What are thread veins and why do they develop?

Sometimes called spider veins, broken veins or telangiectasia, they appear as red or blue veins mainly on the face, legs or decolletage and, with time, all become more visible.  There is now a comfortable and successful treatment for removing veins with the Polaris laser system.

Some people are genetically prone to develop thread veins whereas others are more at risk from injuries or exposure to extreme temperatures. Hormonal changes during pregnancy or due to the contraceptive pill and HRT can also increase the likelihood of forming these veins.

 

Which laser and how does it work?

We use the Nd YAG laser system, which has a specific wavelength of 1064, with a 4mm handpiece and variable settings depending on the area being treated. The laser delivers pulses of energy which cause the blood within the vein to coagulate, the vessel blanches and is eventually reabsorbed by the body.

 

Pre & Post treatment advice

We do not carry out treatment on anyone who has an active suntan, a self tan application or will be exposed to the sun within 4-6 weeks. Patients generally resume most normal activities immediately however, it is recommended to avoid vigorous activities such as strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours. Hot baths/showers are not recommended at any time. 

 

How many treatments will I need?

This depends on the severity of the problem but treatments would be planned at 8 week intervals. Some areas may require only one treatment whilst others may need up to 3. This will be estimated at your consultation.

 

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