cold; manage rosacea or skin sensitivity with appropriate skincare; use gentle skincare without harsh rubbing or irritation; avoid picking or squeezing skin; and maintain overall skin health. Some people with strong genetic predisposition or rosacea may develop new thread veins more frequently and require more regular maintenance. While individual treated veins are permanently gone, the term 'permanent removal' should be understood as permanent elimination of those specific vessels, not permanent prevention of all future thread veins on the face.

Question 9

Can dark blue thread veins be removed

Accepted Answer

Yes, dark blue thread veins can be removed, though they may be slightly more challenging to treat than red thread veins and may require specific laser wavelengths or treatment approaches. Blue thread veins appear darker because they are either deeper in the skin or contain deoxygenated blood, which appears blue through the skin. Treatment options include lasers with longer wavelengths like Nd:YAG (1064nm), which penetrate deeper into the skin and are specifically effective for blue and deeper vessels; IPL therapy can sometimes treat blue veins, though may be less effective than specific vascular lasers; and for leg veins, sclerotherapy is effective regardless of vein colour. The darker blue colour indicates the vein is likely deeper or larger than very fine red surface capillaries, which may require more treatment sessions or higher energy settings for effective clearance. Some considerations for blue thread veins include: they may require more sessions than red veins, typically 3 to 5 treatments; longer wavelength lasers are essential for deeper blue vessels; proper assessment is crucial to determine if the vein is suitable for surface treatment or requires alternative approaches; and darker skin types may have more limitations, as the deeper penetrating lasers needed for blue veins can sometimes affect surrounding pigment. After treatment, blue veins may initially appear even darker before fading, which is a normal part of the healing process as the damaged vessel is absorbed. Results develop gradually over 6 to 12 weeks. Very deep blue veins, particularly large reticular veins on the legs, may not be suitable for laser treatment and might require sclerotherapy or other interventions. A thorough assessment by an experienced practitioner is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your specific blue thread veins. With the correct technology and technique, most blue thread veins can be successfully treated, though expectations should be realistic regarding the number of sessions and degree of improvement possible.

Question 10

Thread Vein Removal before and after

Accepted Answer

Before thread vein removal, people typically have visible red, purple or blue thread veins on the face, particularly around the nose, cheeks or chin, or on the legs, thighs or ankles. These veins can range from very fine, barely visible lines to more prominent, branching networks that are clearly noticeable. Common concerns include self-consciousness about the appearance of these veins, particularly on the face; makeup not adequately concealing them; feeling that they make skin look aged, damaged or unhealthy; and for leg thread veins, reluctance to wear shorts, skirts or go bare-legged. Thread veins can make skin appear blotchy, red or uneven in tone. After thread vein removal treatment and full healing, typically assessed 6 to 12 weeks after the final session once treated veins have been fully absorbed, most people experience significant improvement or complete clearance of the treated veins. The skin appears clearer, more even-toned and smoother; facial thread veins are no longer visible or are greatly reduced, creating a cleaner, healthier complexion; leg thread veins have faded or disappeared, allowing confidence to wear clothing that shows legs; makeup applies more evenly and less is needed to achieve desired coverage; and overall skin appearance is more youthful and uniform. The degree of improvement depends on several factors including the severity, size and location of the original thread veins; the treatment method used and number of sessions completed; individual skin type and healing response; and adherence to aftercare protocols. Most people achieve 60% to 90% clearance of treated veins, with many experiencing near-complete or complete removal. Some stubborn veins may remain or require additional sessions. During the treatment process, there will be temporary side effects: immediately after treatment, the area may be red, swollen or show darkening of the treated veins; over the following weeks, treated veins gradually fade as the body absorbs them; some bruising, brown staining or temporary pigmentation changes may occur, particularly with sclerotherapy, taking weeks to months to resolve; and patience is required as results are not instant but develop progressively. New thread veins may develop over time in other locations, which is separate from the treatment's success in removing existing veins. Your practitioner should provide realistic before and after photos from their own work, showing results after full healing and absorption of treated veins, across different skin types and severities. Most people are very satisfied with thread vein removal results, finding that clearer, more even skin provides significant cosmetic and confidence benefits. The treatment can be transformative for people who have been self-conscious about visible thread veins.

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Thread vein removal near you

Our Skin Clinic

Thread vein removal (Face and Legs)

Our Skin Clinic in Warren Street

Thread vein removal (Face and Legs)

Harpal SkinCity

Every additional 10 mins of treatment time

THE HVN

Thread Vein - Full Leg

Aesthetics Lab - Elizabeth Street

THREADVEINS

Sarah Chapman - Skinesis Clinic and Boutique

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COSMEDOCS

FACIAL THREAD VEINS

The Aesthetics Club - London

Lumecca Small Area / Thread Veins

Nessa’s Aesthetics

Thermavein (removal of thread veins, skin tags, etc.)

Aesthetics Lab - Regent's Park

THREADVEINS

Total Body Care

Large area (e.g. lower limb, buttocks) — we recommend 1 to 4 sessions

Medium area (e.g. half of upper limb, naval, bikini) — we recommend 1 to 4 sessions

Small area (e.g. between eye brows, perineum, fingers or toes, chin, upper or lower lip) — we recommend 1 to 4 sessions

Asthetik London

Single Session Large Area​

Single Session Medium Area​

Single Session Small Area

Crystal Medica (Dermatology & Wellness)

Threads vein removal

Prima Britannia Laser & Skin Clinic

Extra Large Area

Face Medium Area

Legs Small Area

The Wrinkle Dr

Large areas of red veins or multiple blemishes or skin imperfections (45 minute appointment)

2-3 small blemishes or small area of red veins e.g. both sides of nose (30 minute appointment)

Grove Park Aesthetics

Facial thread veins

Lotus Dental and Aesthetics Clinic - Golders Green

Single Session Large Area

Single Session Medium Area