Thread Veins

Our skin experts at Light Touch Clinic specialise in the effective treatment and removal of thread veins (spider veins).

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Number of Treatment Options

4

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Average Treatment Time

30 minutes

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Prices From

£150

About Thread Veins

Small veins that become visible towards the surface of the skin are often known as thread veins or spider veins. These can often appear as red or purple thread-like strands, running through the skin on various areas of the face or body. Thread veins can affect any person, at any age, and their development is often linked to trauma to the skin, as well as exposure to the sun or certain medical conditions.

Visible veins on the legs or face are the result of enlarged vessels that are closer to the skin than other veins in the body. The likelihood of developing thread veins on the legs can be increased if you often stand for long periods or have experienced weight gain. Facial thread veins are often caused by long-term skin inflammation (such as with rosacea) or as a result of exposure to the sun and/or alcohol consumption. These commonly develop on the nose, cheeks, and chin.

Facial thread veins are treated with light (BBL or IPL) for diffuse redness and spread vessels, or with short wave diathermy for individual, well-defined veins. Leg thread veins are treated with microsclerotherapy, as light treatments do not work on the legs. Book your consultation with one of our experts to discuss the best approach for your thread veins.

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thread veins

Recommended Thread Vein Treatments

BBL® HEROic™ & MOXI™

High-energy broadband light that targets the haemoglobin in visible facial vessels, helping to reduce the appearance of thread and spider veins across the face.

IPL

Intense pulsed light that targets the haemoglobin in dilated facial vessels, helping to reduce the appearance of thread and spider veins for clearer, more even skin.

Microsclerotherapy

A very fine needle delivers a small amount of sclerosant into leg thread veins, causing them to collapse and gradually fade from view over the following weeks.

Short Wave Diathermy

A fine probe delivers a precise current to individual surface thread veins, sealing each vessel so it gradually fades. Well suited to small, isolated facial veins.

Book A Consultation

Complete the form and we’ll be in contact with you to book your thread veins consultation.

Meet The Thread Veins Treatment Team

Natalie Geary

Dr Natalie
Geary

Medical Director
GMC Number: 7043582

Nurse Louise Walsh Headshot

Louise
Walsh

Nurse Prescriber
NMC Number: 07E2924E

Sammy Wilson

Sammy
Wilson

Senior Aesthetician

Betty B

Betty
B

Aesthetic Therapist

Thread Veins – Frequently Asked Questions

Thread veins are tiny, dilated blood vessels that form near the skin’s surface. They are often referred to as spider veins or broken capillaries. They frequently appear on the legs, face, or other parts of the body. Thread veins are usually red, blue, or purple in colour and form branching or web-like patterns.

Contact us to book a consultation for the treatment of thread veins.

In most cases, spider veins are a cosmetic problem rather than a serious medical issue. However, on occasion, they may point to a vein disease, such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), particularly if they are accompanied by additional symptoms like swelling, pain, or heaviness in the legs.

Thread veins can develop due to a variety of factors. Genetics play a significant role, meaning if your family members have or have had thread veins, you may be more prone to them.

Also as we age, the skin thins and blood vessels lose elasticity, making them more prone to dilation and visible as thread veins.

Sun damage further breaks down collagen and elastin, weakening the skin and capillaries, particularly on the face.

Hormonal fluctuations, such as those during pregnancy or menopause, can cause veins to dilate due to increased levels of estrogen and progesterone, while the added blood volume and pressure during pregnancy increases the likelihood of developing thread veins, especially in the legs.

Lifestyle factors such as prolonged standing or sitting can impair circulation, leading to blood pooling in the veins, increasing pressure and weakening the vessel walls, which causes thread veins to form.

Conditions that cause strain on the veins, such as obesity, and damage to the skin or blood vessels, can also be factors.

Although there is no sure natural treatment for spider veins, several lifestyle adjustments might help prevent them from worsening and might reduce their appearance. Frequent exercise increases blood flow, and keeping a healthy weight helps lessen vein pressure.

Compression stockings, elevating your legs, and avoiding extended standing or sitting can all be beneficial.

Although natural therapies like apple cider vinegar, witch hazel, or essential oils are occasionally suggested, their efficacy is primarily based on anecdotal evidence, and they might not provide significant outcomes for everyone.

At Light Touch Clinic, we offer the very best aesthetic treatments for the removal and reduction of thread veins, including:

  • Microsclerotherapy: A fine needle is used to inject a small amount of diluted sclerosant into the thread veins, causing them to shrink and eventually disappear.
  • Short Wave Diathermy: This involves using heat generated through electrolysis to “seal” thread veins, effectively cutting off blood flow to the targeted area.
  • IPL Treatment: This method uses intense pulses of light to generate heat, targeting and breaking down the pigmented cells responsible for spider veins.
  • PRP Treatment: This treatment releases growth factors from platelets, activating fibroblasts responsible for collagen production and tissue regeneration, which strengthens the skin and reduces the visibility of thread veins.
  • Polynucleotides Skin Boosters: Sourced from highly purified DNA fragments, polynucleotides promote fibroblast activity, boosting collagen production by up to 47% and improving the health and thickness of the dermis by 52%. This improvement in skin health can help reduce the appearance of thread veins, providing a smoother, more even complexion in just 23 days.

Why Choose Light Touch Clinic?

Our clients choose our multi award-winning Surrey based clinic because we offer:

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Outstanding yet natural results

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Highly qualified expert therapists

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Clean and comfortable environment

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Friendly and relaxed atmosphere

Our Clinic in Surrey

Light Touch Clinic is located in the heart of Weybridge, Surrey, making it easily accessible for patients from Guildford, Woking, Esher, and surrounding areas. Our clinic offers a friendly and private setting for thread vein treatment. Our location ensures a smooth and stress-free experience, whether you’re travelling by car or public transport.

Address: 50 Church Street, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 8DP

Parking: On-site & nearby parking available

Public Transport: Easily accessible from Weybridge train station (15-20 minute walk) and nearby bus routes

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