Thread Veins
Thread veins, also known as spider veins or telangiectasias, are small, damaged blood vessels that cause red, blue, or purple lines to appear on the skin. They can look like spider webs or tree branches, and are often found on the legs or face.
Microsclerotherapy (Injection of Thread Veins)
Microsclerotherapy involves the injecting the thread vein through a tiny needle, which causes minimal discomfort. The thread vein is injected with a liquid ('Fibrovein') that causes the thread vein to coagulate, which is then absorbed by the body over several weeks. Following a session of microsclerotherapy, you will normally wear a support stocking or bandage for 24 hours, but you can drive after the procedure and continue with normal activities. Microsclerotherapy can cause some bruising, there may occasionally be some temporary brown discolouration over the reabsorbed thread vein, and rarely a small break in the skin at the site of injection which will heal to a small white mark. Your Consultant will be able to discuss the procedure of microscerotherapy in more detail at your consultation.
Photoderm and Laser Therapy
This is an outpatient treatment using intense pulsed light (IPL) or Laser for tiny thread veins (spider veins). It uses an intense pulse of light to coagulate the blood in the visible thread veins, which is then absorbed by the body over several weeks, removing the thread vein. Photoderm therapy or laser is a suitable treatment for very small thread veins on un-tanned skin. It is also the treatment of choice for facial veins.
Mr Higman at the Warwickshire Vein Centre does not perform photoderm or laser therapy for thread veins or facial veins. A number of local clinics do offer this service; one with an established reputation is Eve Clinics, 127 Regent St, Leamington Spa CV32 4NX tel: 07932 083315.
What our patients are saying
"From the minute I walked in for my appointment I felt confident and comfortable with Mr Higman and the nursing staff. I am very very happy with my new legs, thank you."
— Verified Patient
