Non-surgical removal of facial thread veins

Procedure Summary

Methods for removing disfiguring veins made significant advances in the 1920s when sclerotherapy, a treatment for varicose veins, was adapted into what we now call microsclerotherapy to remove thread veins. Where microsclerotherapy involves the injection of a solution into the vein, recent advances have lead to the ‘injection’ of high frequency microwave energy into the problem vein. Primarily used to treat facial thread veins, this technique has been perfected with the development of a specialist device called the Veinwave.

What can micro-thermocoagulation do for you?

Anyone can develop thread veins (sometimes called red, spider or broken veins). They can appear on any part of the body, including on the face, where they are commonly found on the nose and cheeks. Although harmless, they can be the cause of self-consciousness and embarrassment.

Thread veins vary in type, size and colour, ranging from fine red ones to larger purple or deeper blue veins. Not to be confused with varicose veins, thread veins are usually very near the skin’s surface and under 2mm wide. It is possible that thread veins could indicate an underlying vascular condition. Therefore, you should visit your GP before undergoing Veinwave® or micro-thermocoagulation. Your individual suitability for micro-thermocoagulation will be discussed during your initial consultation with the practitioner. During this consultation, the specialist will examine your veins to determine if they would benefit from the treatment and how many sessions you may require.

After undergoing micro-thermocoagulation, thread veins will appear fainter or, in some cases, disappear. The results are generally permanent, though you must remember that micro-thermocoagulation will not stop new thread veins appearing in the treated area in the future. As one patient said after her micro-thermocoagulation treatment, “The red veins in my nose and cheeks made me look like I’d been sleeping rough! I had to so something about it but I didn’t know what. I saw my doctor and he assured me that there was nothing physically to worry about, but there were cosmetic solutions available. After a bit of research I opted for Veinwave, and it worked great. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.”

Undergoing micro-thermocoagulation treatment

Veinwave treatment involves destroying the thread vein using microwave technology to heat it.  This is accomplished by the practitioner inserting a needle into the skin alongside the thread vein. High frequency microwave energy is passed down the needle to heat the vein. This heat ‘kills’ the vein, allowing it to fade or disappear completely.

The needle used is ultra-fine, allowing the precision application of the treatment. It is also insulated to protect the skin and the surrounding tissue when the microwave energy is applied. The procedure is relatively painless and requires no bandages or special treatment after the procedure.

A Veinwave session usually lasts around 15 minutes. Most favourable results occur after around three treatments on mild thread veins in the facial area. For rosacea, 6 treatments should result in a dramatic difference. Similarly, 6 treatments may be necessary for leg and body thread veins as they tend to be larger that facial thread veins. The actual number of treatments needed will always vary from individual to individual. Where large areas are to be treated, additional sessions will be needed.

“I had Veinwave treatment for a very noticeable thread vein on my nose,” said one man in his 40s, “and I was amazed at how normal I felt immediately after such a remarkable change had been made. I could get on with my life straight away, as though nothing had happened, yet I had finally got rid of that hideous vein that had been there for years every time I looked in the mirror.”

Following the treatment, the area that has received the treatment will look pink. This will diminish over the following 2 days. Small scabs will form, though these will usually heal quickly. There is a small risk of scarring, though, as with all cosmetic procedures, following the advice of your practitioner regarding post-treatment care will ensure that the outcome will be as successful as possible and the risk of complications will be minimised.

Who should carry out Veinwave or micro-thermocoagulation?

Veinwave or micro-thermocoagulation is currently carried out by doctors, nurses and specially trained beauty therapists. You should remember that it is a specialist skill, so you should seek out only well trained practitioners with plenty of experience in a reputable establishment.

Each treatment costs around £200. The overall cost of treatment depends upon the extent of the problem and the number of sessions required to tackle it successfully. If micro-thermocoagulation is something that you are considering, you can discuss all of the issues mentioned here in greater depth during a consultation with an experienced practitioner.

Related Thermocoagulation Information

Have your say!

If you've had experience with this procedure then why not leave a comment below and share your thoughts and advice with our readers.