Spider veins, also known as thread veins, appear as a network of tiny red, bluish or purple veins. They are most commonly found on the face and are the result of broken or damaged veins just under the surface of the skin
While spider veins may be unsightly and annoying, the good news is that treatments are available if you want to remove them
While there are a number of approaches to removing spider veins on the face, the best way to treat them is a process known as ‘thermal coagulation.’ In short, the process involves collapsing and sealing the damaged veins so that they are naturally reabsorbed into the body. The UK Vein Clinic uses a specific form of this treatment known as Veinwave
Veinwave, also known as ‘Thermavein’, is a micro thermal coagulation procedure that removes smaller spider veins. The procedure is completely non-invasive, and simply involves applying a precisely targeted source of heat to seal and gently remove these thread veins on your face
The procedure is virtually painless, as it is performed under local anaesthetic. Veinwave involves putting a very fine needle into only the affected veins, meaning that the surrounding tissue remains undamaged. Patients report that, at most, they have feel a little pinch or scratch, similar to the sensation of a vaccination or a hair being pulled out
The procedure itself usually lasts 30 minutes, with no overnight stay and virtually no ‘downtime’ required. This means that you can immediately resume your usual activities after the treatment. The effects of Veinwave treatment may be seen immediately, though it can take up to 5-6 weeks for your face to make a full recovery
Your first step will be to meet a specialist doctor at our clinic for an initial consultation. This consultation usually lasts around 30 minutes. During your consultation, the doctor will make sure you fully understand your treatment options. If you choose to go ahead with the procedure, you will first be given a duplex ultrasound scan in order to accurately locate the region that needs treating
The procedure itself only takes around half an hour, after which you can continue with your day. We will then schedule a follow-up consultation with you to ensure that your veins are properly closed. You may need to return for further sessions, depending on the severity and number of thread veins being treated
The initial consultation session costs £135, while the treatment sessions themselves cost £395 each. However, existing varicose vein patients of the UK Vein Clinic only pay £300 per treatment session. While very fine veins may be treated in a single session, spider veins can sometimes require 3-4 treatments
In order to get started, you should book an initial consultation at our London Harley Street or Manchester Pall Mall clinics. You can begin by clicking on the link below
Unfortunately no home remedies are effective for treating spider veins. Although some less-reputable sources on the internet may suggest things such as apple cider vinegar, horse chestnut, vitamin C or coconut oil, none of these ‘treatments’ will actually make spider veins go away
While creams may be used to help cover up spider veins and make them less visible, none of them will actually treat the veins themselves. Retinoid cream, for example, contains two substances (tretinoin and a form of vitamin A known as retinyl) that work together to boost cell regeneration and collagen production. These substances thicken the skin, which makes the spider veins less visible. However, the damaged veins will still be there and will reappear when the effects of the cream wear off
Absolutely. The only downside, as with creams, is that this is a temporary solution. A coloured concealer may effectively cover spider veins on the face and shouldn’t have any directly negative effects. Having the veins treated and removed is simply a more permanent and lower maintenance solution
Unfortunately not. As spider veins are damaged veins just under the surface of the skin, they are going to stay there until they're treated in some way. And as whatever caused the damage in the first place is likely to still be a factor, spider veins have a tendency to get worse over time rather than disappearing on their own
While laser treatments are available for spider veins, they are less effective than Veinwave and may come with some risks. Veinwave is a very specific and localised treatment that doesn’t damage or affect the surrounding tissue. Laser treatments come with a slight risk of discolouring or damaging the surrounding skin, which is one of the reasons that Veinwave is considered a more effective treatment
Take our 2-minute self-assessment to find out how you could benefit from a varicose vein treatment
Start assessmentWe're pleased to be able to provide our world-class spider vein treatment in a variety of places throughout the United Kingdom. Learn more about your treatment options, including Microsclerotherapy and Veinwave treatment, at the clinic closest to you
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